Isaiah 59:1
The sermon emphasizes that our separation from God due to sin affects our prayers and relationship with Him, despite His willingness to save and hear us.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that when prayers go unanswered, we often blame God, but the true issue lies within ourselves. He explains that God's ability to save is not limited, and He hears our prayers, yet our iniquities create a separation between us and God. Smith illustrates this separation through biblical examples, highlighting that sin hinders our relationship with God and His willingness to answer our prayers. Ultimately, he encourages believers to forsake their sinful ways to restore their connection with God, who desires to hear and respond to our prayers.
Text
"SEPARATED FROM GOD"
When prayers are not answered or things go wrong, how quick we are to blame God. There
can be several reasons, selfish motivations. God's will delay.
I. "THE LORD'S HAND IS NOT SHORTENED, THAT IT CANNOT SAVE."
A. The problem is not on the upper side.
1. God is able "His hand is Mot shortened."
a. Surely He who formed the body from the dust of the earth is
able to make minor adjustments or major for that matter.
b. Key to Abraham's faith, "being fully persuaded..."
c. Paul's confidence in God's ability.
1. "For I know whom..."
2. "Now unto Him who is able..."
d. Sometimes when prayers not answered we think "Maybe that's
too much to ask."
2. God can save us from any crisis.
a. Maybe the problem is that He can't hear.
3. "Neither is His ear heavy that He cannot here."
a. Elijah to prophets and priests of Baal, "Cry louder perhaps
your god is sleeping."
1. This is never the case with Jehovah, "He who watches
Israel neither slumbers or sleeps."
b. He hears the prayers of our hearts.
1. Eleazer, "before I had finished speaking in my heart,"
Rebekah.
II. "YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOD."
A. The problem lies at our own door.
B. Separation from God is the inevitable consequence of sin.
1. In garden of Eden "Adam where art thou?"
a. Not the call of an arresting officer but the cry of a heart
broken Father.
b. When God laid on Jesus Christ "the iniquities of us all" the
cry "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?"
2. This is not difficult to grasp. If God would continue to answer my
prayers while I was deliberately walking in sin, He would be condoning
my sin. God cannot look upon sin" i.e.
C. "He will not hear."
1. It's not that He cannot hear.
D. Many of the things we have asked for, God desires to give to us.
1. God.wants to save you.
2. God delights to answer your prayers.
3. "Let the wicked man forsake His way and the unrighteous man..."
I. Peter-prayers hindered. (?)
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''The problem is not on the upper side.'', ''B'': ''God can save us from any crisis.'', ''C'': ''God hears the prayers of our hearts.''}' - The Lord's Hand is Not Shortened
- II points: - '{''A'': ''The problem lies at our own door.'', ''B'': ''Separation from God is the inevitable consequence of sin.'', ''C'': ''God desires to answer our prayers.''}' - Your Iniquities Have Separated Between You and Your God
Key Quotes
“The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save.” — Chuck Smith
“Your iniquities have separated between you and your God.” — Chuck Smith
“He who watches Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Reflect on any sin in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God.
- Trust in God's ability to answer your prayers, even when it seems difficult.
- Seek to align your heart with God's will to experience His blessings.