Fading Glory!
The sermon emphasizes the fleeting nature of earthly inheritances and the lasting nature of the heavenly inheritance, which remains fresh and resplendent for believers.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transient nature of earthly glory, comparing it to flowers that quickly wither and fade. He reflects on the historical rise and fall of great kingdoms, illustrating that all worldly inheritances ultimately lose their splendor. In contrast, he highlights the eternal and unchanging glory of the heavenly inheritance promised to believers, which remains vibrant and everlasting. Brooks encourages his listeners to seek this incorruptible inheritance, reminding them of the joy and security it brings. The sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly achievements compared to the lasting glory found in God.
Text
"An inheritance which does not fade away." 1 Peter 1:4
This is a metaphor taken from flowers. The beauty
of flowers, and the sweetness of flowers--wither in
a moment, and are quickly gone. And then they are
good for nothing but to be cast upon the ash-heap!
So it is with all earthly inheritances--they soon lose
their glory and fragrancy. Where is the glory of the
Chaldean, Persian, Grecian, and Roman kingdoms?
Fading glory! has been long since, written upon
them all! Yes, all the glory of the world is like the
flower of the field--which soon fades away!
How many great men and great kingdoms have for
a time shined in great glory, even like so many suns
in the sky--but are now vanished away like so many
blazing comets! How soon is the courtier's glory
eclipsed--if his prince does but frown upon him! And
how soon does the prince become a peasant--if God
does but frown upon him!
Indeed the excellency of the heavenly inheritance, is
that it will never fade or wither away. All the glory of
heaven is like God Himself--lasting, yes, everlasting!
This never-fading inheritance of believers is always
fresh and resplendent. The glory of believers shall
never fade nor wither, nor grow old nor rusty. Thrice
happy are those who have a share in this incorruptible
inheritance!
Sermon Outline
- The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Inheritances
- The Lasting Nature of the Heavenly Inheritance
- The Blessings of the Never-Fading Inheritance
- The inheritance is always fresh and resplendent
- Believers will never experience fading glory
Key Quotes
“The glory of flowers, and the sweetness of flowers--wither in a moment, and are quickly gone.” — Thomas Brooks
“All the glory of the world is like the flower of the field--which soon fades away!” — Thomas Brooks
“Thrice happy are those who have a share in this incorruptible inheritance!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the fleeting nature of earthly inheritances and the glory of the world.
- Seek to have a share in the heavenly inheritance, which is lasting and everlasting.
- Trust in the never-fading inheritance of believers, which remains fresh and resplendent.