The Devil's Tennis-Ball
Christians should be wary of idleness, which is a capital crime and the devil's tennis-ball.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of idleness in his sermon 'The Devil's Tennis-Ball,' warning that idleness invites temptation and makes individuals vulnerable to the devil's influence. He draws parallels between ancient societies that harshly punished idleness and the Christian call to actively engage in good works. Brooks challenges Christians to reject idleness and not associate with those who neglect their responsibilities, urging believers to be diligent and purposeful in their lives.
Text
"We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle!"
1 Thessalonians 5:14
The hour of idleness is the hour of temptation. An idle
person is the devil's tennis-ball--tossed by him at
his pleasure.
Among the Egyptians idleness was a capital crime. Among
the Lucans, he who lent money to an idle person was to lose
it. Among the Corinthians idle people were delivered to the
prison. By Solon's law idle people were to suffer death. The
ancients call idleness the burial of a living man. Seneca had
rather be sick than idle.
Now shall nature do more than grace? Shall poor blind heathens
be so severe against idle people--and shall Christians embrace
them? Shall they not rather turn their backs upon them, and
have no communion with those who think themselves too
great or too good to hold the plough?
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Idleness
- The Severity of the Ancients
- The Call to Action
- Turn Away from Idleness
- Embracing the Plough
- The Consequences of Idleness
Key Quotes
“The hour of idleness is the hour of temptation.” — Thomas Brooks
“An idle person is the devil's tennis-ball--tossed by him at his pleasure.” — Thomas Brooks
“Shall nature do more than grace?” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Christians should be diligent in their work and avoid idleness.
- Idleness leads to temptation and negative consequences.
- Christians should turn their backs on idle people and have no communion with them.