A Smooth Silken Way to Hell
Trusting in duties can lead to a life of self-effort and ultimately to hell, whereas true happiness comes from living for Jesus and denying sinful self.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than merely performing religious duties. He illustrates that true acceptance, justification, and reconciliation with God come from a relationship with Christ, not from the reliance on our own works. Brooks warns that trusting in our duties can lead us astray, creating a deceptive path that ultimately leads to destruction. He encourages believers to deny self-reliance and instead find joy and fulfillment in Jesus alone.
Text
In duty, Mary had learned the holy art of living above duty;
in the business of acceptance with God, and justification
before God, and reconciliation to God, and salvation by God;
she knew no duty but Jesus. She was as happy in denying
religious self as she was resolute in denying of sinful self.
Duties trusted to will undo you. When trusted to, duties
are but a smooth silken way to hell.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Trusting in Duties
- The True Source of Happiness
- The Consequences of Trusting in Duties
- Duties can lead to a life of self-effort
- Duties can undo us and lead to hell
Key Quotes
“Duties trusted to will undo you.” — Thomas Brooks
“When trusted to, duties are but a smooth silken way to hell.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must focus on living for Jesus and denying sinful self to avoid the dangers of trusting in duties.
- True happiness comes from living for Jesus and denying sinful self.
- Duties can be a smooth silken way to hell if we trust in them instead of Jesus.