Ii Chronicles 16:7
Relying on God is crucial for spiritual success and avoiding the dangers of self-reliance.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the critical importance of relying on God, as demonstrated by King Asa's initial faithfulness in seeking the Lord during a time of crisis against the Ethiopians. Asa's reliance on God led to victory and prosperity, but as he experienced success, he fell into the trap of self-reliance, seeking help from the king of Syria instead of God. This shift ultimately opened the door for future troubles, illustrating the danger of not depending on God in both big and small challenges. Smith highlights that God actively seeks those who will trust Him completely, reminding us that true strength comes from reliance on the Lord.
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"RELYING ON GOD"
I. THE IMPORTANCE OF RELYING ON GOD.
A. Asa began his career as king with spiritual reformation.
1. He rid the land of the images and places of worship of
the false gods.
2. He ordered the people to worship Jehovah and to keep
his law.
B. The Ethiopians invaded the land with a huge host of one
million men and 300 chariots.
1. King Asa relied on the Lord.
a. His wonderful prayer of dependence, 14: 11.
b. The Lord smote the Ethiopians.
C. His kingdom became strong and prosperous.
1. God's message to him through the prophet, "If you
seek the Lord."
D. The glorious covenant they made to seek Jehovah with all their
heart and soul.
E. The ensuing years of power and success brought a subtle danger.
1. Self-reliance.
F. King Baasha began to build a fortified city against him.
1. Rather than relying on the Lord he called on the king
of Syria.
2. Baasha wasn't that strong, nothing compared to the
Ethiopians.
a. Strange how well we can fare in the big
problems yet stumble in the small trials.
b. Big problems we know we must rely on God.
c. Small ones we often take the attitude it's all
right Lord, I don't need you, I can handle this
one.
G. His strategy was successful in opening the second front against
Baasha, they defeated him.
1. Yet he developed a pattern that ultimately cost him
his life.
II. GOD'S WARNING AGAINST SELF-RELIANCE.
A. He may have gained a temporary advantage over Baasha but he
has opened the door for Syria to return and invade whole land.
Ill. THE GLORlOUS TRUTH OF GOD REVEALED. "The eyes of the Lord go to and
fro."
A. God is not passive in His desire to bless you, but active.
B. How God gives.
1. Men, three basic types.
a. Those you must sell on idea.
b. Those who lust need to know.
c. Those who are looking for place.
2. Some picture God as giving as the first type others
as the 2nd.
3. The prophet revealed that the third type best
typifies God.
C. God is just looking for those who will rely totally on Him.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Relying on God points: - Asa's Spiritual Reformation - Relying on the Lord in Times of Need - The Dangers of Self-Reliance - The Glorious Covenant with Jehovah - The Subtle Danger of Self-Reliance - King Baasha's Strategy and the Consequences
- God's Warning Against Self-Reliance points: - Opening the Door for Greater Danger
- The Glorious Truth of God Revealed points: - God's Active Desire to Bless - How God Gives - God's Desire for Total Dependence
Key Quotes
“The eyes of the Lord go to and fro.” — Chuck Smith
“God is not passive in His desire to bless you, but active.” — Chuck Smith
“God is just looking for those who will rely totally on Him.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must rely on God in times of need, just like King Asa did.
- Self-reliance can lead to subtle dangers and open doors for greater danger.
- God is actively seeking those who will rely totally on Him for blessing and success.