When Brutus Went to Stab Julius Caesar
A gracious soul feels the sting of sin's consequences and runs to Christ for salvation, while the Lord is provoked and saddened by His people's sins.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep affliction that sin brings to a gracious soul, comparing it to a deer fleeing from poison to find healing in the fountain of Christ. He illustrates how believers, aware of their sins' impact on God, are driven to seek His mercy and healing, echoing the lament of Paul in Romans 7:24. Brooks poignantly likens the betrayal of sin to Brutus's betrayal of Caesar, highlighting the personal pain it causes God when His children choose sin over Him. The sermon calls for a recognition of the seriousness of sin and the urgent need for repentance and healing in Christ.
Text
"For I know my transgressions, and my
sin is always before me." Psalm 51:3
Sin most afflicts a gracious soul.
The deer feeling within her the working of the serpent's
poison--runs through the thorns and thickets, and runs
over the green and pleasant pastures--that she may drink
of the fountain and be cured.
Just so, gracious souls, being sensible of the poison and
venom of sin, run from the creatures, which are but as
thorns and thickets; and run over their own duties and
righteousness, which are but as pleasant pastures--to
come to Christ the fountain of life--that they may drink
of those waters of consolation, of those wells of salvation
which are in Him, and cast up and cast out their spiritual
poison, and be cured forever.
Believers know that their sins do most pierce and grieve
the Lord. The sins of God's people, provoke Him most, and
sadden Him most--and this makes them sigh and groan it
out, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from
this body of death?" Romans 7:24
If a snake were to sting your dearly beloved spouse to
death--would you preserve it alive, warm it by the fire,
and hug it in your bosom? Would you not rather stab it
with a thousand wounds?
When Brutus went to stab Julius Caesar, he cried
out, "What, you my son Brutus!" So may God well cry
out, "What, you My son! What, will you stab Me with
your sins! Is it not enough that others stab My honor?
but will you, My son?"
You are wise, and know how to apply it.
Sermon Outline
- I. Sin's Affliction on a Gracious Soul
- A. The deer-like behavior of those who feel the sting of sin
- B. Running from sin's consequences to Christ's salvation
- II. The Lord's Grief Over Sin
- A. The Lord is provoked and saddened by His people's sins
- B. The believer's cry for rescue from sin's bondage
- III. The Father's Anger Over Sin
- A. The metaphor of a snake that has killed one's loved one
- B. The Father's cry of grief and anger over His child's sin
- IV. The Call to Repentance
- A. The need to turn away from sin and towards Christ
- B. The promise of salvation and forgiveness through Christ
Key Quotes
“Sin most afflicts a gracious soul.” — Thomas Brooks
“What, you My son! What, will you stab Me with your sins!” — Thomas Brooks
“You are wise, and know how to apply it.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the sting of sin's consequences and turn to Christ for salvation.
- Understand the Lord's grief and anger over His people's sins and seek forgiveness.
- Turn away from sin and towards Christ, who promises salvation and forgiveness.