(Audio Sermon Clip) Not Being Ready for His Coming
Chuck Smith warns believers to remain vigilant and spiritually prepared for Christ's coming, emphasizing the dangers of worldly distractions that choke spiritual fruitfulness.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and watchful for the return of Jesus, warning against being consumed by worldly cares and distractions that hinder spiritual fruitfulness. It challenges listeners to assess their spiritual fervor and commitment to God, urging them to avoid being lukewarm or cold in their faith, as Jesus desires passionate devotion.
Full Transcript
He said, take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts are overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, so that that day find you unprepared. For as a snare it shall come upon all that dwell upon the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are coming to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
But Jesus warned that there would be that eating, drinking, and the cares of this life would be as a trap, and that when he came, many people would not be ready, not be watching. Jesus talked about the various types of soil upon which the seed fell in those kingdom parables in Matthew's gospel. And he said some of it fell on the wayside, some fell on the stony ground, some fell among the thorns, and some fell on good soil.
And as he began to explain the parable, he said in that seed which fell upon, or on the thorny ground, he said that they are those that receive the word, but the thorns grow up with it, and they choke it out that it becomes unfruitful. And as he describes the thorns, he said the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, they choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Tonight, would you say that that perhaps describes you? The cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, are so occupying your life that you're not really fruitful in the things of the kingdom.
Some things I'd like you to ponder, what kind of a Christian would you gauge yourself to be? Fervent, passionate, or would you say, well, I'm sort of a take it or leave it kind of a guy, probably lukewarm, or in being honest, would you confess, you know, I've really grown cold. It is true that the things of life have just sort of crowded out, and the word of God in my life, and I'm not really bearing fruit. You know that Jesus talked about that lukewarm condition, and he said he was going to spew it out of his mouth.
It was not acceptable. I pray that the spirit of God will help us to become passionate again towards the things of God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Warning against being overcharged with worldly cares
- The coming of the Son of Man as a snare
- Call to watchfulness and prayer
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II
- Explanation of the parable of the sower
- Seed falling on thorny ground representing worldly distractions
- Cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches choking the word
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III
- Self-examination of one's spiritual condition
- The danger of lukewarm faith
- The need for renewed passion for God
Key Quotes
“Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts are overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, so that that day find you unprepared.” — Chuck Smith
“The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, they choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” — Chuck Smith
“Jesus talked about that lukewarm condition, and he said he was going to spew it out of his mouth.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Regularly evaluate your spiritual condition to avoid becoming lukewarm or distracted by worldly concerns.
- Commit to consistent prayer and watchfulness as a way to stay prepared for Christ’s return.
- Prioritize the word of God in your life to bear lasting spiritual fruit despite worldly challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness'?
It refers to being consumed or overwhelmed by worldly pleasures and distractions that hinder spiritual readiness.
Why is watchfulness important according to the sermon?
Because the coming of Christ can surprise those who are unprepared, so constant vigilance and prayer are necessary.
What do the thorns in the parable represent?
They symbolize the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches that choke the word and prevent fruitfulness.
What does Jesus say about lukewarm believers?
Jesus warns that lukewarm believers are unacceptable and will be rejected, urging believers to be fervent and passionate.
How can one become passionate again towards God?
By seeking the help of the Holy Spirit and prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly distractions.