The Prosperity of the Wicked
The prosperity of the wicked is nothing compared to the saints' portion in God, who is their matchless and superior treasure.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that believers should not envy the prosperity of the wicked, as their worldly pleasures come with a heavy price in the eyes of God. He illustrates that true wealth lies in having God as one's portion, contrasting the eternal fate of the wicked with the blessedness of the righteous. Brooks uses the example of Lazarus, who, despite his earthly suffering, found comfort in his relationship with God and the promise of eternal life. He urges the faithful to recognize the futility of earthly gains compared to the eternal joy found in God. Ultimately, he reassures believers that their spiritual riches far outweigh any temporary worldly success.
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Oh you who have God for your portion, do not envy, do
not fret and vex, at the prosperity of the wicked; for
even though they have more than their heart can wish,
even though they live in pleasure and wallow in all carnal
and sensual delights--yet they have a sad account to give
to God, and they shall pay dearly at last for all their worldly
enjoyments! For without sound repentance on their part,
and pardoning grace on God's part, they shall forever lose
their immortal souls!
O sirs, remember that Lazarus did not fret nor fume because
Dives had robes for his rags; and delicacies for his scraps.
Lazarus very well knew that though he was without any earthly
good--yet he was not without God. He had a guard of glorious
angels to transport his holy, precious, heaven-born soul into
Abraham's bosom. He knew that it was better to beg on earth,
than to beg in hell.
O sirs, what is . . .
darkness compared to light,
earth compared to heaven,
chaff compared to wheat,
tin compared to silver,
dross compared to gold, or
pebbles compared to pearls?
No more are all earthly portions compared to that God
who is the saints' portion; and, therefore, let not the
saints, who have such a matchless portion, envy the
prosperity and felicity of wicked men.
Sermon Outline
- The Prosperity of the Wicked
- The Saints' Portion
- The Saints' Superior Portion
- The Saints' Unshakeable Hope
Key Quotes
“O sirs, remember that Lazarus did not fret nor fume because Dives had robes for his rags; and delicacies for his scraps.” — Thomas Brooks
“No more are all earthly portions compared to that God who is the saints' portion;” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- I should not envy the wicked's prosperity, but instead focus on my own relationship with God.
- My eternal hope and portion in God is far superior to any earthly pleasure or possession.
- I should prioritize my relationship with God above all else.