I Am About to Desecrate My Sanctuary
The sermon warns against the desecration of the sanctuary through hypocrisy and carnality, emphasizing the need for true devotion and a heart that puts God's words into practice.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy within the church, warning that many engage in religious activities while their hearts remain distant from God. He highlights that mere participation in church ordinances does not equate to true devotion, as even the worst sinners can perform these acts. Brooks draws a parallel between hypocrites and the nightingale, suggesting that their actions are often motivated by the desire for human approval rather than genuine faith. He cites Ezekiel to illustrate that while people may outwardly express devotion, their hearts are often focused on selfish gain, leading to a disconnect between their words and actions.
Text
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to
desecrate My sanctuary--the stronghold in which
you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of
your affection." Ezekiel 24:21
Many are much in and for church ordinances and activities,
whose hearts are very carnal, and whose lives are very vain.
It is nothing to be much in those religious duties and
performances wherein the worst of sinners may go
beyond the best of saints. The most refined hypocrites labor
only to be seen by others in their praying, fasting, talking,
hearing, giving, etc. Let them have but man's eye to see
them, and man's ear to hear them, and man's tongue to
commend them, and man's hand to reward them--and
they will sit down and bless themselves.
They say of the nightingale, that when she is solitary in
the woods, she is careless of her melody. But when she
perceives that she has any auditors, or is near houses, then
she composes herself more harmoniously and elegantly.
Truly, this is the frame and temper of the best of hypocrites.
"My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before
you to listen to your words, but they do not put them
into practice! With their mouths they express devotion,
but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them
you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with
a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they
hear your words but do not put them into practice."
Ezekiel 33:31-32.
Sermon Outline
- The Desecration of the Sanctuary
- The Hypocrisy of the Heart
- The Consequences of Unrepentant Hypocrisy
- The Lord's Disapproval
- The People's Deception
- The Vanity of Religious Performances
Key Quotes
“My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice!” — Thomas Brooks
“They say of the nightingale, that when she is solitary in the woods, she is careless of her melody. But when she perceives that she has any auditors, or is near houses, then she composes herself more harmoniously and elegantly.” — Thomas Brooks
“With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Be aware of the hypocrisy that can creep into your own heart and life, and make a conscious effort to put God's words into practice.
- Do not be deceived by outward appearances or performances, but look for the sincerity and devotion of the heart.
- Strive to cultivate a heart that is truly devoted to God, and not just pretends to be.