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Thomas Brooks

They Chained and Nailed Their God Apollo to a Post

Thomas Brooks May, 15 2008 Audio
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Choice Puritan Devotional

In his sermon "They Chained and Nailed Their God Apollo to a Post," Thomas Brooks emphasizes the paramount importance of God's presence among His people. He argues that no amount of earthly blessings—be it victory over enemies, abundance of resources, or even the allure of the Promised Land—is worth pursuing if the Lord's presence is not with them. The sermon draws on Exodus 33:15, where Moses expresses a profound longing for God’s presence, asserting that true fulfillment and security stem only from the Holy One dwelling with His people. Brooks highlights the futility of relying on idols, using the analogy of heathens chaining their gods, to demonstrate the notion that real strength and protection derive exclusively from God’s abiding presence. The practical significance lies in encouraging believers to prioritize their relationship with God, recognizing that their safety and satisfaction hinge on His nearness.

Key Quotes

“Oh, but if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

“Lord, nothing will please us, nothing will profit us, nothing will secure us, nothing will satisfy us without your presence.”

“If we let Him go, a thousand worlds cannot make up His absence.”

“Keep God's special presence with you, and nothing shall hurt you, nothing shall burn you.”

What does the Bible say about God's presence?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of God's presence, showing it as essential for security and comfort, especially in Exodus 33:15.

In Exodus 33:15, Moses articulates a profound truth when he states, 'If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.' This highlights that the presence of God is not merely an additive benefit but a crucial requirement for the journey of faith. Throughout Scripture, the presence of God signifies His favor and guidance, which cannot be substituted with any earthly blessing. Moses understood that entering a land flowing with milk and honey would be meaningless in the absence of God's presence. The sovereign grace of God assures us that His presence equips us to face adversities, making us unconquerable against any foe.

Exodus 33:15

How do we know that God's presence is essential for Christians?

God's presence is essential as it provides comfort, security, and strength, as articulated in Moses' plea in Exodus 33:15.

The necessity of God's presence in the life of a believer is clearly exemplified in Moses' prayer. He preferred to remain in a desolate wilderness with God's presence than to possess any earthly promise without it. This sentiment echoes throughout Christian theology, especially within the framework of sovereign grace. The teachings remind us that our true security comes not from physical blessings or victories, but from the abiding presence of God within us. Without this divine companionship, even the smallest adversary can become overwhelming. Thus, understanding God’s presence as essential enriches our faith and reliance on His sovereignty.

Exodus 33:15

Why is seeking God's presence important in our lives?

Seeking God's presence is crucial as it assures us of His guidance and protection, as Moses emphasized in Exodus 33:15.

Seeking the presence of God is important for Christians because it directly impacts our spiritual vitality and well-being. As Moses expressed in Exodus 33:15, the absence of God's presence renders any physical conquest or blessing meaningless. It signifies a profound truth that true fulfillment and strength stem from our relationship with God. In our lives, when we prioritize His presence through prayer and faith, we find the assurance that His guidance will lead us safely through challenges. This pursuit is essential, as it helps us maintain a connection that ensures our spiritual resilience against the trials we face.

Exodus 33:15

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

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They chained and nailed their god Apollo to a post. Moses said unto God, If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.

Nothing would satisfy Moses below the presence of God because he knew that it would be better that they should never move a foot farther as to go on without God's favorable presence.

God promised that his angel would drive all their enemies out of the land. Oh, but if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Yes, but I will bring the necks of all your proud, stout, strong, and subtle enemies under your feet. Oh, but if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Yes, but I will bring you to a land flowing with milk and honey. I will make you suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock, and you shall drink the finest wine. Oh, but if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Yes, but I will bring you to the paradise of the world, to a place of pleasure and delight, to Canaan, a type of heaven. Oh, but if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.

O Lord, if I might have my wish, my desire, my choice, I would infinitely rather to live in a barren, howling wilderness with your presence than in Canaan without it. It is a mercy to have an angel to guard us. It is a mercy to have our enemies sprawling under our feet. It is a mercy to be brought into a pleasant land. Oh, but if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Lord, nothing will please us, nothing will profit us, nothing will secure us, nothing will satisfy us without your presence.

I have read of the Tyrians, that they bound their gods with chains, that they might secure them and not be conquered by their enemies. and among the rest, they chained and nailed their god Apollo to a post that they might be sure to keep their idol because they thought their safety was in it. I am sure of this, that our safety, our comfort, our all lies in the special presence of God with us. Therefore, let us, by faith and prayer, chain God to ourself. If we let Him go, a thousand worlds cannot make up His absence.

The heathens in Troy imagined that so long as their idol was kept safe, they were unconquerable. All the strength and power of Greece would never be able to prevail against them. Therefore, the Grecians sought by all the means they could to get this idol from them. Oh, my friends, so long as you keep the presence of God with you, I am sure you are unconquerable. But if God withdraws his special presence, the weakest enemy will be too hard for you. Yes, wounded men will prevail over you.

The burning bush, which was a type of the church, was not consumed because God was in the midst of it. Oh, do but keep God's special presence with you, and nothing shall hurt you, nothing shall burn you. But if God's special presence departs, nothing can secure you.

Moses said unto God, if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Exodus 33 verse 15.

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