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  THEN THE SCUM APPEARS!
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Trials reveal the scum of sin in our hearts, but God uses them
to refine us and make us more like Christ.

Topics: "Self-Reflection", "Trials"
Scripture References: Isaiah 48:10, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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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.

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CONTENT
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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

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/then-the-scum-appears/
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