The Trifling Portions of This World
God gives the world's trifling portions to the wicked, but His true treasure, Christ, is reserved for His saints.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the contrast between the trivial offerings of the world, which are given to the wicked, and the true treasure of Christ, which is reserved for the saints. He illustrates that while the world is filled with worthless things, the true beauty and value, represented by roses, is found only in the gardens of the faithful. Brooks points out that many may possess false riches, but only a select few truly have God as their portion, highlighting the importance of spiritual wealth over material gain.
Text
God gives the trifling portions of this world to
the vilest and worst of men; but His gold--His Christ,
Himself--He gives only to His saints.
Briers, which are for hogs, grow upon every hedge;
but roses, which are for men, they only grow in
pleasant gardens. You know how to apply it.
Though many have counterfeit jewels, yet there are
but a few who have the true diamond; though many
have their earthly portions, yet there are but a few
who have God for their portion.
Sermon Outline
- The World's Trifling Portions
- The World's Briers and Roses
- The Rarity of True Treasure
- Many Have Counterfeit Jewels
- Few Have the True Diamond
Key Quotes
“God gives the trifling portions of this world to the vilest and worst of men; but His gold--His Christ, Himself--He gives only to His saints.” — Thomas Brooks
“Briers, which are for hogs, grow upon every hedge; but roses, which are for men, they only grow in pleasant gardens.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should not be deceived by the world's fleeting pleasures and possessions, but instead seek a deep and genuine relationship with God.
- True beauty and joy come from a relationship with God, not from the world's trifling portions.
- We should be grateful for the true treasure that God gives to His saints, which is far more valuable than anything the world can offer.