Genesis 15:1
The sermon teaches that true wealth and security come from the Lord, and that we should not put our trust in worldly riches.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:1, where God reassures him with the words 'Fear not' and declares Himself as Abraham's shield and exceeding great reward. The sermon reflects on Abraham's bravery in rescuing Lot and his refusal of worldly riches from the King of Sodom, highlighting the transient nature of earthly wealth compared to the eternal security found in God. Smith illustrates that true reward comes from a relationship with God, which cannot be taken away, contrasting it with the fleeting fortunes of the world.
Text
"THE GREAT REWARD"
I. "AFTER THESE THINGS."
A. Four kings from Babylon and Persia invaded the land plundering many cities
including Sodom.
1. Lot was taken captive.
2. An escapee came to Abram to inform.
B. Abraham armed 318 servants.
1. They pursued the plundering armies.
2. They caught up With them near Dan.
3. Pursued them as far as Damascus.
C. As Abraham returned with Lot and great spoil.
1. King of Salem came out to meet him.
2. This marvelous person of mystical origin.
a. He gave Abram bread and wine.
b. Abram gave him a tenth.
D. King of Sodom then met Abram offered to him all the loot he had taken.
1. Abraham refused reward.
II. "THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO ABRAM."
A. First mention of "Word of the Lord."
1. First mention of visions.
2. First mention of shields and rewards.
3. First I AM of scripture.
B. "Word of the Lord" could be a reference to Jesus.
1. In the beginning was the Word.
2. "Abraham rejoiced to see My day and saw it."
III. THE MESSAGE TO ABRAHAM.
A. "Fear not."
1. This implies he was afraid.
2. Perhaps two things troubled him.
a. Kings of North and East regroup and return for revenge.
b. Maybe it was a mistake to give away that vast fortune.
1. A form of sells remorse.
B. "I AM" the shield.
1. The Lord promised to be his defense.
2. He had heard the sound of clanging shields in battle.
a. The horror of war still fresh in l, is mind.
b. His own shield fended off the sword of the enemy.
3. I am thy shield.
a. No enemy can touch you.
b. What security and comfort.
C. "I AM" thy exceeding great reward.
1. Abraham had just refused a reward from King of Sodom.
2. Abraham had just observed the rapid change of fortunes.
a. The wealth of Sodom and Lot gone.
b. The fortunes of many cities carried away.
c. These kings as they returned home very wealthy.
d. Suddenly their wealth gone.
e. Little security In worldly riches.
f. My vast wealth not secure.
g. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures..."
3. If the Lord is your reward it can never be taken from you.
4. You have an ever-continuing supply.
a. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall..."
5. Some might say Abraham was a fool.
The King of Sodom went on to destruction.
Abraham went on to eternal glory, still enjoying his exceeding great reward.
Sermon Outline
- After These Things points: - Four kings from Babylon and Persia invaded the land - Abraham armed 318 servants - Abraham returned with Lot and great spoil - King of Sodom offered to Abraham all the loot
- The Word of the Lord Came to Abram points: - First mention of 'Word of the Lord' - Reference to Jesus
- The Message to Abraham points: - Fear not, I AM the shield - I AM thy exceeding great reward
Key Quotes
“The King of Sodom went on to destruction. Abraham went on to eternal glory, still enjoying his exceeding great reward.” — Chuck Smith
“I AM thy shield.” — Chuck Smith
“I AM thy exceeding great reward.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should not put our trust in worldly riches, but rather in the Lord as our exceeding great reward.
- The Lord is our shield and defender, and we can have confidence in His presence and provision in our lives.
- True wealth and security come from the Lord, and we should seek to live in accordance with His will and promises.