Then the Scum Appears!
Trials reveal the scum of sin in our hearts, but God uses them to refine us and make us more like Christ.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that trials serve as a divine mirror, revealing the hidden sins and flaws within Christians. Just as scum rises to the surface when a pot is heated, the pressures of life expose pride, impatience, and worldliness in our hearts. These challenges are opportunities for self-reflection and growth, allowing believers to confront their sinful nature and seek God's cleansing. Brooks encourages Christians to embrace trials as a means of understanding their true selves and drawing closer to God.
Text
Few Christians see themselves and understand
themselves rightfully. By trials, God reveals
much of a man's sinful self to his pious self.
When the fire is put under the pot--then the
scum appears; so when God tries a poor soul,
Oh! how does . . .
the scum of pride,
the scum of murmuring,
the scum of distrust,
the scum of impatience,
the scum of worldliness,
the scum of carnality,
the scum of foolishness,
the scum of willfulness--
reveal itself in the heart of the poor creature?
Trials are God's looking-glass, in which
His people see their own faults. Oh! . . .
that looseness,
that vileness,
that wretchedness,
that sink of filthiness,
that gulf of wickedness,
which trials show to be in their hearts!
"I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."
Isaiah 48:10
Sermon Outline
- Trials Reveal the Scum of Sin
- Trials as God's Looking-Glass
- The Scum of Sin Revealed
- Pride, Murmuring, Distrust, and Impatience
- Worldliness, Carnality, and Foolishness
- Looseness, Vileness, and Wickedness
- The Furnace of Affliction
Key Quotes
“When the fire is put under the pot--then the scum appears;” — Thomas Brooks
“Trials are God's looking-glass, in which His people see their own faults.” — Thomas Brooks
“I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that trials are a means of refinement, helping us to see our own faults and weaknesses.
- Repent of our sins and seek God's guidance in the midst of trials.
- Trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand the purpose of trials.