An Epitome of All Vanity
The sermon emphasizes that every man, even at his best state, is completely empty and lacking in true value and worth due to Adam's fall.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that every man, at his best state, is ultimately vanity, as stated in Psalms 39:5. He reflects on the fall of Adam, illustrating how humanity has devolved from its original glory to a state of emptiness and insignificance, likening man to dust, a shadow, and a comprehensive vanity. Brooks argues that despite any earthly honors or comforts, all are rendered meaningless in light of man's fallen nature. He poignantly describes the tragic transformation of man from the image of God to a burden to himself and heaven. The sermon serves as a sobering reminder of the need for redemption and the futility of relying on worldly achievements.
Text
"Truly, every man at his best state is altogether vanity."
Psalm 39:5
By Adam's fall, man has become a pile of dust, a puff of
wind; a dream; a shadow; a puff of smoke; a poor silly flea,
a worm, a debased soul, a curious nothing. Yes, man having
fallen from his primitive glory, has become altogether vanity,
says the prophet in Psalm 39:5, "Truly, every man at his best
state is altogether vanity." Truly, every man--not some man,
but every man at his best state, when he is in the height and
perfection of all creature comforts and contentments, is
altogether, not in some measure--but altogether, vanity--all
vanity. Since the fall of Adam every natural man in his best
estate is vanity; nay, every man is every vanity. Imagine
whatever vanity you will--fallen man is that. He is a
comprehensive vanity--he is an epitome of all vanity.
Man in honor, before his fall, was the best of creatures; but
since his fall, he has become the worst of creatures. By his
fall he is fallen below the very beasts which perish. He who
was once the image of God, the glory of paradise, the world's
ruler, and the Lord's darling--has now become a burden to
heaven, a burden to himself.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Man's Vanity
- The Extent of Man's Vanity
- The Contrast Between Man's Original and Fallen State
- Man's original glory
- Man's fallen state
Key Quotes
“Truly, every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” — Thomas Brooks
“Man having fallen from his primitive glory, has become altogether vanity,” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize your own fallen state and the emptiness of your own life without God.
- Understand the significance of Adam's fall and its impact on humanity.
- Seek to understand and appreciate the glory of God and the original state of humanity.