It Would Make Him Pull His Hat Over His Eyes!
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the pervasive nature of secret sins and the necessity of divine cleansing through humility and repentance.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that all Christians harbor secret sins, often unknown even to themselves. He reflects on the nature of human error, asserting that no one, regardless of their holiness or wisdom, can fully comprehend their own sins. Brooks highlights various forms of secret sins, including pride, hypocrisy, and unbelief, suggesting that if these were visible, it would cause profound shame. He urges believers to seek God's cleansing from these hidden faults, echoing the plea found in Psalm 19:12.
Text
All Christians have their secret sins. Secret not only
from other men--but from himself! It is but natural for
every man to err, and then to be ignorant of his errors.
Every man's sins are beyond his understanding. There
is not the best, the wisest, nor the holiest man in the
world--who can give a full and entire list of his sins.
"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from
secret faults." Psalm 19:12
"Who can understand his errors?" This interrogation has
the force of an affirmation: "Who can?" No man! No, not
the most perfect and innocent man in the world!
O friends! who can reckon up . . .
the secret sinful imaginations,
the secret sinful inclinations,
the secret pride,
the secret blasphemies,
the secret hypocrisies,
the secret atheistical risings,
the secret murmurings,
the secret repinings,
the secret discontents,
the secret insolencies,
the secret filthinesses,
the secret unbelievings,
which God might every day charge upon his soul?
Should the best and holiest man on earth have but
his secret sins written on his forehead, it would not
only put him to a crimson blush--but it would
make him pull his hat over his eyes, or cover
his face with a double scarf!
"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from
secret faults." Psalm 19:12
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to secret sins - The nature of human error - The inability to fully recognize one's sins
- II points: - The significance of Psalm 19:12 - Understanding the depth of our errors - The universal struggle with sin
- III points: - Examples of secret sins - The impact of hidden sins on the soul - The need for divine cleansing
- IV points: - The humility required to acknowledge secret sins - The role of confession and repentance - The hope found in God's forgiveness
Key Quotes
“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.” — Thomas Brooks
“Should the best and holiest man on earth have but his secret sins written on his forehead, it would not only put him to a crimson blush--but it would make him pull his hat over his eyes.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on your own hidden sins and seek God's guidance in recognizing them.
- Practice humility by acknowledging your faults and confessing them to God.
- Embrace the hope of forgiveness that comes from God's grace and mercy.