Luke 18:18
The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with God, and how faith in Jesus is the key to being right with Him.
Chuck Smith discusses the story of a good man who ultimately went to hell, emphasizing the distinction between being good in the eyes of men and being right with God. He highlights the rich young ruler's question, 'What lack I yet?' and points out that one can appear righteous in human relationships yet be lacking in their relationship with God. Smith illustrates that true righteousness requires submission to Jesus' control, and that one cannot be right with God while being wrong with fellow humans. He also reflects on the faith of the criminal crucified alongside Jesus, who recognized a higher authority than earthly power, demonstrating the importance of faith in the face of condemnation.
Text
A GOOD MAN WHO WENT TO HELL
Why callest thou me good meant one of two things. 6 last commandments our relation to our
fellowman "What lack I yet?"
What did he lack? poverty? Submitting of his life to Jesus control Possible to be right with
fellowmen and wrong with God.
But you cannot be right with God and Wrong with fellowman.
LUKE 23:39
Amazing faith of this man.
Both in latter stages of death
Heard Jesus talk to father.
The Roman government had condemned him.
May have appealed to highest court, but now was placed by Rome on this bitter tree.
He now discovers higher tribunal then throne of Caesar's. Found one who could appeal his case
to God.
What this meant to Jesus.
Forsaken (this meant by his disciples)
Brutal mockery by rulers.
Spit upon and cast out by.
Sermon Outline
- The Definition of Good
- The Possibility of Being Right with Fellowmen and Wrong with God
- The Importance of Being Right with God
- Jesus as the higher tribunal
- Faith in Jesus as the key to being right with God
Key Quotes
“Why callest thou me good meant one of two things.” — Chuck Smith
“What this meant to Jesus Forsaken (this meant by his disciples)” — Chuck Smith
“He now discovers higher tribunal then throne of Caesar's.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
- Faith in Jesus is essential to being right with God.
- We cannot be right with God and wrong with our fellowmen.