Eternal Riches
Thomas Manton emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal riches over transient worldly wealth in his sermon 'Eternal Riches'.
Thomas Manton preaches about the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the enduring nature of God's Word. He emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal treasures over temporary pleasures, as everything in the world is passing away. Manton encourages focusing on the immortal soul's need for eternal good and the lasting riches found in righteousness. He warns against being content with outward happiness that fades away, urging the congregation to prioritize the better, eternal part that cannot be taken away.
Text
"The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever" (1 Peter 1:24-25).
Be not contented with outward happiness; things are worthy according to their duration. Nature hath such a sense of God's eternity that the more lasting things are, it accounteth them the better. The immortal soul must have an eternal good. Now all things in the world are frail and passing away, therefore they are called 'uncertain riches,' 1 Tim. 6:17, compared with Prov. 8:18, 'Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.' The flower of these things perisheth, their grace passeth away; in the midst of their pride and beauty, like Herod in his royalty, they vanish and are blasted.
The better part is not taken away: Luke 10:42, 'Mary hath chosen the better part, which cannot be taken away from her.' A man may outlive his happiness, be stripped of the flower of all. Worldly glory is sure to end with life, that is transitory; and still they are uncertain riches, uncertain whether we shall get them, uncertain whether we shall keep them. By a care of the better part, we may have these things with a blessing: Matt. 6:33, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, and all these things shall be added to you.'
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The transience of worldly riches - Comparison of worldly and eternal wealth - The nature of uncertain riches
- II points: - The importance of seeking eternal good - The immortal soul's need for lasting fulfillment - Scriptural references to eternal riches
- III points: - The futility of worldly glory - The concept of the 'better part' - How to attain true happiness
- IV points: - The role of faith in securing eternal riches - The blessings of prioritizing God's kingdom - Living with an eternal perspective
Key Quotes
“The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.” — Thomas Manton
“Be not contented with outward happiness; things are worthy according to their duration.” — Thomas Manton
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Thomas Manton
Application Points
- Prioritize spiritual wealth by seeking God's kingdom first.
- Recognize the temporary nature of worldly possessions and focus on eternal values.
- Cultivate an eternal perspective to find true happiness and fulfillment.