Inward and Spiritual Duties of Religion
True Christians focus on the internal and spiritual duties of religion, while hypocrites and formalists are more concerned with external duties.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the distinction between external and internal duties of religion, noting that many Christians, as well as hypocrites, often focus on outward practices like attending church and participating in rituals, while neglecting the deeper, inward spiritual responsibilities. He highlights the importance of self-examination, self-resignation, and divine meditation as essential components of true faith. Brooks calls believers to engage in these inward duties to cultivate a genuine relationship with God and to apply the truths of Christ to their own lives.
Text
Christians who have but small measures of grace and
holiness; and hypocrites and formalists who have not
the least measure of true grace and holiness--these
are most commonly exercised and busied about the
external duties and services of religion; but very
seldom, very rare, shall you find them in the more
inward and spiritual duties of religion.
The external duties of religion are . . .
hearing the word preached,
reading the word,
fasting,
singing of psalms,
Christian fellowship, and
receiving the Lord's supper.
The internal and spiritual duties of religion are . . .
self-examination,
self-resignation to God,
self-loathing,
self-judging,
divine meditation,
praying in the Spirit,
watchfulness over the heart,
making application of . . .
the blood of Christ,
the death of Christ,
the grace of Christ,
the love of Christ,
the word of Christ--to one's own soul.
Sermon Outline
- The External Duties of Religion
- The Internal and Spiritual Duties of Religion
- Examples of internal duties
- Self-examination
- Self-resignation to God
- Self-loathing
- Self-judging
- Divine meditation
- Receiving the Lord's supper
Key Quotes
“Christians who have but small measures of grace and holiness; and hypocrites and formalists who have not the least measure of true grace and holiness--these are most commonly exercised and busied about the external duties and services of religion;” — Thomas Brooks
“The internal and spiritual duties of religion are seldom, very rare, shall you find them in the more inward and spiritual duties of religion.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- As a Christian, focus on developing internal and spiritual duties, such as self-examination and divine meditation.
- Recognize that external duties, while important, are secondary to internal duties in a true Christian's life.
- Make application of the blood, death, and love of Christ to your own soul through prayer and meditation.