The Worst & Most Infectious Plague in the World
The sermon emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe distance from sin to avoid its consequences and maintain fellowship with God.
Thomas Brooks warns about the dangers of sin, describing it as the worst and most infectious plague in the world. He emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe distance from sin and avoiding the temptations that Satan presents, using the examples of Joseph's wisdom and David's downfall to illustrate the consequences of proximity to sin. Brooks highlights that sin not only affects the individual but can also spread and infect others, urging believers to recognize its serious nature and to flee from all appearances of evil.
Text
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11
Keep at the greatest distance from sin, and from
playing with the golden bait which Satan holds
forth to catch you!
It is our wisest and our safest course to stand at the
farthest distance from sin; not to go near the house
of the harlot--but to fly from all appearance of evil.
The best course to prevent falling into the pit is to
keep at the greatest distance from it; he who will be
so bold as to attempt to dance upon the brink of the
pit, may find by woeful experience that it is a righteous
thing with God, that he should fall into the pit.
Joseph keeps at a distance from sin, and from playing
with Satan's golden baits--and stands. David draws near,
and plays with the bait--and falls, and swallows bait and
hook! David comes near the snare, and is taken in it, to
the breaking of his bones, the wounding of his conscience,
and the loss of fellowship with his God.
Sin is a plague, yes, the worst and most infectious
plague in the world; and yet, ah! how few are there
who tremble at it--who keep at a distance from it! Ah,
how does the father's sin infect the child, the husband's
infect the wife, the master's the servant! The sin that is
in one man's heart is able to infect a whole world, it is
of such a spreading and infectious nature!
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Sin
- The Consequences of Sin
- The Importance of Distance
- Keep at the greatest distance from sin
- Stand at the farthest distance from sin
- Fly from all appearance of evil
Key Quotes
“It is our wisest and our safest course to stand at the farthest distance from sin; not to go near the house of the harlot--but to fly from all appearance of evil.” — Thomas Brooks
“He who will be so bold as to attempt to dance upon the brink of the pit, may find by woeful experience that it is a righteous thing with God, that he should fall into the pit.” — Thomas Brooks
“Sin is a plague, yes, the worst and most infectious plague in the world; and yet, ah! how few are there who tremble at it--who keep at a distance from it!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must be cautious and avoid situations that may lead us to sin.
- Keeping a safe distance from sin is our wisest and safest course.
- Sin can have a spreading and infectious nature, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us.