Those Who Hunt After It Are Dogs
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing heavenly things over earthly things and the power of faith in overcoming the world.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of pursuing worldly desires, likening those who chase after earthly pleasures to dogs hunting a carcass. He warns that many professing believers prioritize material gains over spiritual fulfillment, neglecting the true richness found in God, Christ, and the promise of eternal life. Brooks encourages believers to live by faith, which not only helps them resist worldly temptations but also grants them victory over them.
Text
The Arabic proverb says, "That the world is a carcass,
and those who hunt after it are dogs." Ah, how
many professors are there, who hunt more after earth
than heaven; who hunt more after terrestrial than
celestial things; who hunt more after nothingnesses
and emptinesses, than they do after those fullnesses
and sweetnesses which are in God, in Christ, in the
covenant, in heaven, and in those paths which lead
to eternal happiness!
"Everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world,
even our faith." 1 John 5:4
Those who live by faith, do not only resist, but
also triumph over all the glittering temptations
of a tempting and enticing world.
Sermon Outline
- The World's Deception
- The Professors' Misdirection
- The Power of Faith
- Faith allows us to overcome the world
- Faith leads to triumph over worldly temptations
Key Quotes
“That the world is a carcass, and those who hunt after it are dogs.” — Thomas Brooks
“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We must prioritize our relationship with God over earthly things and desires.
- Faith is the key to overcoming the world's temptations and achieving eternal happiness.
- We must not be deceived by the world's glittering attractions, but instead focus on God's fullness and sweetness.