So Exceeding Angry With Himself
A true penitent is characterized by intense anger towards themselves for their sins, and this anger is directed towards the sin, not external objects or individuals.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound anger that true penitents feel towards their own sins, illustrating that this self-directed anger is far greater than any frustration they may have towards others or external circumstances. He argues that genuine repentance involves a deep loathing and abhorrence of sin, which should be the primary focus of a believer's indignation. Brooks encourages believers to redirect their anger away from others and towards their own sinful actions, highlighting that true anger should be reserved for sin itself, not for disagreements with fellow believers.
Text
"Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and
your images covered with gold; you will throw them
away like a menstrual cloth and say to them--Away
with you!" Isaiah 30:22
The true penitent is not so exceeding angry with himself
for anything--as he is angry with himself for his sins. There are
none who fret, and fume, and chafe at themselves for sin, as
penitent souls do. There are none who loathe themselves, who
abhor themselves, and who are weary of themselves, upon the
account of their sins--like penitent souls. It is not this thing nor
that, nor this enemy nor that, nor this party nor that, nor this
design nor that--but sin, which is the main--the grand object
of a penitent's hatred, scorn, wrath, rage, reproach, disgrace,
and contempt!
He who would be angry and sin not--must be angry at nothing
but sin. If some men would but spend more of their anger and
indignation against their sins, they would not be so angry as
they are with their brethren, that in disputable things differ
from them.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of True Penitence
- The Object of a Penitent's Anger
- The Importance of Directing Anger Towards Sin
- If we direct our anger towards sin, we will not be angry with others
- This leads to a more peaceful and harmonious relationship with others
Key Quotes
“There are none who fret, and fume, and chafe at themselves for sin, as penitent souls do.” — Thomas Brooks
“It is not this thing nor that, nor this enemy nor that, nor this party nor that, nor this design nor that--but sin, which is the main--the grand object of a penitent's hatred, scorn, wrath, rage, reproach, disgrace, and contempt!” — Thomas Brooks
“He who would be angry and sin not--must be angry at nothing but sin.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should direct our anger towards sin, not external objects or individuals.
- When we direct our anger towards sin, we will experience a more peaceful and harmonious relationship with others.
- Self-loathing and contempt towards our sins is a key characteristic of a true penitent.