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  IF YOU ARE NOT AS WICKED AS OTHERS
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The sermon warns against complacency in our moral standing,
emphasizing that all sin stems from our nature and is only mitigated by
God's grace.

Topics: "Grace Of God", "Human Nature"
Scripture References: Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Ephesians 2:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inherent wickedness present in all humans,
reminding us that the potential for every sin exists within our nature.
He warns that if we are not as wicked as others, it is solely due to
God's grace restraining our sinful inclinations. Brooks illustrates this
point by recounting a man's descent into multiple sins, highlighting the
danger of underestimating our own sinful nature. He urges listeners to
recognize that without divine intervention, we would all succumb to our
basest instincts, becoming 'incarnate devils.' Ultimately, he concludes
with the powerful reminder that our identity is shaped by God's grace.

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CONTENT
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"By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corin. 15:10

Whatever evil you behold in other men's practices, realize

that you have the same evil in your own nature.

There is the seed of all sins, of the vilest and worst of

sins--in the best of men. When you see a drunkard--you

may see the seed of that sin in your own nature. When

you see an immoral man--you may see the seeds of

immorality in your own nature. If you are not as

wicked as others--it is not because of the goodness

of your nature--but from the riches of God's grace!

Remember this--there is not a worse nature in hell

than that which is in you, and it would manifest itself

accordingly--if the Lord did not restrain it!

There was one who was a long time tempted to three

horrid sins: to be drunk, to lie with his mother, and to

murder his father. Being a long time followed with

these horrid temptations, at last he thought to get

rid of them, by yielding to what he judged the least,

and that was to be drunk; but when he was drunk, he

did both lie with his mother and murdered his father.

Why, such a hellish nature is in every soul that breathes!

And did God leave men to act according to their natures,

all men would be incarnate devils, and this world a total

hell. In your nature you have that that would lead you . . .

with the Pharisees--to oppose Christ;

and with Judas--to betray Christ;

and with Pilate--to condemn Christ;

and with the soldiers--to crucify Christ.

Oh, what a monster, what a devil you would be--should

God but leave you to act suitable to that sinful and woeful

nature of yours!

"By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corin. 15:10

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/if-you-are-not-as-wicked-as-others/
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