I Kings 14:6
The sermon warns against the folly of trying to disguise ourselves before God, highlighting the consequences of rejecting Him and the importance of honesty and spiritual awareness.
Chuck Smith discusses the story of Jeroboam, emphasizing the futility of disguising our true selves when approaching God. He highlights how people often come to God with hidden truths and masks, believing they can deceive Him, but God sees through all facades. The sermon warns of the heavy tidings that come from turning away from God, including judgment and the consequences of our actions. Smith stresses that just as Jeroboam faced dire consequences for his disobedience, so too will those who reject Christ face heavy tidings on the day of judgment. Ultimately, the message calls for authenticity in our relationship with God, as He knows our hearts.
Text
"HEAVY TIDINGS"
Intro: Jeroboam was the first king over Israel. He set up two golden
calves; one in Bethel, the other in Dan His son became sick so he had
his wife disguise herself and go to the aged prophet Ahijah who was now
blind.
I. THE FOLLY OF TRYING TO DISGUISE OURSELVES WHEN WE COME TO GOD.
A. Often in our prayers we seek to disguise truth.
1. "Lord, I haven't been walking as closely as I should."
2. "Lord, I don't love my brother enough."
3. "Lord, help me to sell this place, and I will give half the
profit to you."
B. Some of you have come here this morning all disguised.
1. You try to look like you are comfortable and belong with God's
people.
C. God sees right through all our masks.
1. "Everything is open and naked before Him."
2. You might fool man, but you can't fool God.
II. THE HEAVY TIDINGS.
A. You have taken from God, but have given nothing in return.
1. God gave him the kingdom.
2. God made him a prince.
3. He turned himself and the people away from God.
4. God has invested a great deal in your life.
a. So often we use the gifts of God for our
own benefit only.
b. God receives nothing for His investment, not
even thanks.
B. Evil is going to come upon you.
1. Your house is going to be cut off.
2. The peculiar mind bent of people today, we feel that
judgment is not fair. "The ways of the Lord are not
equal."
a. So many sob sisters out to protest the death
penalty for men like Bianca.
b. Where are the bleeding hearts when the
communists invade Afghanistan, or destroy
Cambodia?
C. The child is going to die.
1. He will be the only one in the family to be buried.
2. The rest are to be killed and their carcasses eaten by
dogs.
D. These are heavy tidings indeed.
E. Some day those who reject Jesus Christ are going to hear
equally heavy tidings.
1. "Depart from Me ye workers of iniquity."
2. As they come and say, "Lord, Lord, did we not attend church,
sing the songs, dropped money in the offering."
a. Heavy tidings, "I never knew you!"
b. It was all a disguise.
c. You fooled us, you became so cleaver you even
fooled yourself. You don't fool God.
Sermon Outline
- The Folly of Trying to Disguise Ourselves When We Come to God
- The Heavy Tidings
- You have taken from God, but have given nothing in return
- Evil is going to come upon you
- The child is going to die
- These are heavy tidings indeed
Key Quotes
“Everything is open and naked before Him.” — Chuck Smith
“You might fool man, but you can't fool God.” — Chuck Smith
“Depart from Me ye workers of iniquity.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be honest with ourselves and with God, acknowledging our true spiritual condition and seeking to change.
- The consequences of rejecting God or His ways are severe and will lead to judgment and separation.
- We can avoid being fooled by our own disguises by seeking to know and follow God's ways.