Amos 4:6
God's dealings with Israel become a parable to illustrate the importance of preparation to meet Him.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that God's dealings with Israel serve as a parable for all humanity, illustrating His desire for everyone to turn to Him. He highlights that God intentionally places obstacles in our lives, including the ultimate challenge of facing the cross, to lead us toward repentance. Smith reminds us that all individuals will stand before God, either condemned or innocent, and stresses the importance of being prepared for that encounter. He warns against living solely for this life, using examples like the rich fool and the five foolish virgins to illustrate the necessity of spiritual readiness. Ultimately, true preparation involves more than mere reformation; it requires a genuine transformation of the heart.
Text
I. GOD'S DEALlNG WITH ISRAEL BECOMES PARABLE. A. "God is not willing that any should perish." 1. He purposely allows events to turn us to Himself. 2. He puts obstacles in our path finally the cross itself. a. Young man who desired to go out. B. All are to face God. 1. We will stand before Him condemned or innocent. 2. "As it is appointed unto man once to die." 3. Good or bad all will someday stand before the sovereign creator. C. The wise will prepare to meet Him. 1. Why preparation necessary. a. Sinful nature. b. Sinful by practice. 2. Rich fool in Luke. a. "Thou fool this night." b. Building for this life only. 3. Five foolish virgins. a. "And they that were ready..." 4. How to prepare. a. Not reformation.
Sermon Outline
- GOD'S DEALING WITH ISRAEL BECOMES PARABLE
Key Quotes
“God is not willing that any should perish.” — Chuck Smith
“As it is appointed unto man once to die.” — Chuck Smith
“Thou fool this night.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must prepare to meet God through spiritual transformation, not just external reformation.
- Our sinful nature and practice require us to take preparation seriously.
- God's intention is to draw us to Himself, even if it means allowing difficult circumstances to occur.