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  HE LIVED POOR AND DIED POOR
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Christ's poverty and humility are a model for His followers to
live by, seeking spiritual wealth over material wealth and finding honor
in emulating their Lord's example.

Topics: "Humility", "Contentment in Suffering"
Scripture References: Matthew 5:3, Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58, John 15:20, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:7-8, Hebrews 4:15, James 1:12, 1 Peter 2:21

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the humble and poor condition of Jesus Christ,
who lived without a home and died in poverty, contrasting His life with
the worldly wealth that many seek. He reminds believers that Christ's
lowly state serves as a model for their own struggles, encouraging them
to find solace in their hardships by recognizing that they are not worse
off than their Lord. Brooks urges Christians to reflect on Christ's
humility to cultivate a spirit of contentment and resilience in the face
of their own trials.

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CONTENT
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"Jesus replied--Foxes have holes and birds of the

air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place

to lay His head." Matthew 8:20

Jesus does not say, Kings have palaces--but I have none.

Nor He does say that rich men have houses and lands and

mansions to entertain their followers--but I have none;

but, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests,

but I have no place to lay My head."

Your outward condition is not worse than Christ's was

when he was in the world. Christ's condition was low,

yes, very low and humble in this world. He was born in

a feeding trough, lived on the charity of others, and did

not have enough money to pay His taxes. The great

Architect of the world had no place to lay his head--but

emptied Himself of all, and became poor to make us

rich, not in goods--but in grace; not in worldly wealth

--but in the treasures of the eternal world. He lived

poor and died poor.

Are you houseless, are you penniless, are you poor,

and low, and base in this world? So was Christ!

Remember "the servant is not greater than his Lord!"

It is unfitting to see the Head all begored with blood

and crowned with thorns--and the members to be

decked with roses and jewels, and to smell of rich

spices, and perfumes!

Are you in a worse condition than Christ was in this

world? Oh no, no! Why then do you murmur and

complain? Why do you say there is no sorrow compared

to your sorrow, nor any suffering compared to your

suffering? O sirs! it is honor enough for the disciples

of Christ to fare as Christ fared in this world. Why

should the servant be in a better condition than his

Lord? Did you but seriously and frequently meditate

and ponder upon the poverty and low estate of Christ

while He was in this world, your hearts would be more

calm and quiet under all their crosses and losses!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/he-lived-poor-and-died-poor/
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