Joshua 9:3
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's counsel and avoiding ungodly alliances that weaken us and lead us away from God.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the dangers of forming ungodly alliances, warning that God has commanded His people not to make treaties with unbelievers. He explains that such alliances can lead to a weakening of one's spiritual position and that the enemy uses deceit to draw believers into compromising situations. Smith stresses the importance of seeking God's counsel in all decisions, as relying on our own judgment can lead to unnecessary pain. He concludes that true strength comes from an alliance with God, who will guide and defend us, while any other alliance must align with His will.
Text
"UNGODLY ALLIANCES"
I. ALLIANCES FORBIDDEN.
A. God had told them not to make any treaty with the inhabitants of the land. We
as Christians commanded not to be unequally yoked together with unbeliever.
B. Why are these alliances forbidden?
1. There can be no fellowship of righteousness with unrighteousness.
2. There is no communion of light with darkness.
3. Christ will have no part with Satan.
4. There can be no idols in the temple of God.
a. Idols are dead, inanimate objects. They cannot represent a
living God.
C. The Purpose of an alliance.
1. We think of it for a strengthening of our position.
a. If we pool our resources we will be stronger.
b. If I am attacked you will help me.
c. By joining ourselves together we become as one.
2. Any alliance with the enemy is only a weakening of our position.
a. He will turn on us in the battle.
b. Our sense of strength a false security.
3. Satan in seeking to draw you into an ungodly alliance does not have
your best interest at heart.
II. THE GUISES EMPLOYED TO DRAW YOU IN.
A. Remember the enemy is a master of deceit.
1. He does not play by the same rules.
2. The truth means nothing to him.
3. And so the men of Gibeon came.
B. "But our case is different."
1. God's rules do not apply to our situation.
2. He doesn't realize what a sweet guy he is.
a. He is so moral.
b. He is so generous.
c. Surely can go into partnership with him.
Ill. HOW UNGODLY ALLIANCES ARE FORMED.
A. How did I ever get into this mess?
1. I don't why God did this to.
2. Oh what needless pain we bear.
B. Note - vs. 14 "And the men took of their victuals and inquired not at
the mouth..."
1. They trusted their own judgment.
2. They failed to seek council from God.
3. This is the same mistake Joshua made.
C. "In all they ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path."
1. There is one alliance you need above all others.
a. Your alliance with God.
1. He will come to your defense.
2. He will guide you in all your decisions.
b. Any other alliance must be directed by Him in harmony
with Him.
c. He will make no treaty with the enemy.
D. Beware of any alliance that:
1. Requires a compromise of your convictions.
2. You feet pressured into.
3. You can't bring God into it completely.
Always inquire of the Lord concerning every decision no matter how good it looks
on the surface.
IV. WHAT STORY TEACHES.
A. Little problems often more dangerous.
B. Its a mistake to venture on any project without seeking God.
C. Any yoke I create with the world or worldly only weakens me.
Sermon Outline
- Alliances Forbidden points: - God forbids alliances with unbelievers - Reasons for this prohibition - No fellowship of righteousness with unrighteousness - No communion of light with darkness - Christ will have no part with Satan - No idols in the temple of God
- The Guises Employed to Draw You In points: - The enemy is a master of deceit - The enemy uses various tactics to draw you in
- How Ungodly Alliances Are Formed points: - How we get into ungodly alliances - The mistake of trusting our own judgment - The importance of seeking God's counsel
- What the Story Teaches points: - Little problems can be more dangerous - Seeking God's counsel is crucial - Ungodly alliances weaken us
Key Quotes
“Always inquire of the Lord concerning every decision no matter how good it looks on the surface.” — Chuck Smith
“There is one alliance you need above all others. Your alliance with God.” — Chuck Smith
“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should always seek God's counsel and direction in all our decisions.
- Ungodly alliances weaken us and lead us away from God.
- We should prioritize our alliance with God above all others.