Riches, Prosperity, and Worldly Glory
The sermon warns against the dangers of riches and the futility of pursuing worldly glory, emphasizing the importance of seeking God as the true source of happiness.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of riches, prosperity, and worldly glory, illustrating how they can hinder true happiness and spiritual fulfillment. He references Matthew 19:24 to highlight the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, and warns the rich of impending misery as described in James 5:1-3. Brooks argues that wealth is often a burden rather than a blessing, as seen in Habakkuk 2:6, and stresses the uncertainty of riches, urging believers not to waste their lives in pursuit of material wealth, as noted in Proverbs 23:4-5.
Text
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom
of God!" Matthew 19:24
"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of
the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has
rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold
and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify
against you and eat your flesh like fire!" James 5:1-3
Rich men's wealth proves a hindrance to their happiness.
There is nothing more clear in Scripture and history, than
that riches, prosperity, and worldly glory--have been
commonly the portion of those who don't have God for
their portion. Riches are called thick clay, Hab. 2:6, which
will sooner break the back, than lighten the heart.
There is an utter uncertainty in riches, 1 Tim. 6:17.
"Don't weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste
your time? For riches can disappear as though they
had the wings of a bird!" Proverbs 23:4-5
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Riches
- The Uncertainty of Riches
- The Folly of Worldly Glory
- Misconceptions about Riches
- The True Source of Happiness
- Historical Examples
Key Quotes
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” — Thomas Brooks
“Don't weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird!” — Thomas Brooks
“Rich men's wealth proves a hindrance to their happiness.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the dangers of riches and the uncertainty of wealth, and seek God as the true source of happiness.
- Do not weary yourself trying to get rich, as riches can disappear quickly and lead to misery.
- Pursue a life of simplicity and contentment, trusting in God's provision rather than worldly riches.