Ezekiel 9:8
The sermon explores the theme of being 'left' and the significance of God's goodness and mercy in sparing individuals from close brushes with death or disaster.
Chuck Smith explores Ezekiel's vision of judgment in Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of being 'left' alive. He challenges both non-Christians and Christians to reflect on their lives and the reasons they have been spared, urging them to consider God's patience and the urgency of responding to His call. Smith warns of a future time when the phrase 'I was left' will carry a heavy weight of regret for those who miss the opportunity to follow Christ. He highlights the imminent return of Jesus and the impending judgment, encouraging listeners to evaluate their relationship with God and the consequences of their choices.
Text
Intro: Ezekiel's vision of slaughter in Jerusalem - "...and I was left."
We have all had close brushes with death - another inch, a few more
seconds.
I. HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY YOU WERE LEFT?
A. If you are not a Christian.
1. Could it be that God in His goodness is giving you
another chance?
a. How long do you think God will forbear?
1. "My Spirit will not always strive with
man."
2. "Do you despise the goodness and
forbearance and long-suffering of God,
not knowing that..."
b. How many more chances will He give you to
reject Him?
1. As of this moment, you can say "I was
left."
2. You have no assurance you'll be here
tomorrow.
c. God is not obligated to sustain you.
B. If you are a Christian, you've been left that -
1. You might accomplish His perfect will.
a. Paul had close brush at Lystra.
b. Later, Paul wrote Timothy, "I have finished my
course."
2. Since I am left, the paramount question should be -
a. "What would God have me to do?
b. How long must He forbear while I pursue my own
pleasures?
II. "I WAS LEFT," IS OFTEN THE LAST LINE OF A STORY.
A. Usually said with a sigh of thanksgiving.
1. It could have been me!
2. I came so close!
3. Thank God, I was left.
III. A TIME IS COMING SOON WHEN THAT WILL BE A BITTER WAIL - "JESUS CAME
FOR HIS CHURCH, AND I WAS LEFT."
A. Jesus has promised to come again and to remove His own before
God's judgment upon the earth.
1. John 14 - "And if I go, I will come again."
2. Luke 21 - "Pray ye always that you will be accounted
worthy to escape all these.
3. "Because you have kept the words of My patience, I will
also..."
B. The world is on the brink of disaster.
1. "There shall be a time of trouble..." -Dan. 12.
2. Matt. 24 - "For then shall be great tribulation such as
has not been from the beginning of the world to this
time or ever will be." Greater than the great flood in
Noah's day.
C. Imagine waking up some morning and finding that the church is
gone.
1. You call the church and only get a recording.
2. You call your Christian friends and there is no answer.
3. You turn on the news and hear of the weird and bizarre
events around the world. Don't worry, the major
networks will still be on.
4. Jesus kept His word - He came for His own, and I was
left.
D. Why were you left?
1. It wasn't easy, it was a tough fight.
a. You had to resist the call of God.
b. You had to deny your reason.
c. You had to turn your back on the love of Jesus
for you.
d. You had to ignore all of God's warnings.
e. But you hung in there - tough, rebellious - and
now, you are left.
2. What awaits you now?
a. Hebrews 10:26.
Sermon Outline
- I. HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY YOU WERE LEFT?
- A. If you are not a Christian
- 1. Could it be that God in His goodness is giving you another chance?
- B. If you are a Christian, you've been left that
- 1. You might accomplish His perfect will
- II. 'I WAS LEFT,' IS OFTEN THE LAST LINE OF A STORY.
- A. Usually said with a sigh of thanksgiving
- III. A TIME IS COMING SOON WHEN THAT WILL BE A BITTER WAIL - 'JESUS CAME FOR HIS CHURCH, AND I WAS LEFT.'
- A. Jesus has promised to come again and to remove His own before God's judgment upon the earth
Key Quotes
“My Spirit will not always strive with man.” — Chuck Smith
“Do you despise the goodness and forbearance and long-suffering of God, not knowing that...?” — Chuck Smith
“Because you have kept the words of My patience, I will also...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize God's goodness and mercy in your life and be grateful for the chances He gives you.
- Prepare yourself for the coming tribulation by being faithful and obedient to God's word.
- Be accountable for your actions and decisions, and do not rebel against God's will.