I Will Not, Not, Not, Not, Not
God's promise to never leave or forsake us is a reminder to be content with what we have and trust in His unwavering commitment.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the unwavering promise of God to never leave or forsake His people, as highlighted in Hebrews 13:5. He explains the significance of the fivefold repetition of 'I will not' in the Greek, assuring believers of God's constant care and presence, even in times of loss and hardship. Despite the Hebrew Christians facing severe trials and losing their possessions, they are called to find contentment in God's faithfulness. Brooks encourages believers to adjust their mindset to their circumstances, trusting that God remains with them regardless of their material situation. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that true satisfaction comes from knowing God will always be by our side.
Text
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content
with what you have, because God has said--Never will I leave
you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
There are five negatives in the Greek, "I will not, not, not,
not, not leave you nor forsake you;" to fully assure and fully
satisfy the people of God that He will never forsake them,
and that He will everlastingly stick close to them. What does
this unparalleled repetition--"I will never, never, never, never,
never," mean but this, "I will ever, ever, ever, yes and forever
and ever take care of you, and look after you, and be mindful
of you." Though they had changed . . .
their glory for contempt;
their fine raiment for sheepskins and goatskins;
their silver for brass,
their plenty for scarcity,
their fullness for emptiness,
their stately houses for holes and caves, and dens of the earth,
yet they are to be contented and satisfied with present things,
upon this very ground--that God will always cleave to them, and
that He will never turn his back upon them.
The Hebrew Christians had been stripped and plundered of all
their goods that were good for anything; and yet they must be
contented, they must sit down satisfied, with their hands upon
their mouths, though all were gone, Hebrews 10:34.
Though men cannot bring their means to their minds, yet
they must bring their minds to their means, and then they
will sit down in silence, though they have but . . .
a rag on their backs,
a penny in their purse, and
a crust in their cupboards.
Sermon Outline
- God's Unwavering Commitment
- The Hebrew Christians' Example
- Applying God's Promise to Our Lives
- Bringing Our Minds to Our Means
- Finding Contentment in God's Presence
- 'The Result: Contentment and Satisfaction'
Key Quotes
“I will ever, ever, ever, yes and forever and ever take care of you, and look after you, and be mindful of you.” — Thomas Brooks
“Though they had changed their glory for contempt; their fine raiment for sheepskins and goatskins; their silver for brass, their plenty for scarcity, their fullness for emptiness, their stately houses for holes and caves, and dens of the earth, yet they are to be contented and satisfied with present things,” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must bring our minds to our means and find contentment in God's presence, rather than focusing on our circumstances.
- God's promise to never leave or forsake us is a reminder of His unwavering commitment to us.
- We can apply God's promise to our lives by trusting in His provision and presence, even in times of scarcity or hardship.