Allowing one sin to dominate a person's life can lead to ruin and damnation, depriving them of the glorious presence of God and the blessed vision of God.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave danger of allowing even one sin to persist in our lives, equating it to gross hypocrisy. He illustrates how one sin can lead to the loss of glory, dignity, and ultimately, the presence of God, much like a single leprous spot can render a person unclean. Brooks warns that indulging in one sin can lead to eternal misery and separation from God's blessings, drawing parallels to historical examples of loss due to singular actions. He concludes with a poignant reminder that the cost of one sin can be the forfeiture of a heavenly kingdom, urging listeners to seek complete purity.
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To turn from some sins--but not from all, is gross hypocrisy.
One sin stripped the fallen angels of all their glory! One sin
stripped our first parents of all their dignity and excellency!
One fly in the box of precious ointment spoils the whole box.
One thief may rob a man of all his treasure. One disease
may deprive a man of all his health. One strong wind may
blow down and blow away all a man's comforts. Just so--one
sin delighted and wallowed in, will make a man miserable
forever!
One sin allowed, wallowed and tumbled in, is sufficient
to deprive a man forever of the glorious presence of God. In
the law, the person who had but one spot of leprosy in any
one part of his body was accounted a leper, although all the
rest of his body was sound and whole; and accordingly he
was to be shut up, and shut out from the society of the
people of God, Lev. 13. Just so--one sin, one leprous
spot, allowed and beloved--will forever shut a man
out from the glorious presence of God!
One sin wallowed in, will as certainly deprive a man of
the blessed vision of God, and of all the treasures, pleasures,
and delights which are at God's right hand--as a thousand sins!
What can be the outcome of this, but ruin and damnation?
It was a sore vexation to king Lysimachus, that he lost his
earthly kingdom for one draught of water. O sirs! it will be
an everlasting vexation to such, who for one lust shall at
last lose not an earthly kingdom--but a heavenly kingdom!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Dangers of One Sin
- A. One sin can lead to ruin and damnation
- B. One sin can deprive a person of the glorious presence of God
- C. One sin can deprive a person of the blessed vision of God
Key Quotes
“One sin allowed, wallowed and tumbled in, is sufficient to deprive a man forever of the glorious presence of God.” — Thomas Brooks
“One sin, one leprous spot, allowed and beloved--will forever shut a man out from the glorious presence of God!” — Thomas Brooks
“It will be an everlasting vexation to such, who for one lust shall at last lose not an earthly kingdom--but a heavenly kingdom!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the danger of allowing one sin to dominate your life, as it can lead to ruin and damnation.
- Make a conscious effort to avoid and resist one sin, lest it become a leprous spot in your life.
- Prioritize your relationship with God, and make sure to maintain a clean heart and a clear conscience.
