True Righteousness
True Righteousness2
Splendida Peccata
By Thomas Brooks0ISA 64:6JHN 15:5ROM 12:1EPH 2:10COL 3:23Thomas Brooks emphasizes that all our good works and services must originate from God, be directed towards God, be done in God, and align with God's will; otherwise, they are merely 'splendida peccata' or splendid sins. He warns that without divine guidance and purpose, even our best intentions can fall short of true righteousness. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on the motivations behind our actions and the necessity of divine involvement in our lives.
Quiet Zeal
By A.W. Tozer0ISA 42:2MAT 23:15JHN 2:17ROM 12:11GAL 4:18PHP 2:14COL 3:23TIT 2:14JAS 1:201PE 3:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between noisy zeal and the quiet zeal that reflects true godliness. He critiques those who are overly zealous in their pursuits, often creating chaos and distraction, while highlighting that genuine zeal, like that of Christ, is marked by humility and compassion. Tozer illustrates this with an anecdote about a passionate advocate for animal rights whose efforts, though well-intentioned, ultimately led to futility. He reminds us that true zeal should not be loud and disruptive but rather a quiet, steadfast commitment to righteousness. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to be zealous in a way that aligns with God's character.