Take Heed of the Witch
Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of worldliness and emphasizes the necessity of holiness for true fulfillment and eternal life.
Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of being consumed by worldly desires, emphasizing that those who prioritize earthly things become enemies of the cross of Christ, leading to destruction. He laments the tears shed for those who neglect holiness in favor of worldly pleasures, which ultimately lead to spiritual barrenness. Brooks illustrates that the allure of the world can distract believers from their spiritual responsibilities and the pursuit of holiness. He urges listeners to recognize the vanity of worldly pursuits and to fill their hearts with holiness instead of allowing them to be filled with the flesh and the devil. The sermon concludes with a stark choice between the fleeting pleasures of the world and the eternal joy found in holiness.
Text
"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now
I tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is
their belly, and whose glory is their shame--who mind
earthly things." Philippians 3:18-19
Who were those who walked disorderly?
why, those who minded earthly things.
Who were those who fetched tears from the apostle's eyes?
why, those who minded earthly things.
Who were those who were enemies to the cross of Christ?
why, those who minded earthly things.
Who were those whose end is destruction?
why, those who minded earthly things.
Who were those whose God was their belly?
why, those who minded earthly things.
Who were those whose glory was their shame?
why, those who minded earthly things.
The world proves silken halters to some,
and golden fetters to others.
If ever you would be holy--oh, then take heed of the
witch--take heed of the world! The world often swells
the heart with pride; it makes men forget God, neglect
Christ, slight ordinances, and despise holiness. Ah, the
time, the thoughts, the strength, the energies--which
this enticing world has made many to spend and consume,
while their souls have lain a-bleeding, and eternity has been
hastening upon them! Oh, the deadness, the barrenness,
the listlessness, the heartlessness to anything which is
holy--which attends a worldly temper!
Many are so bewitched with the profits, pleasures, and
honors of the world, that they mind not holiness, they
regard not holiness, they care not for holiness.
The flowers of this world, are surrounded with many briers.
The world is all shadow and vanity; it is like Jonah's gourd
--you may sit under its shadow for a while, but it soon
decays and dies. He who shall but weigh . . .
man's pains with his pay,
his miseries with his pleasures,
his sorrows with his joys,
his crosses with his comforts,
his needs with his enjoyments, etc.,
may well cry out, "Vanity of vanity, and all is vanity."
The whole world is circular, the heart of man is triangular,
and we know a circle cannot fill a triangle. If the whole
earth were changed into a globe of gold, it could not fill
your heart.
O sirs, if your hearts are not filled with holiness--they will
be filled with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Either
holiness or Satan must possess you.
Is it not infinitely better to have holiness without the world,
and so be happy forever--than to have much of the world
without holiness, and so be damned forever?
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the dangers of worldly living - Scriptural basis from Philippians 3:18-19 - Characteristics of those who mind earthly things
- II points: - The consequences of a worldly mindset - The allure of the world's pleasures and honors - The spiritual deadness that accompanies worldliness
- III points: - The fleeting nature of worldly satisfaction - Comparison of earthly pains and pleasures - The emptiness of worldly pursuits
- IV points: - The necessity of holiness in the believer's life - The conflict between holiness and worldly desires - The eternal implications of choosing holiness over the world
Key Quotes
“The world proves silken halters to some, and golden fetters to others.” — Thomas Brooks
“If ever you would be holy--oh, then take heed of the witch--take heed of the world!” — Thomas Brooks
“Either holiness or Satan must possess you.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Prioritize spiritual growth over worldly pursuits to avoid spiritual deadness.
- Recognize the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and seek lasting fulfillment in holiness.
- Engage in regular reflection on your priorities to ensure they align with God's will.