The Sweetener
Communion with God is the key to spiritual growth, strength, and comfort in the face of temptations and trials.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital importance of communion with God, describing it as the essence of spiritual life and the source of strength and comfort. He asserts that true communion with God not only sweetens our experiences and afflictions but also fortifies us against temptations and trials. Brooks highlights that those who maintain a close relationship with God are empowered to withstand challenges, while those with little communion are easily overcome. Ultimately, he portrays communion with God as the crown of our souls and the key to a victorious Christian life.
Text
("Hypocrites Detected, Anatomized, Impeached,
Arraigned and Condemned" 1650)
Communion with God is . . .
the life of all your graces;
the sweetener of all providences and mercies;
the strengthener of your hearts and hands;
the soul of your comforts;
the crown of your souls.
Nothing can compare with communion with God--
to fence you against temptations,
to sweeten all afflictions, and
to make you own God, and stand for God,
and cleave to God--in the face of all troubles
and oppositions. Communion with God makes
bitter things--sweet, and massive things--light.
A man high in communion with God, is a man too big
for temptations to conquer--or troubles to subdue!
Those who have but little communion with God--are
usually as soon conquered as tempted--as soon
vanquished as assaulted.
Sermon Outline
- Communion with God
- The Strengthener of Hearts and Hands
- The Soul of Comforts
- The Crown of Souls
- The Life of All Graces
- The Sweetener of All Providences and Mercies
Key Quotes
“Communion with God makes bitter things--sweet, and massive things--light.” — Thomas Brooks
“Communion with God is the life of all your graces; the sweetener of all providences and mercies; the strengthener of your hearts and hands;” — Thomas Brooks
“A man high in communion with God, is a man too big for temptations to conquer--or troubles to subdue!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Make communion with God a priority in your life to experience spiritual growth and strength.
- Recognize that communion with God is the key to overcoming temptations and trials.
- Cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God to find comfort and peace in times of trouble.