Neither the Devil nor His Imps
The Lord's presence with His people is their greatest safety and security, and no counsel or opposition can prevail against them.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that no plans or schemes of the devil or his followers can succeed against God's people, as the Lord's purposes are unshakeable and eternal. He reassures believers that God's constant presence provides protection and guidance, rendering the plots of the wicked powerless. Brooks illustrates this truth by referencing biblical figures like Balaam and Herod, who ultimately failed against God's will. The sermon encourages faith in God's sovereignty and the assurance that His presence is a shield against all adversities. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and security for those who trust in the Lord.
Text
"The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts
the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD
stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all
generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He chose for His inheritance." Psalm 33:10-12
Consult, conclude, determine, resolve upon whatever you
please--you shall never be able, by all your power and policy,
to prevail against the people of God! His favorable, special,
and eminent presence is constantly with them--to assist,
counsel, and protect them against all oppositions and assaults.
God brings to nothing, the counsel of the nations. Neither the
devil nor his imps, nor any of their counsels, or enchantments,
shall ever be able to stand before the presence of the Lord with
His people! Let men and devils conspire, let them plot, consult,
and determine--all shall be in vain, because there is no counsel
against the Lord, there is no possibility of prevailing against the
presence of the Lord with His people. His special presence will
be their greatest safety and security in the midst of all plots,
designs, dangers, etc. The special presence of God with His
people mars and frustrates all the plots, counsels, and intricate
contrivances of the world's wizards--as might be showed in those
instances of Balaam, Pharaoh, Saul, Herod, with many others.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Plans Are Unshakeable
- The Presence of God with His People
- The Futility of Opposition
- No counsel can stand against the Lord
- No possibility of prevailing against the Lord's presence
Key Quotes
“Consult, conclude, determine, resolve upon whatever you please--you shall never be able, by all your power and policy, to prevail against the people of God!” — Thomas Brooks
“His special presence will be their greatest safety and security in the midst of all plots, designs, dangers, etc.” — Thomas Brooks
“God brings to nothing, the counsel of the nations.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Trust in the Lord's presence and protection, and know that you are safe in His care.
- Do not be afraid of opposition or danger, for the Lord is with you.
- Remember that the Lord's plans are unshakeable, and His purposes will never change.