Ii Chronicles 7:13
Chuck Smith explains that national sickness is caused by sin and can only be cured by returning to God through humility, prayer, and seeking His face.
Chuck Smith addresses the national sickness afflicting society, identifying its causes as sin, forgetfulness of God, neglect of worship, and rejection of divine authority. He emphasizes that true strength lies not in military might or material wealth, but in a relationship with God, which has been neglected. The cure for this sickness is a collective return to God, involving humility, prayer, seeking His face, and turning from wicked ways. Smith asserts that revival is necessary within the church, as it is God's people who must lead the way in repentance for healing to occur. He warns that failure to heed this call will result in dire consequences for the nation.
Text
"NATIONAL SICKNESS - ITS CAUSE AND CURE"
Intro: Our nation is obviously sick. Democratic convention; racial strife;
riots; rising crime rates; extensive drug use; loosening or moral
standards; all are symptoms. Where were the peace marchers when
Czechoslovakia was invaded? When the strongest nation in the
world cannot pay its debts?
I. NATIONAL SICKNESS - ITS CAUSE.
A. Solomon's prayer of dedication.
1. Recognized sin as source of national sickness.
2. Righteousness exhalteth a nation but sin is a reproach
to any people. 3. "Lest sin should be your ruin."
B. The sin of forgetfulness - forget God.
1. Easy to forget what made us strong.
a. At turn of century 90% of public education
Bible related.
b. Today it is a crime to read Bible in public
classroom, or to pray to God . . . but not a
crime to blaspheme God.
2. Easy to forget secret of strength.
a. Not in armies and navies.
b. Not in production capacities. (both are
history's testimony)
c. God is our refuge and our strength.
C. The sin of neglect.
1. Neglect to worship Him.
2. Neglect to call upon HIm.
3. Neglect to serve Him.
D. Sin of rejection.
1. A step beyond neglect.
2. At this point another god enthroned = the national
God of pleasure, materialism, and Intellectualism.
II. NATIONAL SICKNESS - ITS CURE.
A. It is not the electing of & new president.
B. It does entail a return to God - 7:14.
C. Who? "My people, called by my name"
1. We are called "Christians"
2. Revival is not a term for world, only church.
D. What?
1. "Humble themselves"
a. Admit we're not no smart as to eliminate God.
b. Admit we're not so strong.
2. "And pray."
a. This is the acknowledgment of our need of help.
b. It's too big for me, I need help.
3. "And seek my face."
a. Seek His plan - His- approval.
4. "Turn from wicked ways."
a. Forgetfulness.
b. Neglect.
c. Rejection.
E. Result: then, not before, God.
a. Will hear.
b. Will forgive.
c. Will heal.
F. And what if they don't? The illness is fatal and the patient
will die.
Sermon Outline
- National Sickness - Its Cause
- Recognized Sin as Source of National Sickness
- The Sin of Forgetfulness - Forget God
- The Sin of Neglect
- The Sin of Rejection
Key Quotes
“Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” — Chuck Smith
“God is our refuge and our strength.” — Chuck Smith
“It is not the electing of a new president, it does entail a return to God.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must recognize the sin that is causing our national sickness and take responsibility for our actions.
- We must humble ourselves and admit our need for God's help and guidance.
- We must turn from our wicked ways and seek God's face in prayer and repentance.