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  SHOULD GOD CHAIN UP SATAN
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes that our sinful nature is the root cause
of our sin, and that Satan can only present temptation, but we have the
power to choose whether or not to sin.

Topics: "Redemption through Christ", "Human Sinfulness"
Scripture References: Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 15:19, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:1

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inherent evil within humanity, asserting
that even without the influence of Satan or wicked individuals, man's
sinful nature would still lead him to sin. He describes the corrupted
state of the human heart and mind, illustrating that temptation alone
does not cause sin; rather, it is the evil root within that drives us to
it. Brooks argues that while Satan can tempt, he cannot force us to sin,
as the choice ultimately lies within our corrupted nature. He concludes
by highlighting the redemptive work of Jesus, who endured immense
suffering to save humanity from its sinful state.

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CONTENT
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"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery,

sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." Mt. 15:19

Man has an evil root within him. Were there no devil to

tempt him, nor any wicked men to entice him, yet that

cursed sinful nature which is in him, would draw him to

sin, though he knows beforehand that 'the wages of sin

is eternal death.'

The whole frame of man is out of frame.

The understanding is dark,

the will cross,

the memory slippery,

the affections crooked,

the conscience corrupted,

the tongue poisoned,

the heart wholly evil, only evil, and continually evil.

Should God chain up Satan, and give him no liberty to

tempt or entice people to vanity or folly, yet they could

not but sin against Him, by reason of that cursed nature

that is in them.

Satan can only present the golden cup--but he has no

power to force us to drink the poison that is in the cup.

He can only present to us the glory of the world, he

cannot force us to fall down and worship him, to enjoy

the world. He can only spread his snares, he has no

power to force us to walk in the midst of his snares.

From the cradle to the cross, His whole life was

a life of sufferings. Jesus waded through . . .

a sea of trouble,

a sea of sin,

a sea of blood

a sea of wrath,

that sinners might be pardoned, justified, reconciled,

and saved!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/should-god-chain-up-satan/
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