The Occasions and Allurements of Sin
Sin may seem pleasant at first, but it ends in pain and destruction.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of engaging with the occasions and allurements of sin, warning that those who flirt with temptation while praying for deliverance are acting foolishly. He illustrates this with the analogy of someone putting their finger in fire and expecting not to get burned. Brooks cautions that even seemingly pleasant temptations can lead to severe consequences, ultimately proving to be more harmful than anticipated. The sermon calls for a proactive approach to avoid sin rather than a reactive one after falling into it.
Text
He who ventures upon the occasion of sin and
then prays, "Lord, lead me not into temptation,"
is like him who thrusts his finger into the fire,
and then prays that it may not be burnt.
He who will not fly from the occasions and
allurements of sin, though they may seem
ever so pleasant to the eye, or sweet to the
taste--shall find them in the end more sharp
than vinegar, more bitter than wormwood,
more deadly than poison.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Sin
- The Folly of Praying Against Sin
- The Consequences of Sin
- Sin is sharper than vinegar, more bitter than wormwood, and more deadly than poison
- It brings destruction and death
Key Quotes
“He who ventures upon the occasion of sin and then prays, 'Lord, lead me not into temptation,' is like him who thrusts his finger into the fire, and then prays that it may not be burnt.” — Thomas Brooks
“Sin is sharper than vinegar, more bitter than wormwood, and more deadly than poison.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must flee from the occasions and allurements of sin, even if they seem pleasant at first.
- Praying against sin without fleeing its occasions is futile, we must take action.
- Sin brings destruction and death, it's sharper than vinegar, more bitter than wormwood, and more deadly than poison.