Rattles and Baubles
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.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- The Concern of Weak Christians
- The Character of Those Rich in Grace
- The Preference of Those Strong in Grace
- One good word from God above all dainties
- Spiritual communion and heavenly riches
Key Quotes
“It is childish to be concerned more with the rattles and baubles of this world, than with heavenly riches.” — Thomas Brooks
“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.” — Thomas Brooks
“Give me but bread to eat and clothes to wear--and you shall be my God.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- As a Christian, prioritize spiritual enjoyments over earthly things.
- Recognize that a little of this world can satisfy those who are strong in grace, but may not satisfy those who are weak in grace.
- Seek to cultivate a heart that is strong in grace and desires spiritual communion with God.