Deuteronomy 1:6
God's government is absolute, methodical, and designed to lead us to obedience and complete fulfillment.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that God governs all aspects of life, reminding us that His authority is absolute and inclusive. He reflects on the Israelites' time at Horeb, illustrating how God disturbed their complacency to lead them toward progress and fulfillment. Smith highlights the importance of obedience to God's call, urging believers to respond immediately and unconditionally to His guidance. He reassures that God's governance is methodical, with no accidents in His plan, and encourages listeners to recognize their relationship with God as one of trust and submission.
Text
"THE LORD OUR GOD SPAKE TO US IN HOREB SAYING,
YE HAVE DWELT IN THIS MOUNTAIN LONG ENOUGH."
Intro: Sojourn in Horeb important, received law, they were a theocracy. There distance from
God by sin yet nearness through sacrifice. They were a people God governed, God
spake & they began to move. No man escapes the government of God, all the
universe under His control. You may fling yourself against it, but you will only break
yourself, you may rest in it. Nations may rise against it & mock Him but He will
presently have them in derision. Satan may say, "I would rather reign in Hell than
serve in heaven."
I. GOD DOES GOVERN.
A. We need reminding of this fact.
1. Sometimes God seems abstract and far off.
B. The Bible reveals the fact of God's government.
1. It is autocratic (He does not consult us.
2. It is absolute (No compromise..
3. It is inclusive (Nothing beyond it or escapes it).
C. God is love - the one who governs my life is the one who fashioned me in love.
II. THE NATURE OF THE GOVERNMENT.
A. It is a disturbing element in our lives.
1. People of Israel began when one man disturbed.
a. God spoke to Abraham.
2. His grandson Jacob in a famine moved to Egypt.
a. Centuries later God again disturbed.
b. You have served in Egypt long enough.
B. It is a progressive element.
1. Why were the people disturbed Read context.
a. They were to go in & possess the land.
2. Deut. 30:9-12.
a. Element of disturbance and progress.
b. Eagles nest high in Mt.
1. Feeds, guards.
2. Seems they shall be destroyed, they are not destroyed.
c. He disturbs our lifes so we can realize complete fulfillment.
C. The government of God is a methodical element. "I have set the land before you.
1. They pitched their tents at night - where they pitched was no accident.
2. I arrive nowhere but God has already-:been there ahead of me.
3. There can be no accidents or emergencies with God.
III. WHAT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP?
A. Obedience, immediately & unconditional.
1. The folly of these people came to border of land, sent out commission.
2. Majority & minority reports.
a. Then as ever since, the minority was right.
3. The people turned back.
B. Maybe you have heard the disturbing call of God - What are you going to do?
Sermon Outline
- I points: - God Does Govern - '{''1'': ''The Bible Reveals God''s Government'', ''2'': ''It is Autocratic, Absolute, and Inclusive''}' - God is Love
- II points: - The Nature of the Government - '{''1'': ''It is a Disturbing Element'', ''2'': ''It is a Progressive Element'', ''3'': ''It is a Methodical Element''}'
- III points: - Our Relationship with God - Obedience, Immediately and Unconditionally
Key Quotes
“You may fling yourself against it, but you will only break yourself, you may rest in it.” — Chuck Smith
“I have set the land before you.” — Chuck Smith
“The one who governs my life is the one who fashioned me in love.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must recognize and submit to God's absolute authority in our lives.
- God's government is not a source of disturbance, but a means to our complete fulfillment.
- Obedience to God's government requires immediate and unconditional surrender.