Exodus 3:7
God sees, hears, and knows our afflictions and sorrows, and He is willing to deliver us from them.
Chuck Smith emphasizes God's active involvement in the lives of His people, highlighting that He sees their afflictions, hears their cries, and knows their sorrows. He reassures that nothing is hidden from God, which can be both a terrifying and comforting truth. Smith encourages believers to understand that God is not a passive observer but desires to deliver them from their struggles and bondage. He reminds the congregation that God is touched by their tears and is always ready to respond to their needs. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and assurance that God is present and willing to intervene in their lives.
Text
"I SEE, I HEAR, I KNOW"
Intro: Laugh and the world laughs with you. The place of affliction and sorrow often
lonely. Doesn't anybody care?
I. I HAVE SURELY SEEN THE AFFLICTION OF MY PEOPLE.
A. Nothing is hid from the gaze of God. "Everything is naked and open before Him."
1. This can be a terrifying truth.
a. Sin and darkness associated.
1. We want to hide our guilt.
2. When we do something noble we want everyone to see, but
when I sin.
3. "When I say surely the darkness..."
b. To Nebuchadnezzer, the watchers of heaven.
2. This can be a most comforting truth.
a. As Abraham and Isaac walking together to the mountain, "Where is
the sacrifice?" "Jehovah Jireh."
b. It is a truth that instills confidence.
c. It is a truth that dispels fears.
II. "I HAVE HEARD THEIR CRY." "THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS AND HIS EAR IS
OPEN TO THEIR CRY."
A. You may ask, "Why doesn't He hear my cry?"
1. "If I regard iniquity in my heart..."
2. "The hand of the LORD is not short.."
3. Perhaps your motivation is wrong, "Ye ask and receive not.."
B. The basic truth and force of prayer is the fact, God answers prayer.
1. Every woman knows there is nothing man more effective than tears.
2. God also is touched by tears.
a. How often has He said, I heard.
3. God knows each tear you shed.
III. "FOR I KNOW."
A. To each church in Revelation Jesus said, "I know thy works."
1. To some it was comforting.
2. To others it was disconcerting.
B. The wicked say, "How does God know, is their understanding in the most High?"
1. It is wrong to think you can hide from God.
a. It is a lying vanity.
b. Jonah.
C. I know their sorrows.
1. When in the passage of time there arose a Pharaoh that knew not Joseph.
2. Condition changed from peaceful co-existence to bondage and slavery.
D. It is interesting to me that Jesus was constantly emphasizing these same truths.
Your Father sees, He knows, He hears.
E. These are all beautiful truths, but not very comforting without final declaration.
IV. I AM COME DOWN TO DELIVER THEM.
A. God is much more than a passive observer.
1. God desires to become actively involved in your life.
2. Oh sorrowing heart this day, hear the declaration of your God. "I have
come to deliver."
a. You that have been bound by your flesh.
b. You who have been enslaved by your passions.
c. You who are overcome with sorrow.
Sermon Outline
- I Have Surely Seen the Affliction of My People
- I Have Heard Their Cry
- For I Know
- I Am Come Down to Deliver Them
- A points: - God is much more than a passive observer
- B points: - It is wrong to think you can hide from God
- C points: - I know their sorrows
- D points: - It is interesting to me that Jesus was constantly emphasizing these same truths
Key Quotes
“Everything is naked and open before Him.” — Chuck Smith
“The hand of the LORD is not short..” — Chuck Smith
“I have come to deliver.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- God desires to become actively involved in your life and deliver you from your afflictions and sorrows.
- You can trust that God hears your cry and will answer your prayer.
- God knows everything about you, including your sorrows, and is touched by your tears.