Satan's Apes
Pride is a sin that makes a person most like Satan and is detested by God, who will punish the proud.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, illustrating how it directly opposes the honor and sovereignty of God. He explains that pride is the root of many sins and is the very trait that transformed angels into devils, leading to their downfall. Brooks warns that pride makes individuals resemble Satan, and it is a disease that God despises more than allowing His children to face trials. He contrasts pride with humility, stating that humility aligns us with angels while pride aligns us with the devil. The preacher urges listeners to recognize the dangers of pride before it leads them to spiritual ruin.
Text
Pride sets itself against the honor, being, and
sovereignty of God. Other sins strike at the word
of God, the people of God, and the creatures of
God--but pride strikes directly at the very being
of God. He bears a special hatred against pride.
It was pride which turned angels into devils.
They would be above others in heaven--and
therefore God cast them down to hell.
Pride is a sin which of all sins, makes a person
most like Satan. Pride is Satan's disease. Pride
is so base a disease, that God had rather see His
dearest children to be buffeted by Satan, than
that in pride they should be like Satan.
Humility makes a man like to angels--and pride
makes an angel a devil. Pride is worse than the
devil, for the devil cannot hurt you until pride
has possessed you.
If you would see the devil portrayed to the life
--look upon a proud soul; for as face answers
to face, so does a proud soul answer to Satan.
Proud souls are Satan's apes, and none imitate
him to the life like these. And oh that they were
sensible of it, before it is too late, before the
door of darkness be shut upon them!
"The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure
of this: They will not go unpunished." Prov. 16:5
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Pride
- Pride strikes directly at the being of God
- Pride is a sin that makes a person most like Satan
Key Quotes
“Pride is a sin which of all sins, makes a person most like Satan.” — Thomas Brooks
“Proud souls are Satan's apes, and none imitate him to the life like these.” — Thomas Brooks
“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should cultivate humility to avoid being like Satan.
- Pride can hurt us more than the devil, so we should be careful to avoid it.
- God detests proud people and will punish them, so we should strive to be humble.