The sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on God rather than on human leaders, using Uzziah's story as a cautionary tale.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's sovereignty over human leaders, using King Uzziah's rise and fall as a cautionary tale. Uzziah, despite his early successes and prosperity, became an idol in the eyes of the people, which ultimately led to his downfall. Smith points out that God had to remove Uzziah for the prophet to truly see the Lord, highlighting the danger of ministers seeking personal glory rather than directing attention to Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder to focus on Jesus rather than human accolades, urging believers to lift up Christ instead of earthly leaders.
Text
I. UZZIAH HIS GREATNESS.
A. Entered throne at perilous times.
1. Grandfather & father both murdered.
a. Both went after idolatry.
B. Although only 16 years old he was very prosperous.
C. He wrought great victories against the Philistines & Arabians.
D. He fortified Jerusalem built towers & ingenious weapons of war.
II. UZZIAH HIS MISTAKE II Chron. 26:8.
A. His name spread abroad vs. 8.
B. His name spread abroad for he was strong vs. 15.
C. Everyone was saying UZZIAH THIS UZZIAH.
1. His name on lips of all the people.
III. "IN THE YEAR KING UZZIAH DIED I SAW THE LORD HIGH AND LIFTED UP."
A. God had to remove His idol Uzziah before His prophet could see Him.
B. Great tragedy of many ministers & evangelists today.
1. Busy making a name for themselves.
a. People go from service saying:
1. "Isn't he a wonderful preacher!"
2. "Isn't he a powerful speaker!"
3. He's marvelous.
2. How much better to lift up Christ to the extent that they will say:
a. Isn't Jesus wonderful.
C. Don't get your eyes on man.
1. A priest was once applauded as he entered the service. "Strange they
should applaud the servant in the Master's House."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''Entered throne at perilous times.'', ''B'': ''Although only 16 years old he was very prosperous.'', ''C'': ''He wrought great victories against the Philistines & Arabians.'', ''D'': ''He fortified Jerusalem built towers & ingenious weapons of war.''}' - Uzziah His Greatness
- II points: - '{''A'': ''His name spread abroad vs. 8.'', ''B'': ''His name spread abroad for he was strong vs. 15.'', ''C'': ''Everyone was saying Uzziah this Uzziah.'', ''D'': ''His name on lips of all the people.''}' - Uzziah His Mistake II Chron. 26:8
- III points: - '{''A'': ''God had to remove His idol Uzziah before His prophet could see Him.'', ''B'': ''Great tragedy of many ministers & evangelists today.'', ''C'': ''Don''t get your eyes on man.''}' - In the Year King Uzziah Died I Saw the Lord High and Lifted Up
Key Quotes
“God had to remove His idol Uzziah before His prophet could see Him.” — Chuck Smith
“Isn't Jesus wonderful.” — Chuck Smith
“Strange they should applaud the servant in the Master's House.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize the dangers of pride and self-promotion in ministry.
- Focus on glorifying Christ rather than seeking personal accolades.
- Encourage others to see the greatness of God instead of human achievements.
