Ezekiel 3:17
As Christians, our primary responsibility is to serve God and warn others of their wicked actions, not to convert them.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of believers as watchmen, drawing from Ezekiel 3:17, where God calls Ezekiel to warn Israel of their wickedness. He highlights that the responsibility of Christians is to hear God's word and share it, not to convert others, as that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Smith encourages believers to recognize their duty to serve God and warn others of the consequences of sin, asserting that delivering the message is fulfilling their responsibility. He reassures that even if people mock or dismiss the warning, the truth will remain with them. Ultimately, serving God is not optional but a divine mandate for all Christians.
Text
"DELIVERING OUR SOULS"
I. GOD'S CALL. vs. 17.
A. Ezekiel called as a watchman to Israel.
1. He had a two-fold responsibility.
a. To hear the word from God.
b. To give that word to the people.
c. God's method has always been to use those who
are in touch with Him, to reach those out of
touch with Him.
d. Through wickedness, people get out of touch
with God.
2. Notice, he was not called to convert them.
a. His only responsibility was to warn them.
b. Sometimes we become discouraged in our
Christian service because we seek to do more
than God requires of us.
1. We speak of winning souls - that is the
work of the Spirit.
2. My work is to warn.
3. My responsibility is fulfilled when I
have witnessed. Now they are
responsible before God for what they do
with that witness.
B. God has called all of us.
1. His call is first to salvation - then to service.
a. Jesus said, "Come unto Me..."
b. No sooner does one come until He says, "Take My
yoke upon you."
2. God leaves us here on this cursed earth for one reason
only.
a. To serve Him.
b. Jobs and all else is incidental.
c. God seeks to use you who are in touch with Him
to reach those who are not in touch with Him.
C. Serving God is not an option for the Christian, it is a
responsibility.
1. God holds me responsible to warn the wicked.
a. God said to Ezekiel - their blood is on your
hands.
b. But if you warn them, you have delivered your
soul.
2. When I observe some wicked action, I should warn that
person that God is not pleased with what they have
done - and if they do not change, He will destroy them.
a. They may laugh at you or mock you.
b. But I promise you, they won't forget what you
said.
c. You don't have to preach to people.
d. You don't have to argue over other religions.
e. You don't have to defend God, the Bible, your
faith.
f. Just simply speak the truth - don't get caught
in the trap of trying to defend the truth.
g. If they sincerely ask honest questions, seek to
answer them.
h. If they seek to argue, just restate the truth
and let it go at that.
1. Your silence will bug them far more
than any eloquent argument or debate.
2. They may defeat your argument - they
can't defeat the truth.
Sermon Outline
- I. GOD'S CALL
- A. Ezekiel called as a watchman to Israel
- '1. Two-fold responsibility: hear from God and give to people'
- 2. Warn, not convert
- B. God has called all of us
- 1. Salvation, then service
- 2. Serve God, not jobs or other things
- C. Serving God is a responsibility, not an option
Key Quotes
“God's method has always been to use those who are in touch with Him, to reach those out of touch with Him.” — Chuck Smith
“When I observe some wicked action, I should warn that person that God is not pleased with what they have done - and if they do not change, He will destroy them.” — Chuck Smith
“Your silence will bug them far more than any eloquent argument or debate.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- As a Christian, I am responsible to warn others of their wicked actions and speak the truth, even if they mock or laugh at me.
- My silence in the face of wickedness will bug others more than any argument or debate.
- I should not try to defend God, the Bible, or my faith, but simply speak the truth and let it go.