Loathsome Thoughts
True repentance involves a deep loathing and abhorring of sin, and of oneself for sin.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true repentance, which involves a deep loathing of both sin and oneself due to sin. He illustrates how a sincere penitent recognizes the weight of their sins, expressing a heartfelt abhorrence for their actions and the impact on their character. This self-loathing is not merely a low view of oneself but a profound realization of one's sinful nature, as echoed in the cries of the penitent. Brooks highlights that true repentance leads to a transformative acknowledgment of one's faults, urging believers to confront their sins with humility and sorrow.
Text
"You will remember your conduct and all the actions by
which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe
yourselves for all the evil you have done." Ezekiel 20:43
True repentance includes a loathing and abhorring of sin,
and of ourselves for sin.
The sincere penitent loathes his sins, and he loathes himself
also because of his sins. He cries out, "Oh these wanton eyes!
Oh these wicked hands! Oh this deceitful tongue! Oh this
crooked will! Oh this corrupt heart! Oh how do I loathe my
sins, how do I loathe myself! My sins are a burden to me, and
they make me a burden to myself! My sins are abhorrent
to me, and they make me abhor myself in dust and ashes!"
A true penitent has not only low thoughts of himself, but
loathsome thoughts of himself. None can think or speak
so vilely of a Christian--as he thinks and speaks so vilely
of himself. "Behold, I am vile!" Job 40:4
"They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done
and for all their detestable practices." Ezekiel 6:9
Sermon Outline
- True Repentance Involves Loathing Sin
- Characteristics of a True Penitent
- Scriptural Examples
- Low thoughts of oneself
- Loathsome thoughts of oneself
- Job's confession of vileness (Job 40:4)
- Ezekiel's prophecy of loathing oneself (Ezekiel 6:9, 20:43)
Key Quotes
“Oh these wanton eyes! Oh these wicked hands! Oh this deceitful tongue! Oh this crooked will! Oh this corrupt heart!” — Thomas Brooks
“Behold, I am vile!” — Thomas Brooks
“They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their detestable practices.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the evil of your sins and the burden they bring.
- Confess your sins and loathe yourself for them.
- Seek to change your ways and live a life pleasing to God.