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Thomas Watson

Playing with monkeys and parrots

Thomas Watson • July, 5 2008 • Audio
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Choice Puritan Devotional

In "Playing with Monkeys and Parrots," Thomas Watson addresses the doctrine of eternal joy in heaven, emphasizing its unparalleled and infinite nature. He argues that true satisfaction is only found in the eternal presence of God, as articulated in Psalm 16:11, which speaks to the unending joys at God's right hand. Watson asserts that earthly pursuits are ultimately futile compared to the glory and joy of heaven, where God satisfies the deepest longings of the soul—a theme supported by Psalm 36:8. The practical significance of this message urges believers to seek spiritual fulfillment in eternal matters instead of temporal distractions, aligning with Reformed theology’s focus on the sufficiency of grace and the eternal state of believers.

Key Quotes

“When once God has set his plans in the celestial paradise, he will never more pluck them up.”

“Heaven alone is commensurate to the vast desires of the soul.”

“It is as impossible for any man in his deepest thoughts to comprehend glory as it would be for him to measure the heavens with a ruler.”

“Who would, for the indulging of lust, forfeit so glorious an inheritance?”

What does the Bible say about eternal happiness?

The Bible describes eternal happiness as an abundant, unending joy found in the presence of God.

Eternal happiness is the highest form of joy for the believer, as expressed in Psalm 16:11, which assures us that in God's presence there is fullness of joy. The beauty of heaven is characterized by a joy that is continuous and never falters; it is a state of eternal bliss where believers experience complete satisfaction in the presence of Christ. The glories of heaven are incomparable and infinitely fulfilling, outshining anything the world has to offer.

Psalm 16:11, Psalm 36:8

How do we know heaven will satisfy our deepest desires?

Heaven satisfies our deepest desires because it is the only place where our souls can find complete fulfillment.

The satisfaction found in heaven is unparalleled and is described as being like rivers of delight, as seen in Psalm 36:8. Heaven is designed by God to meet the vast desires of our souls perfectly—every longing, every aspiration will be met in His presence. The fullness and abundance of bliss provided in heaven are beyond anything we can imagine; thus, believers can confidently trust that heaven will provide a joy that Earth cannot satisfy.

Psalm 36:8

Why is the glory of heaven important for Christians?

The glory of heaven is essential for Christians as it represents the ultimate hope and reward of eternal life with God.

Understanding the glory of heaven shapes the Christian perspective on life, encouraging believers to focus on eternal truths rather than worldly distractions. In heaven, believers are promised unparalleled beauty, purity, and an inheritance more significant than anything on Earth. This heavenly promise motivates Christians to resist the temptations of the world and set their minds on things above, fostering a spiritual focus that transcends temporal concerns.

Colossians 3:2, Romans 8:18

What comparison does the sermon make between earthly pleasures and heaven?

The sermon contrasts earthly pleasures, seen as fleeting, with the everlasting joy found in heaven.

The sermon uses vivid imagery to illustrate the futility of earthly pleasures compared to the boundless joy of heaven. Just as Caesar remarked on the absurdity of women playing with monkeys instead of engaging in more significant pursuits, believers should recognize the madness of prioritizing temporary satisfactions over eternal delights. The comparison shows that earthly vanities are lighter than vanity and cannot provide the soul's true satisfaction, highlighting that heaven is the ultimate source of joy.

Philippians 3:19, Matthew 6:19-21

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

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Playing with Monkeys and Parrots by Thomas Watson. You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16 verse 11.

Eternity is the highest link of the saint's happiness. The believer shall be forever bathing in the pure and pleasant fountain of bliss. There is neither intermission nor expiration in the joys of heaven. When once God has set his plans in the celestial paradise, he will never more pluck them up. You may sooner separate light from the sun than a glorified saint from Jesus Christ. O eternity, eternity, what a never-failing spring of delight will that be!

The glory of heaven is infinitely satisfying. There is neither lack nor excess. This cannot be properly said of anything but heaven. You who look to the world for satisfaction, remember what the creature says, it is not in me. Heaven alone is commensurate to the vast desires of the soul. Here the Christian cries out in a divine ecstasy, I have enough, my Savior, I have enough.

Oh, eternity, eternity, what a never-failing spring of delight will that be. You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, letting them drink from Your rivers of delight." Psalm 36 verse 8. Not drops, but rivers. These alone can quench the thirst. Every day in heaven shall be a feast. There is no lack at this feast. Here is soul satisfaction.

Oh, the glory of this paradise! It is more than we can ever imagine. There is unspotted purity, unstained honor, unparalleled beauty. There will God give us infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. Is not this enough? What more could we ask for? A man could ask for millions of worlds, but in heaven, God will give us more than we can ask, nay, more than we can ever imagine.

We could imagine what if all the dust of the earth were turned to silver? What if every stone were a wedge of gold? What if every flower were a ruby? What if every blade of grass were a pearl? What if every sand in the sea were a diamond? Yet all this is nothing compared to the glory of heaven. It is as impossible for any man in his deepest thoughts to comprehend glory as it would be for him to measure the heavens with a ruler or drain the great ocean with a thimble.

Oh, incomparable place! But why do I expatiate? These things are unspeakable and full of glory. Had I as many tongues as hairs on my head, I could never sufficiently set forth the beauty and resplendence of this blissful inheritance. Such is the excellency of this celestial paradise, that if the angels should take up their pencil to delineate it in its colors, they would but stain and eclipse the glory of it.

I have given you only the dark shadow of the picture, and that but crudely and imperfectly. How should we be inflamed with desire to taste of those rare and sweet delicacies which are above at God's right hand? Oh, what madness is it for men to spin out their time and tire out their strength in pursuing the vanities of this world? Who would, for the indulging of lust, forfeit so glorious an inheritance?

lay the whole world in scales with heaven, it is lighter than vanity. It is reported of Caesar that traveling through a certain city, as he passed along, he saw some of the women playing with monkeys and parrots, at which sight he said, What, have they no children to play with? So I say, when I see men toying with these earthly and beggarly vanities, what, Are there not more glorious and sublime things to mind?

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