Amos 8:11
The sermon addresses the spiritual famine for the Word of God, its causes, effects, and the necessary steps to seek God's voice again.
Chuck Smith addresses the alarming famine for the Word of God, emphasizing that while the Bible remains widely available, many fail to hear or understand its message. He explains that this famine arises from humanity's tendency to substitute the Creator with created things, leading to a spiritual void and restlessness, particularly among the youth. Smith warns that idolatry and materialism contribute to this famine, leaving society searching for fulfillment in the wrong places. He calls for a return to God, urging individuals to abandon their idols and seek the Lord earnestly to hear His voice once more.
Text
"THE FAMINE FOR THE WORD OF GOD"
Intro: For years the Bible has been the #1 seller. Yet there is a famine
for the Word of God. Amos a layman, herdsman & fig picker. Prophet
to Israel first message to Damascus - Gaza - Tyre - Edon - Moab -
Judah - mild -thunders against sins of Israel - privilege
creates responsibility. Great judgment - Famine for Word.
I. WHAT IS MEANT BY FAMINE FOR WORD OF GOD?
A. Not that God ceases to speak.
B. Man no longer understands or hears.
1. No message from the unseen.
2. No message to the deepest area of life.
3. No consciousness of the infinite.
4. No thrill to the voice of God.
C. What is the reason for man's lack? vs. 14
1. Substitution of the creature for the creator.
a. Substitute nature for God.
b. "...Priest for God.
c. "...Ceremony for God.
d. Though God's voice speaking you never hear;
stopped short of God.
e. It's not that the letter killeth.
D. Idolatry always results in famine.
II. WHAT DOES THE FAMINE PRODUCE?
A. Restlessness -a search.
1. An ignorant restlessness.
2. They really don't know what they are searching for
3. A semi-conscious restlessness.
a. Try to substitute something very religious for
the Word of God.
1. Lodges.
2. Theosophy & Christian Science - Unity
God without government; sin without
guilt.
3. A conscious search that finds no
answer.
a. Looking for something new & novel.
b. They search the scriptures not to find Christ
but to find some new theory.
Materialism is a perpetual lust; an unanswered agony of desire.
Ill. WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE FAMINE?
A. The whole society but it manifests itself in the youth. vs. 13
1. The prophet speaks of the effects upon the next
generation - fair virgins & young men.
2. Those with the life all ahead of them fainting for
thirst.
3. We have fed our youth with hulls & chaff & now wonder
why they are not strong.
4. A man I know with a great drinking problem tells me he
doesn't need faith in Christ. It's a crutch for weak
people, he has decided God doesn't exist.
IV. WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO THE FAMINE?
A. Put away our idolatries, quit worshipping & serving the
creature.
B. Quit running around after experiences "Last days not enduring
sound doctrine..."
C. Seek the Lord and His Word, until He begins to speak to you.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''Not that God ceases to speak.'', ''B'': ''Man no longer understands or hears.'', ''C'': ''What is the reason for man''s lack?'', ''D'': ''Idolatry always results in famine.''}' - WHAT IS MEANT BY FAMINE FOR WORD OF GOD?
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Restlessness - a search.'', ''B'': ''An ignorant restlessness.'', ''C'': ''A conscious search that finds no answer.''}' - WHAT DOES THE FAMINE PRODUCE?
- III points: - '{''A'': ''The whole society but it manifests itself in the youth.'', ''B'': ''The effects upon the next generation.'', ''C'': ''We have fed our youth with hulls & chaff.''}' - WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE FAMINE?
- IV points: - '{''A'': ''Put away our idolatries.'', ''B'': ''Quit running around after experiences.'', ''C'': ''Seek the Lord and His Word.''}' - WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO THE FAMINE?
Key Quotes
“It's not that the letter killeth.” — Chuck Smith
“Materialism is a perpetual lust; an unanswered agony of desire.” — Chuck Smith
“Seek the Lord and His Word, until He begins to speak to you.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Reflect on what idols may be distracting you from hearing God's Word.
- Engage in regular study of the Scriptures to deepen your understanding of God's message.
- Encourage the youth in your community to seek meaningful spiritual experiences.