Distasteful Temptations
God loves those who are tempted, and resisting temptations is key to remaining safe from Satan's influence.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that being tempted does not diminish God's love for us; in fact, those who are most loved by God often face the greatest temptations, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like David, Job, and even Christ. He explains that temptation is a natural part of the Christian experience, akin to the sun shining or birds flying, and that the best men often endure the worst temptations. Brooks reassures believers that resisting and lamenting temptations will not harm them, and as long as they maintain a distaste for sin and a firm opposition to temptation, they remain safe. He concludes that the true danger lies not in the temptation itself but in yielding to it, and that a heart that fights against temptation is secure in God's love.
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No man is the less loved by God, because he is tempted.
Those whom God loves best--are usually tempted most.
Witness David, Job, Joshua, Peter, Paul, yes, Christ Himself--
who, as He was beloved above all others, so He was
tempted above all others! He was tempted to question
His Sonship; He was tempted to the worst idolatry, even
to worship the devil himself; to the greatest infidelity, to
distrust His Father's providence, and to use unlawful
means for necessary supplies; and to self-murder,
'Cast yourself down!' etc.
God had but one Son without corruption--but
He had none without temptation!
Those who were once glorious on earth, and are now
triumphing in heaven--have been severely tempted
and assaulted by Satan. It is as natural and common
for the choicest saints to be tempted--as it is for the
sun to shine, the bird to fly, the fire to burn. The
eagle complains not of her wings, nor the peacock
of her train of feathers, nor the nightingale of her
voice--because these are natural to them. No more
should saints of their temptations, because they
are natural to them.
"Our whole life is nothing but a temptation!"
The best men have been the worst tempted!
Temptations which are resisted and bewailed,
will never hurt you, nor harm you.
Distasteful temptations seldom or never prevail.
So long as the soul distastes them and the will
remains firmly averse against them--they can
do no hurt. So long as the language of the soul
is, 'Get behind me, Satan!' the soul is safe.
It is not Satan tempting--but my assenting;
it is not his enticing--but my yielding;
which undoes me!
Temptations may be troubles to my mind--but they
are not sins upon my soul--while I am in arms against
them. If your heart trembles and your flesh quakes
when Satan tempts--your condition is safe enough. If
Satan's temptations are your greatest afflictions--his
temptations shall never conquer you nor harm you!
Sermon Outline
- I. God Loves the Tempted
- A. Those whom God loves best are usually tempted most
- B. Examples of those who were tempted include David, Job, Joshua, Peter, Paul, and Christ
- II. Temptations are Natural
- A. It is as natural for the choicest saints to be tempted as it is for the sun to shine
- B. Saints should not complain about their temptations
- III. Resisting Temptations
- A. Temptations which are resisted and bewailed will never hurt you
- B. Distasteful temptations seldom or never prevail
- IV. The Key to Resisting Temptations
- A. It is not Satan tempting, but my assenting
- B. It is not his enticing, but my yielding, which undoes me
Key Quotes
“Our whole life is nothing but a temptation!” — Thomas Brooks
“It is not Satan tempting--but my assenting;” — Thomas Brooks
“It is not his enticing--but my yielding;” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that being tempted is a natural part of being a saint, and do not complain about it.
- Resist and bewail your temptations, and they will never hurt you.
- Remember that it is not Satan tempting you, but your own assenting and yielding that can undo you.