I Kings 10:9
The sermon emphasizes the importance of living out our faith through good works that glorify God and reflect His wisdom in our lives.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of being a light for Christ, drawing parallels from the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, who exemplified wisdom and the blessings of God. He highlights that true Christians should naturally reflect their faith through good works that glorify God, rather than seeking personal recognition. Smith warns against the futility of claiming to be a Christian without embodying the essence of Christianity, urging believers to let their light shine brightly in the world. He encourages the use of God-given gifts in a way that directs glory back to God, rather than to oneself.
Text
Intro: Visit of Queen from ....... journey of 1500 miles. Came in quest of
wisdom. Her visit alluded to by Christ. Her astonishment of
Solomon-Wisdom. "he told her all her questions" "House that he
built, the meat of his table, 10 fat oxen, 20 oxen from fields,
100 sheep plus harts, bucks, & fallow deer and fatted foul."
I. "BLESSED BY THE LORD THY GOD."
A. "Let your light so shine before men."
1. Christ established Christian as a light.
2. A light has one essential element.
a. That it give forth light.
b. When that one essential element missing light
is worthless.
c. Nothing more worthless than person who takes
the name of a Christian yet lacks the nature
& essential element of Christianity.
3. Christ told of difficulty or folly of hiding light.
a. City set on hill cannot be hid.
b. Do not light candle & put under bushel.
c. The Christian as a light is going to be
obvious.
d. A true conversion experience is bound to show.
e. How is it to show?
4. "Let your light so shine."
a. That when men see your good works they will
glorify God.
1. There is a way of doing things that
draws attention to me.
2. Christ spoke of Pharisee when he
gave... prayed... fasted.
3. Innate desire to be recognized.
4. Some in exercising vocal gifts of
spirit (your prayers cannot heal--God
heals in answer to).
5. Relating spiritual victories -- "My
prayer."
B. Solomon very gifted man -- God had granted special wisdom.
1. Naturalist Botanist Zoologist.
2. Prolific writer 1005 songs 3000 proverbs.
3. Not the least of his gifts was the ability to so
manifest this gift of God that people glorified God
the source and not the man, the instrument.
a. Should people say to me.. "You are a marvelous teacher".. Oh
God, where am I failing?
b. should one say. "God has given you a gift of
teaching" Thank you Father.
c. Beware when anyone comes to you and says "You are so
wonderful."
May we so live that our lives glorify Christ So use our
talents as to glorify God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': {''title'': ''Let Your Light Shine'', ''details'': [''Christ established Christians as a light.'', ''A light must give forth light; otherwise, it is worthless.'', ''Hiding one''s light is folly; a true conversion will show.'']}, ''B'': {''title'': ''The Nature of True Wisdom'', ''details'': [''Solomon was gifted with special wisdom from God.'', ''His abilities led others to glorify God, not himself.'', ''We should reflect on how we manifest our gifts.'']}}' - Blessed by the Lord Thy God
- II points: - '{''A'': {''title'': ''Glorifying God Through Actions'', ''details'': [''Good works should lead others to glorify God.'', ''Avoid seeking recognition for spiritual victories.'']}, ''B'': {''title'': ''The Dangers of Pride'', ''details'': [''Beware of the temptation to seek praise for our gifts.'', ''Live in a way that consistently glorifies Christ.'']}}' - The Importance of Good Works
- III points: - '{''A'': {''title'': ''Manifesting Our Gifts'', ''details'': [''Use our talents to glorify God.'', ''Recognize that all gifts come from God.'']}, ''B'': {''title'': ''The Role of Community'', ''details'': [''Encourage one another in faith.'', ''Support each other in using our gifts for God''s glory.'']}}' - Living Out Our Faith
Key Quotes
“Let your light so shine before men.” — Chuck Smith
“A true conversion experience is bound to show.” — Chuck Smith
“May we so live that our lives glorify Christ.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Reflect on how your actions can lead others to glorify God.
- Use your gifts and talents in service to others, acknowledging God as the source.
- Encourage fellow believers to live in a way that honors Christ.