Deuteronomy 32:3
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus Christ as our Rock of salvation and the foundation of our faith.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate Rock, a refuge and defense for all who seek Him. He contrasts the various 'rocks' people rely on, such as substances or philosophies, and highlights the importance of building one's life on the solid foundation of Christ. Smith warns against underestimating the true Rock of salvation, urging listeners to trust in Jesus rather than fleeting securities. He illustrates this with the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, where the Rock symbolizes God's eternal kingdom that will ultimately prevail over human efforts.
Text
"HE IS THE ROCK"
Intro: The Rock was considered as a place of refuge, a shelter, a place of defense. The
conie.
I. EVERY MAN HAS A ROCK (vs. 31..
A. That place of refuge or defense.
1. One of the most stupid put-downs of the Jesus Movement was "I fear that
they are just putting down one dependency factor for another."
a. They're depending on Jesus now instead of drugs. So what is there
to fear or worry about that?
b. The psychiatrist or professor or minister who expressed such fear
had his rock in which he sought shelter.
1. His liquor or drugs or philosophy.
2. We're all trusting in something. No man is an island, no man stands alone.
a. They tell me that Jesus is my crutch.
1. Of course He is, can you think of better?
2. I lean on Him constantly.
3. Without Him I would fall.
4. He has never let me down.
5. He will never let me down.
6. In that crisis hour when I am beyond the reach of
friends, beyond the help of man, when my life is slowly
fading my heart refusing to function, my Rock will be
there to hold me & see me through.
b. When the pressures become greater than you can take, where do
you turn?
1. I put on a stack of records (rock & roll..
2. I take a tranquilizer.
3. I go to a bar (scotch on the rocks).
4. I get into a book.
5. Where are you going to turn in your hour of
supreme crisis?
3. We are all building our lives on some foundation.
1. Jesus talked of the wise & foolish builders.
2. You can build a beautiful house, elaborate in every detail but
the foundation.
a. It will not endure the coming storm.
b. We have seen so many houses shattered.
II. HOW SAD WHEN ONE LIGHTLY ESTEEMS THE TRUE ROCK OF HIS SALVATION vs. 15.
A. Seeks security in a house of straw.
1. Trust in my good works.
2. Trust in my dogged stubbornness "my head is bloody but unbowed."
3. One day your house will be blown over vs. 35.
B. Why not trust in Jesus Christ, He is the Rock.
1. Paul said: "That Rock was Jesus."
2. You are as secure as the rock in which you hide.
C. Coronet sad story of a Psychiatrist wife dying of leukemia. They read fairy tales
to each other.
D. Others are unmindful or they forget the Rock that formed them vs. 18
Ill. THE DREAM OF KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR.
A. The great image representing the forms & stages of human governments.
1. Man's attempts to solve his problems.
B. The final ten nation confederation.
C. He watched the idol till a Rock came out of the mountain not hewn with hands.
The Rock is Jesus, He is our strength, our peace, our righteousness our
hope, our coming King.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - One of the most stupid put-downs of the Jesus Movement was 'I fear that they are just putting down one dependency factor for another.' - We're all trusting in something. No man is an island, no man stands alone. - Every Man Has a Rock - That place of refuge or defense
- II points: - Trust in my good works - Trust in my dogged stubbornness 'my head is bloody but unbowed.' - One day your house will be blown over vs. 35. - How Sad When One Lightly Esteems the True Rock of His Salvation - Seeks security in a house of straw
- III points: - Man's attempts to solve his problems - The Dream of King Nebuchadnezzar - The great image representing the forms & stages of human governments - The final ten nation confederation - He watched the idol till a Rock came out of the mountain not hewn with hands - The Rock is Jesus, He is our strength, our peace, our righteousness our hope, our coming King
Key Quotes
“He has never let me down. He will never let me down.” — Chuck Smith
“You can build a beautiful house, elaborate in every detail but the foundation. It will not endure the coming storm.” — Chuck Smith
“The Rock is Jesus, He is our strength, our peace, our righteousness our hope, our coming King.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should all be building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
- Trusting in Jesus is not a crutch, but a source of strength and security.
- We should not seek security in things that will eventually be blown over, but in the Rock of our salvation.