You Take the Goods
The sermon emphasizes the soul's deep desire for God and the futility of seeking satisfaction in the world without Christ.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep longing of the soul for God, comparing it to a deer thirsting for water. He illustrates that worldly possessions and honors cannot satisfy the spiritual hunger of the soul, which craves the presence of Christ above all else. Brooks argues that just as the king of Sodom prioritized people over goods, so too should believers prioritize their relationship with Christ over material wealth. The sermon calls for a recognition that true fulfillment comes only from the 'bread of life' and the 'wellsprings of life.' Ultimately, the message is a passionate plea for believers to seek Christ as their ultimate source of joy and satisfaction.
Text
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants
for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?" Psalm 42:1-2
The rattle without the breast, will not satisfy the child,
the house without the husband, will not satisfy the wife,
the cabinet without the jewel, will not satisfy the maiden,
nor will the world without Christ, satisfy the soul.
The hungry soul will not be put off with any bread but
with the bread of life; the thirsty soul will not be put off
with any water but with the wellsprings of life.
As the king of Sodom said once, "You take the goods,
give me the people," Gen. 14:21. Just so, says the hungry
soul, "You take the goods--take your honors, and riches,
and the favor of creatures, take the grain, the oil,
and the wine; give me Christ, give me the light of His
countenance, give me the joy of His Spirit, etc."
Sermon Outline
- The Hunger of the Soul
- The Futility of Worldly Satisfaction
- The Soul's Demand for Christ
- The soul's desire for Christ's presence
- The soul's longing for Christ's joy
Key Quotes
“The hungry soul will not be put off with any bread but with the bread of life;” — Thomas Brooks
“You take the goods, give me the people,” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the deep longing of your soul for God's presence and love.
- Seek satisfaction in Christ, not in the world's fleeting pleasures.
- Demand Christ's presence, joy, and Spirit in your life.