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  RATTLES AND BAUBLES
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Those who are strong in grace prioritize spiritual enjoyments
over earthly things, while those who are weak in grace are consumed by
their concerns for the world.

Topics: "Worldly Distractions", "Spiritual Maturity"
Scripture References: Genesis 28:21, Matthew 6:19

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that weak Christians often become overly
concerned with the trivial and material aspects of life, indicating a
lack of spiritual strength and grace. He argues that true richness in
grace leads believers to prioritize their relationship with God over
earthly possessions, as exemplified by Jacob's humble request for basic
needs. Brooks illustrates that those who are spiritually mature find
contentment in God's love and presence rather than in worldly treasures,
viewing them with disdain. He warns against being distracted by the
'rattles and baubles' of this world, urging believers to seek heavenly
riches instead.

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CONTENT
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Weak Christians are usually much concerned and taken

up with the poor base things of this world. They are

much in carking and caring for them, and in pursuing

and hunting greedily after them. All which does clearly

evidence--that their graces are very weak, and their

corruptions very strong.

Certainly there is but little of Christ and grace within,

where the heart is so strongly concerned about earthly

things. Where there is such strong love and workings

of heart after these poor things--it shows the soul's

enjoyment of God to be but poor and low. Those who

are rich and strong in grace, look upon the world with

a holy scorn and disdain.

The greatest bargain which a soul rich in grace will

make with God for himself is this, "Give me but bread

to eat and clothes to wear--and you shall be my God."

So it was with that brave soul in Genesis 28:21. Jacob

desires but bread and clothing. Mark, he asks bread

--not dainties; clothing--not ornaments.

Grown men prefer one piece of gold, above a thousand

new pennies. A soul who is strong in grace, who is high

in its spiritual enjoyments, prefers one good word from

God, above all the dainties of this world. Souls who know

by experience what the bosom of Christ is, what spiritual

communion is, what the glory of heaven is--will not be

put off with things which are mixed, mutable, and

momentary. "Lord," he prays, "Warm my heart with

the beams of Your love--and then a little of these

things will suffice."

It is childish to be concerned more with the rattles

and baubles of this world, than with heavenly riches.

A little of this world will satisfy one who is strong in grace,

much will not satisfy one who is weak in grace,

nothing will satisfy one who is void of grace.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/rattles-and-baubles/
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