Pursue After Holiness
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital pursuit of holiness for Christians, highlighting its importance and the challenges faced along the way.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of pursuing holiness, arguing that if the ambitious, pleasure-seeking, and worldly individuals strive for their desires, Christians should strive even more for holiness. He describes the way of holiness as the safest, noblest, sweetest, cleanest, pleasantest, and happiest path, encouraging believers to persist despite obstacles. Brooks reminds the congregation that God continues to show mercy despite their sins, urging them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of sanctity. He challenges them to consider the perseverance of Satan and the wicked, questioning why they should not also persevere in their quest for holiness.
Text
"Pursue . . . holiness--without it no one will see
the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
O sirs, shall the ambitious person pursue after his honors,
and the voluptuous person after his pleasures, and the
worldling pursue after his gain, and the wanton pursue
after his harlots, and the drunkard pursue after his full
cups, etc.; and shall not Christians much more pursue
after holiness?
O sirs, the way of holiness is . . .
the safest way,
the noblest way,
the sweetest way,
the cleanest way,
the pleasantest way,
the happiest way;
therefore hold on, and hold up in that way.
"Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her
paths are peace." Proverbs 3:17
We hold on in a way of holiness, notwithstanding
all the rocks and obstacles and difficulties that we
meet with in that way.
O sirs, in the face of all your sins and unworthiness,
God holds on in ways of mercy towards you; and why
then should not you hold on in ways of sanctity towards
Him? Shall Satan persevere in his enmity against holiness?
And shall wicked men persevere in their opposition to
holiness? And shall formalists persevere in their neglect
of holiness? And will not you persevere in your pursuit
of holiness?
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the importance of holiness - Comparison with worldly pursuits - Scriptural foundation from Hebrews 12:14
- II points: - Characteristics of the way of holiness - Holiness as the safest way - Holiness as the sweetest way
- III points: - Challenges in pursuing holiness - God's mercy in our unworthiness - Perseverance in the face of opposition
- IV points: - Encouragement to hold on to holiness - The joy found in the pursuit of holiness - Final exhortation to Christians
Key Quotes
“Pursue . . . holiness--without it no one will see the Lord.” — Thomas Brooks
“Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.” — Thomas Brooks
“O sirs, in the face of all your sins and unworthiness, God holds on in ways of mercy towards you.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on your daily pursuits and consider how they align with the pursuit of holiness.
- Encourage others in your community to prioritize holiness in their lives.
- Persevere in your spiritual journey, knowing that God's mercy supports you despite your shortcomings.