Genesis 13:14
The sermon encourages listeners to look up to God, see beyond their current situations, and take action on the promises and claims that God has given them.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of faith in the face of trials, as demonstrated by Abraham's experience after parting with Lot. He encourages believers to 'lift up their eyes' and look beyond their immediate circumstances, reminding them that God speaks even in difficult times. By looking from their current situation, they can see the abundant promises of God in all directions. Smith asserts that the 'look of faith' should lead to a 'walk of faith,' where believers claim the promises of God and live in the fullness of His glory.
Text
"THE LOOK OF FAITH"
I. "LIFT UP NOW THINE EYES."
A. Abraham just experienced a difficult trial.
1. He and Lot had just parted company.
2. Lot had chosen the Jordan valley.
3. In the midst of trials Satan often speaks to us.
a. "You were sure a fool to give them a choice.
b. "Now you are all alone, what are you going to do?"
c. "It doesn't pay to be gracious," he gets the garden of Eden you
get this rock pile."
4. It Is the midst of trials that God also speaks to us.
a. Satan seeks to drown out the voice of God.
b. We are often so intent on what Satan has to say, we don't
hear God.
c. "Lift up now thine eyes."
1. An implication that he was looking down.
2. We many times are looking down when God would have us
looking up.
II. "LOOK FROM THE PLACE WHERE THOU ART."
A. From this barren rocky area.
1. Northward - the lush valley of Jehosaphat and the Galilee.
2. Southward - the valley of Eschol.
3. Eastward -the Jordan valley.
4. Westward -the beautiful plains of Sharon.
B. Our problem many times is our near-sightedness.
1. We get so involved in our situations, we can't see beyond them.
a. "This is the way its going to be from now on."
b. "I'm stuck here forever.--"
2. Look from where you are as far as you can in all directions.
a. "For unto us are given exceeding rich."
b. "And what God has promised, He is able."
3. Look from where you are the suffering is but for a moment, the glory is
eternal.
4. Lady in Kentucky hills, "And it came to pass."
III. "ARISE, WALK THROUGH THE LAND."
A. The look of faith leads to the walk of faith.
1. It's all yours just lay your claim to it now. 2 - God has promised us
a life of glory.
a. Joy unspeakable and full of glory.
b. A peace that passes human understanding.
c. The supply of all your needs.
d. Wisdom and guidance of His Spirit.
e. Arise start walking through the promises laying claim to that
which is yours.
Sermon Outline
- Lift Up Now Thine Eyes points: - Abraham's Trial - Satan's Voice vs. God's Voice
- Look From the Place Where Thou Art points: - Near-Sightedness - Looking Beyond Situations
- Arise, Walk Through the Land points: - The Walk of Faith
Key Quotes
“Lift up now thine eyes.” — Chuck Smith
“Look from the place where thou art.” — Chuck Smith
“Arise, walk through the land.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should strive to hear and obey God's voice over Satan's voice.
- We should look beyond our current situations and see the glory that God has promised.
- We should take action on the promises and claims that God has given us.