Why Should Any Living Man Complain
We should not complain against God because we have no just cause to do so, considering our sinful nature and the severity of God's punishment for sin.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that it is unreasonable for any living man to complain when facing punishment for his sins, as all humans deserve far worse than their current sufferings. He argues that, given our sinful nature and the grace we receive from God, we should instead marvel at His mercy and kindness. Brooks reminds us that even the smallest suffering is a reminder of God's grace, and we should focus on gratitude rather than complaint. He urges listeners to recognize the severity of their sins and the greatness of God's forgiveness, encouraging a heart of admiration for divine grace.
Text
"Why should any living man complain when
punished for his sins?" Lamentations 3:39
Oh what a foolish, senseless, brutish, blockish thing it
is, for a man, a mortal man, a sinful man, a man on this
side hell--to complain or murmur against a holy and
righteous God! He who is on this side everlasting burnings,
on this side a devouring fire, has no just cause to complain,
whatever his losses, crosses, or sufferings are. He who has
deserved a hanging, if he escapes with a whipping--has no
cause to complain or murmur. Men who have deserved a
damning, if they escape with the loss of house, goods, etc.,
they have no cause to complain or murmur.
Oh sirs! Spend your days in a serious and deep admiration
of that free, that rich, that infinite, and that sovereign grace
that spared you, in that day when you were compassed
about with flames of fire on every hand!
Sermon Outline
- The Folly of Complaining Against God
- The Righteousness of God
- The Sovereignty of God's Grace
- God's free and infinite grace
- The reason for God's sparing us
Key Quotes
“Oh what a foolish, senseless, brutish, blockish thing it is, for a man, a mortal man, a sinful man, a man on this side hell--to complain or murmur against a holy and righteous God!” — Thomas Brooks
“He who is on this side everlasting burnings, on this side a devouring fire, has no just cause to complain, whatever his losses, crosses, or sufferings are.” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh sirs! Spend your days in a serious and deep admiration of that free, that rich, that infinite, and that sovereign grace that spared you, in that day when you were compassed about with flames of fire on every hand!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize your sinful nature and the severity of God's punishment for sin.
- Be grateful for God's free and infinite grace that spared you from greater punishment and suffering.
- Spend your days in a serious and deep admiration of God's sovereignty and mercy.