Some Delilah
Thomas Brooks explores the concept of beloved sins, their struggle, and the role of God in overcoming them through trials.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the struggle Christians face with their 'Delilah'--the beloved sin that they cling to despite its destructive nature. He illustrates that just as a garden has a master-weed, each person has a predominant sin that is particularly challenging to overcome. Brooks encourages believers to recognize that God may use painful experiences, such as the loss of a cherished blessing, to motivate them to confront and subdue their besetting sins. He urges Christians to respond to God's discipline with gratitude rather than resentment, understanding that it can lead to spiritual growth and the mortification of sin.
Text
God cures David of adultery, by killing his endeared child.
There is some Delilah--some darling, some beloved sin
or other--that a Christian's calling, condition, constitution,
or temptations--leads him to play with, and to hug in his own
bosom. As in a plot of ground that lies untilled, among the
great variety of weeds there is usually some master-weed,
which is more plenteous and more repulsive than all the rest.
So it is also in the souls of men--though there be a general
mixture and medley of all evil and corrupt qualities, yet
there is some one sin which is usually paramount, which is most
powerful and prevalent--which sways and manifests itself more
eminently and evidently than any other of them do.
So, though the root of sin and bitterness has spread itself over
all, yet every man has his inclination to one kind of sin--rather
than another. And this may be called a man's besetting sin,
his bosom sin, his darling sin.
Now, it is one of the hardest works in this world to subdue and
bring under control, this bosom sin! Oh! the prayers, the tears,
the sighs, the sobs, the groans, the distress that it will cost a
Christian before he subdues this darling sin!
A man may easily subdue and mortify such and such sins--but
when it comes to the master-sin, to the bosom-sin, oh! what
tugging and pulling is there! what striving and struggling is
there to get off that sin, to get down that sin!
Now, if the Lord, by smiting you in some near and dear
enjoyment, shall draw out your heart to fall upon the smiting
of your master-sin; and shall so sanctify the affliction, as to
make it issue in the mortification of your bosom corruption;
what eminent cause will you have rather to bless Him, than
to sit down and murmur against Him! And doubtless if you
are dear to God--God will, by striking your dearest mercy,
put you upon striking at your darling sin! Therefore do not
murmur, even when God touches the apple of your eye;
even when He has snatched the fairest and the sweetest
flower out of your bosom.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of Delilah as a beloved sin - The analogy of the master-weed in a garden - Identification of a person's besetting sin
- II points: - The struggle of subduing the bosom sin - The emotional toll of battling this sin - The difference between general sins and the master-sin
- III points: - God's role in sanctifying afflictions - The purpose of suffering in relation to sin - The call to bless God amidst trials
- IV points: - Encouragement to avoid murmuring against God - Understanding God's discipline as a means of growth - The importance of recognizing God's love in correction
Key Quotes
“There is some Delilah--some darling, some beloved sin or other--that a Christian's calling, condition, constitution, or temptations--leads him to play with.” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh! the prayers, the tears, the sighs, the sobs, the groans, the distress that it will cost a Christian before he subdues this darling sin!” — Thomas Brooks
“Therefore do not murmur, even when God touches the apple of your eye.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Identify your own Delilah and seek God's help in overcoming it.
- Embrace trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and mortification of sin.
- Practice gratitude towards God even in difficult circumstances.