I Kings 18:21
The sermon highlights the importance of making a choice between serving God and serving sin, and the consequences of halting between two opinions.
Chuck Smith addresses the evil reign of Ahab and Jezebel, emphasizing the three groups present on Mount Carmel: the prophets of God, the prophets of Baal, and the undecided multitude. He highlights the dangers of being caught between two opinions, noting that those who fully embrace sin are less damaging than those who waver. Smith critiques the prophets of Baal for their misguided devotion and the emptiness of their worship, while contrasting it with the boldness and calmness of the true prophet of God. He calls for a decisive commitment to God, urging listeners to choose their path and not to halt between two opinions.
Text
Evil reign of Ahab & Jezebel.
I. THE CLASSES ON MT. CARMEL.
A. The prophet of God.
B. The prophets of BaaI 450 Asereth 400.
C. The halting multitude (between two opinions, undecided..
D. Times have changed, but still three groups.
1. Servants of God.
2. Servants of Sin.
3. Halting multitude.
"How long halt ye between two opinions?" The man who turns himself
completely to sin & pollution of his own heart is far less damaging than
the man who halts between two to the community.
II. PROPHETS OF BAAL OFFER POINTS FOR ADMIRATION, SARCASM, ANGER, PITY.
A. Admiration.
1. Bravery.
2. Persistence.
3. Devotion.
B. Sarcasm.
1. Your gods cannot help in crisis.
2. Call on sin to comfort & aid.
C. Anger - willfulness of their folly.
1. God had revealed Himself amply to these people.
2. They knew God but turned to BaaI.
Baal gave license to their passionate desires.
3. Pity -the ruined lives.
a. Put passion of your life to destroying
yourself.
b. The service of sin so unrewarding - so empty
so damning.
Ill THE PROPHET OF GOD.
A. Boldness.
B. Calmness & strength.
1. Reason for calmness & strength vs 36.
C. I have chosen for God, I will be a Christian, I would know the
fellowship. How long halt ye, how long?
Sermon Outline
- The Classes on Mt. Carmel
- Prophets of Baal Offer Points for Admiration, Sarcasm, Anger, Pity
- The Prophet of God
- Boldness
- Calmness & Strength
- The Halting Multitude
Key Quotes
“How long halt ye between two opinions?” — Chuck Smith
“The man who turns himself completely to sin & pollution of his own heart is far less damaging than the man who halts between two to the community.” — Chuck Smith
“Baal gave license to their passionate desires.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must make a choice between serving God and serving sin, and we must not be afraid to be bold in our commitment to God.
- The service of sin is empty, unrewarding, and damning, and we must not be deceived by its promises.
- We must put our passion into serving God and seeking His fellowship, rather than into destroying ourselves with sin.