Luke 14:15
God extends an invitation to us, but our rejection of it insults Him and cuts us off from further offers of friendship.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the urgency of God's invitation to His banquet, illustrating how many initially invited rejected the call, leading to a broader invitation extended to the marginalized. He highlights that God allows individuals to decline His invitation, but doing so is an insult to the costly preparations made for them. The sermon stresses that rejecting God's invitation not only affects the individual but also influences others, and ultimately cuts one off from future opportunities for friendship with God. Smith concludes by reminding listeners that all things are now ready, urging them to respond to God's call in these last days.
Text
"COME, FOR ALL THINGS ARE NOW READY"
JESUS TABLE TALKS
I. THREE DISTINCT INVITATIONS WERE GIVEN.
A. Many given special invitations. Messenger followed to let them know all in
readiness.
B. When these refused second invitation to poor, maimed and blind
C. Still house not full so third invitation.
II. GREAT TRUTHS TAUGHT.
A. God permits men to reject His invitation.
1. Allows any excuse.
2. Never forces any to accept.
B. To reject is to insult God.
1. Made costly preparations for us.
a. John 3:16.
b. I Peter 1:18,19.
2. He esteemed you to be a friend. Sent invitation to you.
3. Others are influenced by your rejection.
C. To reject cuts you off from further invitations, and from all other offers of
friendship.
III. COME FOR ALL THINGS ARE NOW READY.
A. Living in last days.
B. God has given invitation to you.
C. Two things you can do.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Three Distinct Invitations Were Given - Refusal of the First Invitation - The Third Invitation
- II points: - God Permits Men to Reject His Invitation - To Reject is to Insult God - Consequences of Rejecting God's Invitation
- III points: - Living in the Last Days - God's Invitation to You - Your Response
Key Quotes
“COME, FOR ALL THINGS ARE NOW READY” — Chuck Smith
“God permits men to reject His invitation.” — Chuck Smith
“To reject is to insult God.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must respond to God's invitation with urgency and purpose, especially in these last days.
- Rejecting God's invitation insults Him and has serious consequences for our lives.
- We can accept God's invitation and experience the love and friendship He has for us.