No Cause to Murmur or Complain
When faced with affliction, we should humbly kiss the rod and patiently lie under it, comparing our suffering to the horrors of conscience and the flames of hell to gain perspective and gratitude for mercy.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of accepting God's discipline with humility and patience, urging believers to recognize that their afflictions are minor compared to the eternal consequences of sin. He encourages the faithful to submit quietly to God's will, understanding that even the harshest trials are a form of mercy compared to what they truly deserve. Brooks reminds us that those who have escaped greater judgment should not complain about their current sufferings, as they are ultimately for their growth and sanctification.
Text
One lesson that you are to learn under the afflictive rod
of God, is to humbly to kiss the rod, and patiently and
quietly to lie under the rod, until the Lord shall either
give you a gracious, or a glorious, deliverance from it.
What is the rod--compared to the horrors of conscience,
and to the flames of hell, or to an everlasting separation
from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His
power? Therefore put your mouths in the dust, and be
silent before the Lord!
He who has deserved a hanging--if he escapes with
a whipping, has no cause to murmur or complain.
We who have deserved a damning--have little cause
to murmur or complain of a whipping, yes, though it
should be with a pestilential rod.
Sermon Outline
- The Afflictive Rod of God
- The Rod in Perspective
- No Cause to Murmur
- The Lesson to Learn
- Humility and Patience
- Compared to Conscience
- Compared to Hell
- Deserved Punishment
- Gratitude for Mercy
Key Quotes
“He who has deserved a hanging--if he escapes with a whipping, has no cause to murmur or complain.” — Thomas Brooks
“We who have deserved a damning--have little cause to murmur or complain of a whipping, yes, though it should be with a pestilential rod.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- When faced with affliction, cultivate humility and patience, and remember that you have deserved a worse punishment.
- Gain perspective on your suffering by comparing it to the horrors of conscience and the flames of hell.
- Express gratitude for mercy and remember that you have no cause to murmur or complain.