Jeremiah 21:8
The sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing the path of life, which is made possible through Jesus Christ, and warns against the path of death, which leads to spiritual separation from God.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the choice between two paths: the way of life and the way of death. He explains that the way of life is not just about physical existence but encompasses eternal life, joy, peace, fellowship, and love through Jesus Christ. In contrast, the way of death signifies a life without Christ, leading to spiritual death and hopelessness. Smith encourages listeners to recognize their free will in choosing the path of life, which is supported by God's love and the sacrifice of Jesus. Ultimately, he affirms that believing in Christ brings true life and fulfillment.
Text
"THE TWO PATHS"
Intro: "Which way shall I take?" - cries a voice in the night, removing the scripture from
its local setting.
I. THE WAY OF LIFE.
A. This is not just physical life.
1. "Age abiding life".
a. "Good Master, what must I do to inherit...?"
b. Recognized in Jesus something more.
B. This is a quality of life as well as quantity.
1. "I have come that ye might have life, and..."
2. Life of Joy.
3. Life of Peace.
a. Satan seeks to rob me of the benefits.
1. Brings divers trials and testings.
2. "Lets see you have joy in this."
3. Secret lies in keeping our eyes on Jesus - "Thou wilt keep
him in perfect..."
4. Looking at circumstances - sink every time.
4. Life of fellowship.
a. Twofold - with God and body of believers - "That which we have seen
and heard..."
5. Life of love.
C. It is a quantity of life.
1. Life everlasting.
a. Long after we have watched the sun flicker and die like an expended
candle.
2. Simple illustrations have been created to convey to the finite mind the
infinite.
a. Bird flying to the moon with particle of dust from the earth.
1. My reaction as a little boy in S.S., to this illus. - "What would he do if he
accidentally swallowed it on the way?"
II. "THE WAY OF DEATH."
A. Again this is not just physical death.
1. Some say, "death is not the worst thing that can happen to a
person."
a. To a non Christian it is.
b. The end of hope and opportunity.
B. The truth of the case is this: we are already on the path of death.
1. Just continue as you are - without Jesus Christ - and you will die in your
sins.
2. We were by our human nature children of wrath.
3. It's interesting that we usually think of death in colors of pale - gray
- or black.
a. By comparison the non-Christian life is like looking at the world
in black and white - like listening on monaural.
C. The Bible says: "God is not willing that any should perish..." "Behold, I have
no pleasure in the death..." So...
III. GOD HAS SET BEFORE US THE PATH OF LIFE.
A. We must now exercise our God-given capacity of free choice.
1. There is a lot working against you.
a. Satan, the god of this world, seeks to blind.
1. Brings strong delusion.
2. Fosters countless lies.
3. Uses pressure tactics - "don't be a fool."
b. Pride.
1. Acknowledgment of need for help - hard on pride.
2. There is a lot working for you.
a. God's love freely offered.
b. The death of Jesus Christ making the way.
c. The Holy Spirit drawing you.
B. God said: "I have set before you the way of life."
Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." - "He that hath the Son
hath life."
That is the most glorious truth or the most blasphemous lie.
I, with countless thousands, testify to you today that it is the truth. I have believed in Him
and have received from Him life.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Way of Life - '{''1'': ''Quality of Life'', ''2'': ''Life of Joy'', ''3'': ''Life of Peace'', ''4'': ''Life of Fellowship'', ''5'': ''Life of Love''}' - '{''1'': ''Quantity of Life'', ''2'': ''Life Everlasting''}'
- II points: - The Way of Death - '{''1'': ''Physical Death'', ''2'': ''Spiritual Death''}' - The Bible's Perspective on Death
- III points: - God's Path of Life - Exercising Free Choice
Key Quotes
“I have come that ye might have life, and...” — Chuck Smith
“God is not willing that any should perish...” — Chuck Smith
“I have set before you the way of life.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Choose the path of life by acknowledging your need for God's help and love, and by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior.
- Be aware of Satan's deception and lies that seek to lead you away from God and towards spiritual death.
- Exercise your free choice to follow God's path of life, which leads to eternal life and joy, peace, fellowship, and love.