Sin and They Would Never Part
A person's willingness to turn to God is often motivated by self-love and fear of punishment, rather than a genuine desire to follow God.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that carnal men often seek to abandon their sins only in times of crisis, such as sickness or the fear of death, not out of a true hatred for their sins but rather from a selfish desire to escape punishment. He argues that if they could enjoy their sinful pleasures without consequence, they would cling to them without hesitation. The sermon highlights the distinction between a desire to avoid the effects of sin and a genuine desire to be free from sin itself, illustrating the need for true repentance and transformation.
Text
Carnal men, in times of sickness and distress, or in times
of horror and terror of conscience, or when death, the king
of terrors, knocks at their doors, or when they see hell
gaping to devour them, and God as a solemn judge standing
ready to pass an eternal doom upon them--only then they
are willing to cast overboard their pleasures, their drunkenness,
their swearing, their cursing, their lying, their flesh-pleasing,
etc. But not out of any hatred to their lusts--but out of love
to themselves, and out of fear of being damned, etc.; for
could they but enjoy their sins and heaven too--sin and
they would never part.
A graceless heart is more abundantly willing to be freed from
punishment--the effect of sin; than it is willing to be freed
from sin--the cause of punishment.
Sermon Outline
- The Carnal Man's Behavior
- The Carnal Man's Priorities
- Prefer sin over heaven
- Willing to give up sin only to avoid punishment
Key Quotes
“Sin and they would never part.” — Thomas Brooks
“A graceless heart is more abundantly willing to be freed from punishment--the effect of sin; than it is willing to be freed from sin--the cause of punishment.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must examine our motivations for turning to God and ensure they are driven by a genuine desire to follow Him.
- Prioritizing sin over heaven can lead to a graceless heart and a lack of true spiritual growth.
- True freedom from sin requires a willingness to surrender to God, not just a desire to avoid punishment.