That White Devil!
The white devil, manifesting as pride, hypocrisy, and vainglory, is a constant presence in the souls of Christians, seeking to undermine their faith and actions.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the constant presence of pride, hypocrisy, and vainglory--referred to as the 'white devil'--that can accompany Christians even while they engage in righteous acts. He points out that while the disciples were empowered to heal and cast out demons, they were reminded by Jesus not to take pride in their abilities. Brooks warns that these 'white devils' can undermine the sincerity of a believer's actions, suggesting that every duty performed is shadowed by these lurking temptations. The sermon serves as a call to vigilance against these internal struggles that can taint our spiritual endeavors.
Text
While the disciples were healing diseases and casting
out demons, the proud white devil was a-stirring in
their own souls; as is evident by that gentle rebuke
which our Savior gives them in Luke 10:20, "Don't
rejoice that the spirits submit to you."
There is no pious duty which a Christian performs, but
one white devil or another--one lust or another--will be
still dogging and following of him to that duty. There is
no public duty, there is no family duty, there is no private
duty which a Christian performs--but either that white
devil pride, or that white devil hypocrisy, or that white
devil vainglory; or else some one or another white devil
will follow the soul, near at heel to it.
Sermon Outline
- The White Devil in the Disciples
- The White Devil's Presence in Christian Duties
- The White Devil's Constant Pursuit
- The devil follows the soul in all duties
- Near at heel, the devil is always present
Key Quotes
“Don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you.” — Thomas Brooks
“There is no pious duty which a Christian performs, but one white devil or another--one lust or another--will be still dogging and following of him to that duty.” — Thomas Brooks
“There is no public duty, there is no family duty, there is no private duty which a Christian performs--but either that white devil pride, or that white devil hypocrisy, or that white devil vainglory; or else some one or another white devil will follow the soul, near at heel to it.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Christians should remain humble and aware of the devil's presence in order to overcome it.
- No duty is free from the devil's influence, and Christians should be mindful of this in all their actions.
- The devil follows the soul in all duties, making it essential for Christians to stay vigilant and focused on their faith.