Paulinus Nolanus
Christ is our greatest treasure, our chief joy, and our source of fulfillment, and He should be our priority in times of loss.
Thomas Brooks reflects on the profound faith of Paulinus Nolanus, who, despite losing his city and worldly possessions, finds solace in Christ, declaring Him to be more valuable than gold, silver, or honor. Brooks emphasizes that in times of loss, Christians can find their true treasure in Christ, who surpasses all earthly joys and relationships. He encourages believers to recognize Christ as their ultimate delight and source of fulfillment, asserting that Christ is indeed all they need.
Text
Paulinus Nolanus, when his city was taken from
him, prayed thus, "Lord! let me not be troubled at
the loss of my gold, silver, honor--for You are all,
and much more than all these unto me!"
Christian! In the absence of all your sweetest
enjoyments, Christ will be all in all unto you!
"My jewels are my husband," said one.
"My ornaments are my two sons," said another.
"My treasures are my friends," said yet another.
And so may a Christian, under his greatest losses
say--"Christ is my richest jewel, my chief treasure,
my best ornament, my sweetest delight! What all
these things are to a carnal heart, to a worldly heart
--that and more--is Christ to me!"
"Christ is all!" Colossians 3:11
Sermon Outline
- I. The Loss of Worldly Possessions
- A. The loss of gold, silver, and honor
- B. The loss of sweetest enjoyments
- II. Christ as Our Greatest Treasure
- A. Christ as our richest jewel
- B. Christ as our chief treasure
- C. Christ as our best ornament
- III. Christ as Our Greatest Delight
- A. Christ as our sweetest delight
- B. Christ as our source of joy
Key Quotes
“Christ will be all in all unto you!” — Thomas Brooks
“Christ is my richest jewel, my chief treasure, my best ornament, my sweetest delight!” — Thomas Brooks
“Christ is all!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Prioritize Christ as your greatest treasure and source of joy in times of loss.
- Find joy in Christ, who is all and more than all your worldly possessions.
- Make Christ your greatest delight by prioritizing Him in your life and finding joy in Him.