Deuteronomy 32:35
We are constantly exposed to the risk of destruction and God's wrath, and the only reason we have not yet fallen is because God's time has not yet come.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the imminent danger of destruction for the wicked, illustrating that they are always at risk of sudden downfall, akin to walking on thin ice. He explains that while God's power to cast the wicked into hell is absolute, His delay in doing so is not due to a lack of justice but rather His mercy. Smith warns that unconverted individuals are precariously close to judgment, walking over the pit of hell without realizing their peril. He highlights that God's wrath against sin is real and will ultimately be manifested, as seen in the fate of figures like Nebuchadnezzar. The sermon serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the urgency of repentance.
Text
PSALM 73:18,19
I. DESTRUCTION IMPLIED.
A. Implies always exposed to sudden destruction.
1. Prov. 29:1.
2. Cannot foresee future.
B. Liable to fall of themselves.
1. Walking on ice.
C. Only reason not already fallen God's time not yet come.
II. DESTRUCTION'S DELAY?
A. No want of power in God to cast wicked in hell at any moment.
1. Men cannot be strong when God rises.
B. He can cast them down easily.
1. Who can stand against God?
C. They deserve to be cast into hell, divine Justice does not stand in way.
D. Already under sentence of condemnation.
1. "He that believeth not is condemned."
E. God not un-mindful of wickedness.
F. No security that no means of death at hand. Unconverted men walk over pit of
hell on icy plank.
G. God has laid himself under no obligation or promise to keep any natural man
out of hell for one moment.
III. DESTRUCTION.
The misery you are exposed to is that which God will inflict to show his wrath
against sin.
A. Nebuchadnezzar to show wrath Rom. 9:22.
B. Everlasting Wrath.
1. Terrible to suffer one moment.
Sermon Outline
- Destruction Implied
- A points: - Exposed to sudden destruction - Cannot foresee future
- Liable to fall of themselves
- Only reason not already fallen God's time not yet come
Key Quotes
“The misery you are exposed to is that which God will inflict to show his wrath against sin.” — Chuck Smith
“Men cannot be strong when God rises.” — Chuck Smith
“Who can stand against God?” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be aware of our constant exposure to sin and the risk of destruction.
- We should not take God's delay of judgment as a sign of His weakness or unwillingness.
- We should live in reverence and awe of God's power and justice.