Mixed or Unmixed?
God is a pure and unmixed light, while all earthly goods are mixed with drawbacks, and high places in life can be slippery and lead to downfall.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the distinction between God's pure light and the mixed nature of worldly possessions. He explains that while God is entirely free from darkness, earthly pursuits are fraught with troubles and sorrows, making them ultimately vain. Brooks illustrates that even the most seemingly desirable things come with hidden burdens, akin to a crown lined with thorns. He warns that ambition for high places brings not only cares but also the risk of moral and spiritual downfall. The sermon calls believers to seek the unmixed light of God rather than the mixed portions of the world.
Text
"God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all."
1 John 1:5
Light expels darkness, it never mixes nor mingles with
it. God is a pure and an unmixed light, and there is
absolutely no darkness in Him.
Light is the most unmixed substance; it will never mix
with darkness--neither will God.
But all worldly portions are mixed with many . . .
troubles,
sorrows,
cares,
fears,
hazards,
dangers,
vexations,
oppositions,
crosses,
losses.
All earthly portions are mixed portions!
The goodness of all creatures is a mixed goodness.
Every bee has his sting, and every rose has his prickles.
And this mixture speaks out all earthly portions to be
"vanity and vexation of spirit," Ecclesiastes 1:13.
That great king Xerxes was accustomed to say--'You
look upon my crown and my purple robes--but if
you knew how they were lined with thorns--you
would not stoop to pick them up!' Great places are
not free from great cares. No man knows the weight
of a scepter, but he who sways it. Many a sleepless
night, many a restless day, many a sad temptation,
and many a busy shift, will their ambition cost them
--who aspire to such places of eminency. Besides,
high places are commonly very slippery; he who
stands in them may suddenly fall, and wound his
conscience, or easily fall and break his neck.
Sermon Outline
- God's Nature as Unmixed Light
- Worldly Portions are Mixed
- High Places are Slippery
- Great cares and responsibilities
- Ambition can lead to downfall
Key Quotes
“Light expels darkness, it never mixes nor mingles with it.” — Thomas Brooks
“All earthly portions are mixed portions!” — Thomas Brooks
“High places are commonly very slippery; he who stands in them may suddenly fall, and wound his conscience, or easily fall and break his neck.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should be aware of the drawbacks of earthly goods and not become too attached to them.
- We should be cautious of the dangers of high places in life and not let ambition lead us to downfall.
- We should strive to maintain a pure and unmixed heart, like God's nature.