The Land of Cabul
The sermon emphasizes the fleeting nature of earthly inheritances and the eternal value of the heavenly inheritance.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of earthly inheritances, illustrating how they are subject to corruption and loss, much like the worthless land of Cabul given by Solomon. He warns that reliance on material wealth leads to impure desires and false confidence, ultimately resulting in spiritual decay. In contrast, Brooks highlights the value of an incorruptible inheritance found in Christ, which remains untouched by earthly troubles and offers true fulfillment. He encourages believers to seek their hope and security in heavenly treasures rather than transient earthly possessions.
Text
"An incorruptible inheritance." 1 Peter 1:4
All earthly inheritances are liable to corruption; they
are true gardens of Adonis--where we can gather
nothing but trivial flowers, surrounded with many
briars, thorns and thistles.
Oh, the hands, the hearts, the thoughts, the lives--
which have been corrupted by earthly inheritances!
Oh, the impure love, the carnal confidence, the vain
boastings, the sensual joys--which have been the
products of earthly inheritances!
If a man's estate lies in money--that may rust, or
thieves may break in and steal it. If a man's estate
lies in cattle--they may die, or fall into the hands of
the Sabeans and Chaldeans. If a man's estate lies
in houses--they may be burnt. Witness the recent
dreadful fire that turned London into a ruinous heap!
If a man's estate lies in lands--a foreign enemy may
invade them and conquer them.
All earthly inheritances are no better than the cities
which Solomon gave to Hiram, which he called Cabul,
that is, 'worthless, good-for-nothing, displeasing, dirty.'
"But when Hiram went from Tyre to see the towns that
Solomon had given him, he was not pleased with them.
'What kind of towns are these you have given me, my
brother?' he asked. And he called them the Land of
Cabul, a name they have to this day." 1 Kings 9:12-13
Earthly inheritances do but dirt, daub, and dust people.
It is only the heavenly inheritance which is incorruptible.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Earthly Inheritances
- The Problem with Earthly Inheritances
- The Heavenly Inheritance
- Incorruptible and Eternal
- A True Treasure
Key Quotes
“All earthly inheritances are no better than the cities which Solomon gave to Hiram, which he called Cabul, that is, 'worthless, good-for-nothing, displeasing, dirty.'” — Thomas Brooks
“Earthly inheritances do but dirt, daub, and dust people.” — Thomas Brooks
“It is only the heavenly inheritance which is incorruptible.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the corruptible nature of earthly inheritances and focus on spiritual treasures.
- Seek the heavenly inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Let go of earthly attachments and trust in God's eternal plan.