The Greatest Evil in All the World
The sermon emphasizes that sin is the greatest evil, affecting our relationship with God and leading to eternal consequences.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that sin is the greatest evil in the world, highlighting its destructive nature and the profound consequences it has on the relationship between God and humanity. He explains that sin is what God abhors, the reason Jesus Christ was crucified, and the cause of eternal damnation. Brooks describes sin as a source of personal anguish, hindering prayers and embittering mercies, ultimately leading to separation from God. He passionately condemns sin, urging believers to recognize its deadly impact and to strive for holiness in their lives.
Text
Sin is the greatest evil in all the world.
Sin is the only thing--
which God abhors,
which has brought Jesus Christ to the cross,
which damns souls,
which shuts heaven, and
which has laid the foundations of hell.
Oh, sin is the pricking thorn in my eye, the deadly arrow
in my side, the two-edged sword that has wounded my
conscience, and slain my comforts, and separated
between God and my soul. Oh, sin is that which has . . .
hindered my prayers,
embittered my mercies,
put a sting into all my crosses.
Therefore I cannot but disapprove of it, and disallow of it,
and condemn it to death, yes, to hell, from whence it came.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Definition of sin - Sin's nature and consequences
- II points: - Sin's impact on relationship with God - Sin's role in the suffering of Christ
- III points: - Sin as a barrier to prayer - Sin's effect on spiritual well-being
- IV points: - The eternal consequences of sin - The call to reject sin
Key Quotes
“Sin is the greatest evil in all the world.” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh, sin is the pricking thorn in my eye, the deadly arrow in my side.” — Thomas Brooks
“Therefore I cannot but disapprove of it, and disallow of it, and condemn it to death.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the seriousness of sin in your life and its impact on your relationship with God.
- Commit to rejecting sin and seeking forgiveness through Christ.
- Understand the eternal consequences of sin to motivate a life of holiness.