When We Give the Devil the Kernel
True obedience to God comes from the heart, and without it, even our outward actions are unacceptable to Him.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of heartfelt obedience to Christ, asserting that true Christian obedience must come from the heart to be acceptable to God. He contrasts the genuine devotion of believers with the empty rituals of the Pharisees, who performed outwardly but lacked sincerity within. Brooks reminds us that God desires our hearts and will not accept mere external actions devoid of integrity. The heart, being the true seat of affection, must be engaged in our service to God, as He values what flows from a sincere heart. Ultimately, we must not offer God the shell of obedience while giving the devil the kernel of our true devotion.
Text
"My son, give Me your heart." Proverbs 23:26
"You have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." Romans 6:17
Christian obedience is cordial and hearty. The believer knows that no obedience but hearty obedience, is acceptable to Christ. He knows that nothing takes Christ's heart--but what comes from the believer's heart. 'Christ was hearty in His obedience for me,' says the believer; 'and shall not I be hearty in my obedience to Him?' Christ will lay His hand of love, His hand of acceptance--upon no obedience but what flows from the heart. The heart is the presence-chamber of the King of heaven, and that upon which His eye, His hand, His heart, is most set.
The scribes and Pharisees were much in the outward obedience of the law--but their hearts were not in their obedience; and therefore all they did signified nothing in the account of Christ, who only accepts outward actions as they flow from the heart and affections. Their souls were not in their services, and therefore all their services were lost services. They were very glorious in their outward profession--but their hearts were as filthy sepulchers. Their outsides shined as the sun--but their insides were as black as hell, Matt. 23. They were like the Egyptian temples--beautiful without, but filthy within. Well! remember this: No action, no service, is accepted in heaven--but that which is sealed up with integrity of heart. God will not be put off with the shell, when we give the devil the kernel.
Sermon Outline
- Christian Obedience
- The Importance of Heartfelt Obedience
- The Dangers of Outward Obedience
- The Scribes and Pharisees
- The Importance of Integrity of Heart
Key Quotes
“Christ will lay His hand of love, His hand of acceptance--upon no obedience but what flows from the heart.” — Thomas Brooks
“God will not be put off with the shell, when we give the devil the kernel.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must strive to obey God from the heart, rather than just going through the motions.
- Our actions and services must be motivated by a genuine love and devotion to God.
- We must seek to have integrity of heart in our obedience, lest God reject our outward actions.