Without a Rag on His Back, or a Penny in His Purse!
Having God as our portion is the key to a life of true wealth and happiness, and it is infinitely better to go to heaven as a beggar than to go to hell as an emperor.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that having God as our portion is far more valuable than earthly riches. He illustrates this by contrasting Lazarus, who, despite his poverty, found eternal hope in God, with Dives, who, despite his wealth, faced eternal damnation. The sermon highlights that true wealth lies in our relationship with God, and it is better to enter heaven in humility than to face hell with worldly glory. Brooks encourages believers to place their hope in God above all material possessions.
Text
"The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore
I will hope in Him." Lamentations 3:24
Lazarus having God for his portion, when he died he went
to heaven without a rag on his back, or a penny in his
purse! Whereas Dives, who did not have God for his portion
when he died--went tumbling down to hell in all his riches,
bravery, and glory. Oh! it is infinitely better to go to heaven
a beggar--than to go to hell an emperor!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Having God as Our Portion
- The Consequences of Having God as Our Portion
- The Better Option
- Going to Heaven as a Beggar
- Going to Hell as an Emperor
Key Quotes
“Lazarus having God for his portion, when he died he went to heaven without a rag on his back, or a penny in his purse!” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh! it is infinitely better to go to heaven a beggar--than to go to hell an emperor!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should seek to have a deepening relationship with God, trusting in His provision and care.
- True wealth and status come from having a relationship with God, rather than accumulating wealth and material possessions.
- We should prioritize our faith and trust in God above all else.