Names Which the Holy Spirit Has Given Them
Thomas Brooks encourages believers to view wicked men through the scriptural names given by the Holy Spirit, preserving their souls from frequenting their company.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of perceiving wicked individuals through the lens of the names given to them in Scripture, such as lions, bears, and vipers, which reflect their true nature. By understanding these descriptions, believers can be warned against the dangers of associating with such individuals, recognizing that their company should be a burden rather than a delight. The sermon encourages Christians to maintain a distance from wickedness and to seek the sweetness of divine love instead.
Text
Always look upon wicked men, under those names and
notions which the Scripture describes them, such as:
lions for their fierceness,
bears for their cruelty,
dragons for their hideousness,
dogs for their filthiness,
wolves for their subtleness,
scorpions,
vipers,
thorns,
briars,
thistles,
brambles,
stubble,
dirt,
chaff,
dust,
dross,
smoke,
scum.
You may know well enough what is within them, by the
apt names which the Holy Spirit has given them.
By looking upon them under those names and notions
that the Scripture sets them out by, may preserve the
soul from frequenting their company and delighting in
their society. Such monsters are wicked men--which
should render their company to all who have tasted of
the sweetness of divine love, a burden and not a delight.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel
of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in
the seat of mockers." Psalm 1:1
Sermon Outline
- Looking Upon Wicked Men
- The Burden of Wicked Company
- Scriptural Names for Wicked Men
- Preserving the Soul from Wicked Company
- A Burden to Those Who Know Divine Love
- A Delight to Those Who Do Not Know God
Key Quotes
“You may know well enough what is within them, by the apt names which the Holy Spirit has given them.” — Thomas Brooks
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Believers should view wicked men through the scriptural names given by the Holy Spirit to preserve their souls.
- Frequenting the company of wicked men can be a burden to those who know divine love.
- Avoiding wicked company is a key aspect of living a blessed life, as described in Psalm 1:1.