Audio Sermon： Beware of Ambition
Chuck Smith warns believers to renounce personal ambition and the desire for glory, emphasizing that true spiritual power comes from dying to self and living by the Spirit.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of coming to the cross in our own lives, reckoning the old nature to be dead, and not seeking glory for ourselves but pointing others to God. It warns against the dangers of seeking personal fame or admiration, highlighting the need to keep the flesh under control and be ruled by the Spirit of God. The message stresses the significance of being usable by God and not allowing the flesh to hinder His work in and through us.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Men used by God are men of prayer and faith
- They have come to the cross and reckon the old nature dead
- Avoid seeking glory for oneself
-
II
- The danger of accepting praise and adulation
- The flesh desires worship and recognition
- Examples of Peter, Paul, and early church warnings
-
III
- The battle between flesh and spirit
- Necessity of crucifying the old nature
- God’s remedy is death of the flesh, not reformation
-
IV
- Walking in the Spirit means walking in love
- Making no provision for the flesh
- Living a supernatural life empowered by the Holy Spirit
Key Quotes
“If you want to be used of God and continue to be used by God, you've got to come to the death to the self-life.” — Chuck Smith
“God's remedy is not reformation. He's not going to try to reform your old flesh. God's remedy is to kill it, not to reform it.” — Chuck Smith
“Many have fallen into that trap. People that begin to take the glory to themselves soon become unusable by God.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Examine your heart regularly to ensure you seek God's glory rather than personal recognition.
- Pray daily for God to keep you humble and usable for His purposes.
- Commit to living by the Spirit, putting to death the desires of the flesh through reliance on God's power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to reckon the old nature dead?
It means to consider the sinful, fleshly nature as crucified with Christ, no longer ruling one’s life.
Why is ambition dangerous in the Christian life?
Ambition can lead to seeking personal glory and praise, which can hinder God’s work and cause one to fall from usefulness.
How can a believer avoid the trap of pride and self-exaltation?
By continually dying to self, focusing on God’s glory, and praying for humility and usability.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming the flesh?
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to put to death the deeds of the body and to live a supernatural life.
Can the flesh be reformed by human effort?
No, God’s remedy is not reformation but the death of the flesh through the Spirit.