The Hypocrite's Hope
The hypocrite's hope is a false assurance that perishes when confronted with the truth of God's Word, and it is only through true faith and a desire to live a righteous life that we can experience genuine hope.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of the hypocrite's hope, warning that those who live in sin and presume upon God's grace without true repentance face dire consequences. He cites Job 27:8 and Proverbs 11:7 to illustrate that the hopes of the wicked perish at death, and that false assurance leads to greater misery in damnation. Brooks calls for deliverance from such false hopes and urges the pursuit of a divine hope that fosters a hatred for sin. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the importance of genuine faith and repentance.
Text
"For what hope do the godless have, when God cuts
them off and takes away their life?" Job 27:8
"When the wicked die, their hopes all perish." Prov. 11:7
That assurance is but presumption, which allows men . . .
to play with sin,
to be bold with sin,
to make light of sin,
to walk on in ways of sin.
Such 'assurance' will never bring a man to heaven; it
will never keep him from dropping into hell; yes, it
will double his damnation, and make him the most
miserable among all damned, wretched, forlorn spirits.
"So are the paths of all who forget God; and the
hypocrite's hope shall perish." Job 8:13
Ah, Lord! from such false hopes deliver my soul;
and give me more and more of that divine hope
which makes sin to be more hateful than hell.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of the Hypocrite's Hope
- The Perishing of the Hypocrite's Hope
- The Call to True Hope
- Job 8:13
- Deliverance from False Hopes
- The Desire for Divine Hope
Key Quotes
“Such 'assurance' will never bring a man to heaven; it will never keep him from dropping into hell; yes, it will double his damnation, and make him the most miserable among all damned, wretched, forlorn spirits.” — Thomas Brooks
“So are the paths of all who forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish.” — Thomas Brooks
“Ah, Lord! from such false hopes deliver my soul; and give me more and more of that divine hope which makes sin to be more hateful than hell.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Be cautious of false assurance and presumption, as it can lead to a life of sin and ultimately damnation.
- Seek a deeper understanding of God's Word and cultivate a genuine faith in Him to avoid falling into false hope.
- Desire true hope and a life of righteousness, and pray for deliverance from false hopes.