The Bent of the Needle
A true Christian's heart will always be bent towards God, even if they have moments of sinful joggings.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a true state of grace cannot coexist with a continuous course of sin. He explains that while even the best saints may falter in specific actions, it is the overall direction of one's life--whether towards holiness or wickedness--that defines their spiritual state. Brooks illustrates that just as a compass needle may waver but ultimately points north, a genuine Christian's heart is inclined towards God, Christ, and holiness despite occasional missteps. He cautions against judging one's spiritual condition based solely on isolated actions, urging believers to consider the trajectory of their lives.
Text
"No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one
who continues to sin has either seen Him or known
Him." 1 John 3:6
A trade, a course of sin--is inconsistent with a state
of grace. The best saints have sadly miscarried as to
particular actions; but he who shall judge of a man's
spiritual state by particular acts, though notoriously bad,
will certainly condemn, where God acquits. We must
always distinguish between some single evil actions,
and a serious course of evil actions. It is not this or
that particular evil action--but a continued course of
evil actions--which denominates a man wicked. Just
so, it is not this or that particular holy act--but a
continued course of holy actions--which denominates
a man holy.
Every man is--as his course is. If his course is holy--the
man is holy. If his course is wicked--the man is wicked.
No man ought to conclude, because of some particular
good actions--that his spiritual state is good.
No man ought to conclude, because of some particular
sinful actions--that his spiritual state is bad.
A course of sinning is not consistent with a course of
godliness. Though the needle of the seaman's compass
may jog this way and that way--yet the bent of the
needle will still be northward. Just so, though a Christian
may have his particular sinful joggings this way or that
way--yet the bent of his heart will still be . . .
God-wards,
Christ-wards,
heaven-wards,
holiness-wards.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Sin and Holiness
- The Importance of a Holy Course
- Avoiding Misconclusions
- The Bent of the Heart
- The bent of the heart will always be God-wards, Christ-wards, heaven-wards, holiness-wards
- Don't conclude spiritual state by particular sinful actions
Key Quotes
“No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.” — Thomas Brooks
“A course of sinning is not consistent with a course of godliness.” — Thomas Brooks
“The bent of the heart will still be God-wards, Christ-wards, heaven-wards, holiness-wards.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Be careful not to judge your spiritual state by a single evil or good action, but by your overall course of actions.
- Make a conscious effort to consistently live in a way that's pleasing to God and reflects a heart that's turned towards Him.
- Remember that a holy course is not just about avoiding sin, but about consistently living in a way that's holy and pleasing to God.