The Cockatrice Must Be Crushed
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of sin and the importance of crushing it in its early stages to prevent its growth and lead to damnation.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangerous progression of sin, illustrating how lust, when entertained, leads to sin's conception, birth, growth, and ultimately, damnation. He warns that even the mere thought of sin can lead to actions, which become habits, resulting in the eternal loss of both body and soul. Brooks uses the metaphor of the cockatrice, urging that sin must be dealt with at its inception to prevent it from growing into something far more destructive. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against sinful thoughts and actions.
Text
"Lust having conceived, brings forth sin." James 1:15
First, sin has its conception--which is its delight;
and then sin has its birth--which is its action;
and then sin has its growth--which is its custom;
and then sin has its end--which is its damnation!
The very thought of sin, if but meditated on,
will break forth into action; action into custom;
custom into habit; and then both body and soul
are irrecoverably lost to all eternity!
If the subtle Serpent can but wriggle in his tail
by a sinful thought, he will soon get in his head
by a worse action!
The cockatrice must be crushed in the egg,
else it will soon become a serpent!
Sermon Outline
- The Conception of Sin
- The Birth of Sin
- The Growth of Sin
- The Danger of Sin
- The subtle serpent can lead to worse actions
- The cockatrice must be crushed in the egg
Key Quotes
“Lust having conceived, brings forth sin.” — Thomas Brooks
“The very thought of sin, if but meditated on, will break forth into action;” — Thomas Brooks
“The cockatrice must be crushed in the egg, else it will soon become a serpent!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the early stages of sin in your life and take action to crush it.
- Be aware of the progression of sin from thought to action to habit.
- Seek help and guidance to prevent sin from leading to damnation.