Rich in Spiritual Experiences
A mature Christian is rich in spiritual experiences, having a deep understanding of God's ways, the power of the word, and the love and influence of Christ.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a mature Christian is enriched by profound spiritual experiences, recounting the ways, workings, and love of God. He highlights the transformative power of the Word, the indwelling and influence of the Holy Spirit, and the battles against sin and Satan that shape a believer's journey. Just as a seasoned soldier shares tales of victories and scars, so too does an old saint share their spiritual conquests and the richness of their faith. Brooks asserts that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the depth of one's spiritual experiences and relationship with Christ.
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The mature Christian is rich in spiritual experiences.
Oh! the experiences that he has . . .
of the ways of God,
of the workings of God,
of the word of God,
of the love of God!
Oh! the divine stories that old Christians can tell . . .
of the power of the word,
of the sweetness of the word,
of the usefulness of the word--
as a light to lead the soul,
as a staff to support the soul,
as a spur to quicken the soul,
as an anchor to stay the soul, and
as a cordial to comfort and strengthen the soul!
Oh! the stories that he can tell concerning . . .
the love of Christ,
the blood of Christ,
the offices of Christ,
the merits of Christ,
the righteousness of Christ,
the graces of Christ, and
the influence of Christ!
Oh! the stories that an old disciple can tell . . .
of the indwellings of the Spirit,
of the operations of the Spirit,
of the teachings of the Spirit,
of the leadings of the Spirit,
of the sealings of the Spirit,
of the witnessings of the Spirit, and
of the comforts and joys of the Spirit!
Oh the stories that an old Christian can tell . . .
of the evil of sin,
of the the bitterness of sin,
of the the deceitfulness of sin,
of the prevalence of sin, and
of the the happiness of conquest over sin!
Oh! the stories that he can tell you . . .
of the snares of Satan,
of the devices of Satan,
of the temptations of Satan,
of the rage of Satan,
of the malice of Satan,
of the watchfulness of Satan, and
of the ways of triumphing over Satan!
As an old soldier can tell you of many battles,
many scars, many wounds, many losses, and
many victories--even to admiration; so an old
saint is able to tell you of many spiritual battles,
many scars, many wounds, many losses, and
many victories--even to admiration.
Experimental religion is far beyond mere notions
and impressions. A sanctified heart is better than
a silver tongue. No man so rich, so honorable, so
happy--as the old disciple, who is rich in spiritual
experiences.
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they
will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the
house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts
of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green." Psalm 92:12-14.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Richness of Spiritual Experiences
- A. The depth of understanding of God's ways
- B. The power of the word of God
- C. The love and influence of Christ
- II. The Stories of an Old Disciple
- A. The indwelling and operations of the Spirit
- B. The leadings and teachings of the Spirit
- C. The comforts and joys of the Spirit
- III. The Conquest Over Sin
- A. The evil and prevalence of sin
- B. The happiness of conquest over sin
- IV. The Triumph Over Satan
- A. The snares and devices of Satan
- B. The ways of triumphing over Satan
Key Quotes
“As an old soldier can tell you of many battles, many scars, many wounds, many losses, and many victories--even to admiration; so an old saint is able to tell you of many spiritual battles, many scars, many wounds, many losses, and many victories--even to admiration.” — Thomas Brooks
“A sanctified heart is better than a silver tongue.” — Thomas Brooks
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should strive to have a sanctified heart, which is better than a silver tongue.
- We can still bear fruit in old age by being planted in the house of the Lord and flourishing in the courts of our God.
- We should be watchful and know the ways of triumphing over Satan.