Satan's Grand Design
Satan's grand design is to hinder the exercise of grace in Christians, but the more we exercise grace, the weaker sin becomes.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Satan's primary goal is not to prevent Christians from performing holy duties, but to obstruct the exercise of grace in their lives. He explains that without the active exercise of grace, all other religious activities are ineffective. As grace is exercised, it weakens and mortifies sin, much like one bucket rising in a well causes another to descend. The more Christians engage in grace, the more their corruptions diminish. Ultimately, Brooks encourages believers to focus on nurturing grace to combat sin effectively.
Text
Satan's grand design is not to keep men from going the round of holy duties--but to hinder the exercise of grace. All other exercises without the exercise of grace will do a Christian no good. The more grace is exercised--the more corruptions will be weakened and mortified. As one bucket in the well rises up, the other goes down; so as grace rises higher and higher, corruptions fall lower and lower. As grace in its exercise grows stronger and stronger--so sin will every day grow weaker and weaker.
Sermon Outline
- Satan's Grand Design
- The Importance of Grace
- The Relationship Between Grace and Corruption
- As grace rises, corruptions fall
- As grace grows stronger, sin grows weaker
Key Quotes
“Satan's grand design is not to keep men from going the round of holy duties--but to hinder the exercise of grace.” — Thomas Brooks
“As one bucket in the well rises up, the other goes down; so as grace rises higher and higher, corruptions fall lower and lower.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Make the exercise of grace a priority in your Christian life.
- Recognize that the more you exercise grace, the weaker sin will become.
- Seek to grow in your spiritual life by exercising grace daily.