Self is the only oil that makes the chariot-wheels of the hypocrite move in all religious concerns.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that hypocrisy is fueled by self-interest, particularly in matters of religion.
In this quote, Thomas Brooks emphasizes that hypocrisy in religious contexts is driven by an individual's self-serving intentions. He likens self-interest to oil that helps the wheels of a chariot, indicating that without personal motives, hypocritical actions would not function. This illustrates a larger commentary on the nature of faith and the authentic practice of spirituality versus the pretense of belief.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the importance of authenticity in faith, this quote can serve as a caution against hypocrisy.
Remember this-all the sighing, mourning, sobbing, and complaining in the world, does not so undeniably evidence a man to be humble, as his overlooking his own righteousness, and living really and purely upon the righteousness of Christ.
Grace and glory differ very little; the one is the seed, the other is the flower; grace is glory militant, glory is grace triumphant.
He is the best preacher, not that tickles the ear, but that breaks the heart.
Ah! sinner, remember this, there is no way on earth effectually to be rid of the guilt, filth, and power of sin, but by believing in a Saviour. It is not resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning, but believing, that will make thee divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith.
Humility can weep over other men's weaknesses, and joy and rejoice over their graces.
A Christian will part with anything rather than his hope; he knows that hope will keep the heart both from aching and breaking, from fainting and sinking; he knows that hope is a beam of God, a spark of glory, and that nothing shall extinguish it till the soul be filled with glory.
God has cast our confessed sins into the depths of the sea, and He's even put a 'No Fishing' sign over the spot.
I also learned that a person was not necessarily bad just because you did not agree with him, and that if you believed in something, you had better be prepared to defend it.
My books are about killing God.
My country's main exports are stolen cars and sadness.
The most distressing thing that can happen to a prophet is to be proved wrong. The next most distressing thing is to be proved right.
The spells are made up. I have met people who assure me, very seriously, that they are trying to do them, and I can assure them, just as seriously, that they donβt work.
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