Ii Chronicles 15:2
The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God and the consequences of forsaking Him.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound truth that the Lord is with us as long as we are with Him, highlighting God's desire for fellowship and assistance in our lives. He explains that while God is always willing to bless us, it is often our own actions that create a separation, as seen in the examples of Adam and Samson. Smith encourages believers to seek God wholeheartedly, assuring that He will be found, contrasting true seeking with empty rituals. He warns that forsaking God leads to His forsaking us, urging listeners to take responsibility for their spiritual state rather than blaming God for their troubles.
Text
I. THE LORD IS WITH YOU WHILE YOU BE WITH HIM.
A. God desires fellowship with us.
B. God desires to help us.
1. As much as we allow Him, lie will bless us.
C. This is a glorious promise.
1. We need fear nothing for -
2. We can face any problem for -
D. Lord was with Adam until sin entered.
E. Lord with Samson until vow broken.
1. In every case, man makes the break.
F. Marvelous mystery.
1. He wants to be with us.
2. He doesn't need us - He could exist completely
independent of us but not we of Him.
II. "IF YOU SEEK HIM, HE WILL BE FOUND OF YOU."
A. Jeremiah adds "when we seek with all our hearts."
B. Prophets and priests seek Baal before Elijah.
1. Cry louder!
2. They cut themselves and danced.
C. You can have the shout without the power. You can have
the dance without the power.
1. Christ said: "They think they are heard for
their much speaking."
2. Some also think: for their loud speaking.
D. Hannah, mother of Samuel sought Him with just lips
moving and no sound.
1. Found Him too.
III. WARNING! ! "IF YOU FORSAKE HIM, HE WILL FORSAKE."
A. People blame God for tragedies that they themselves are
entirely responsible for.
B. This third statement easy to understand hard to reason
any other way.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord is With You While You Be With Him
- If You Seek Him, He Will Be Found of You
- 'Warning: If You Forsake Him, He Will Forsake'
- God desires fellowship with us
- God desires to help us
- This is a glorious promise
- Lord was with Adam until sin entered
- Lord with Samson until vow broken
- Jeremiah adds 'when we seek with all our hearts'
- Prophets and priests seek Baal before Elijah
- You can have the shout without the power
- Hannah, mother of Samuel sought Him with just lips
- People blame God for tragedies that they themselves are responsible for
Key Quotes
“He wants to be with us. He doesn't need us - He could exist completely independent of us but not we of Him.” — Chuck Smith
“You can have the shout without the power. You can have the dance without the power.” — Chuck Smith
“They think they are heard for their much speaking.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must prioritize our relationship with God and seek Him with all our hearts.
- We must be sincere and genuine in our prayers and actions, and put God first in our lives.
- We must take responsibility for our actions and not blame God for our mistakes.