If You Are Not as Wicked as Others
The sermon warns against complacency in our moral standing, emphasizing that all sin stems from our nature and is only mitigated by God's grace.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inherent wickedness present in all humans, reminding us that the potential for every sin exists within our nature. He warns that if we are not as wicked as others, it is solely due to God's grace restraining our sinful inclinations. Brooks illustrates this point by recounting a man's descent into multiple sins, highlighting the danger of underestimating our own sinful nature. He urges listeners to recognize that without divine intervention, we would all succumb to our basest instincts, becoming 'incarnate devils.' Ultimately, he concludes with the powerful reminder that our identity is shaped by God's grace.
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"By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corin. 15:10
Whatever evil you behold in other men's practices, realize
that you have the same evil in your own nature.
There is the seed of all sins, of the vilest and worst of
sins--in the best of men. When you see a drunkard--you
may see the seed of that sin in your own nature. When
you see an immoral man--you may see the seeds of
immorality in your own nature. If you are not as
wicked as others--it is not because of the goodness
of your nature--but from the riches of God's grace!
Remember this--there is not a worse nature in hell
than that which is in you, and it would manifest itself
accordingly--if the Lord did not restrain it!
There was one who was a long time tempted to three
horrid sins: to be drunk, to lie with his mother, and to
murder his father. Being a long time followed with
these horrid temptations, at last he thought to get
rid of them, by yielding to what he judged the least,
and that was to be drunk; but when he was drunk, he
did both lie with his mother and murdered his father.
Why, such a hellish nature is in every soul that breathes!
And did God leave men to act according to their natures,
all men would be incarnate devils, and this world a total
hell. In your nature you have that that would lead you . . .
with the Pharisees--to oppose Christ;
and with Judas--to betray Christ;
and with Pilate--to condemn Christ;
and with the soldiers--to crucify Christ.
Oh, what a monster, what a devil you would be--should
God but leave you to act suitable to that sinful and woeful
nature of yours!
"By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corin. 15:10
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the nature of sin - Recognizing the seeds of sin within ourselves - The role of God's grace in our lives
- II points: - The dangers of comparing ourselves to others - The reality of our sinful nature - The potential for evil within every individual
- III points: - The consequences of yielding to temptation - Historical examples of sin's progression - The importance of divine restraint
- IV points: - The call to humility and self-awareness - Recognizing our dependence on God's grace - The transformative power of acknowledging our nature
Key Quotes
“By the grace of God I am what I am!” — Thomas Brooks
“If you are not as wicked as others--it is not because of the goodness of your nature--but from the riches of God's grace!” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh, what a monster, what a devil you would be--should God but leave you to act suitable to that sinful and woeful nature of yours!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on your own nature and recognize the potential for sin within yourself.
- Cultivate humility by understanding that any goodness in you is a result of God's grace.
- Be vigilant against temptation, knowing that yielding can lead to greater sins.