God Takes Away the Creature
God takes away our outward mercies, natural strength, and the creature so that we may prize and appreciate spiritual and heavenly things more.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God sometimes removes earthly comforts and securities from His people to help them recognize the true value of spiritual and heavenly blessings. By taking away what is temporary, believers are encouraged to seek and appreciate their Savior more deeply. Brooks highlights that true satisfaction comes not from worldly possessions but from a relationship with God, who is the ultimate source of strength and fulfillment. He reminds us that even in our weakness, God remains our portion forever.
Text
("A Believer's Last Day, His Best Day")
Diogenes noted the folly of the men of his time--that
they undervalued the best things--but overvalued the
worst things. Ah, that this were not the sin and shame
of professors in these days!
God sometimes strips His people of their nearest and
dearest outward mercies--that they may the more prize,
and the better taste--of spiritual and heavenly mercies.
God takes away uncertain riches--that His
people may the more prize certain riches!
God takes away natural strength--that His
people may the more prize spiritual strength!
God takes away the creature--that His
people may more prize their Savior.
Spiritual and heavenly things can alone satisfy
the soul. The language of a godly man is this,
"Ah, Lord! the good things which I have from
You, though they may refresh me--yet they
cannot satisfy me without Yourself!"
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth
has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and
my heart may fail, but God is the strength of
my heart and my portion forever!" Ps. 73:25-26
Sermon Outline
- God's Purposes in Taking Away
- What God Takes Away
- The Satisfying Power of Spiritual Things
- Uncertain Riches
- Natural Strength
- The Creature
Key Quotes
“Ah, Lord! the good things which I have from You, though they may refresh me--yet they cannot satisfy me without Yourself!” — Thomas Brooks
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You.” — Thomas Brooks
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize that spiritual and heavenly things are the only things that can truly satisfy the soul.
- Depend on God as the strength of your heart and your portion forever.
- Prize and appreciate the spiritual and heavenly mercies that God gives you.