Luke 9:59
Chuck Smith emphasizes the mission of Jesus to save humanity from its destructive tendencies and the hope for a future of redemption and building.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that the birth of Jesus is not just a historical event but the beginning of a divine mission to save humanity. He explains that Jesus was sent by God not to condemn but to rescue a world in chaos, highlighting the destructive nature of mankind. Smith challenges listeners to reflect on their own contributions to the world, questioning whether they are builders or destroyers. He reassures that while the world may seem lost, Jesus is actively saving individuals and preparing them for a future where they can contribute positively to society. Ultimately, he points to the hope that Jesus will reign and restore all things.
Text
"A SAVIOR"
Intro: The story of Christmas far more than a baby born in a manger in Bethlehem to a
virgin. That baby is the Son of God, He has always existed.
I. HE HAS COME TO EARTH ON A SPECIAL MISSION.
A. He was sent by God. "God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the
world..."
1. Here Jesus expressed essentially the same thing as expressed in our text.
2. His mission was not to destroy.
a. Man was doing an effective job at that.
b. Look at the way man continues to destroy.
1. It seems to he a part of his nature.
2. We see destructive traits in children.
c. Because of a snub, the disciples were ready to destroy the
Samaritan village.
1. Jesus at this very moment on final journey to Jerusalem in
His mission to save men.
a. He was to accomplish this by allowing man to follow
his natural bent of destroying the beautiful and
perfect.
b. He said, "Destroy this temple (body)."
B. If Jesus came to save, we must assume that man was lost.
1. Look at the mess the world is in today.
a. Middle-east.
b. South-east Asia.
c. Africa.
d. Central and South America.
e. Mexico and the United States. Why is the world in such a mess?
2. If you don't think that man needs saving, just relax, don't get excited,
those friendly men in white jackets will be here soon.
a. A very wise friend told me one day, "It seems there are two kinds
of people, those who build and those who destroy."
1. What kind of a person are you?
a. Are you destroying yourself and those around you?
b. The campgrounds after you leave, are they in better
condition or worse?
c. When you move out of a house...
C. Has He failed in His mission?
1. A look at the world today would prompt an affirmative answer.
2. Mankind on brink of destroying himself
3. His program not yet established on a universal scale.
a. It will be, Jesus shall reign.
b. "God has put all things in subjection."
4. At the present time, He is working on an individual scale.
a. I have watched Him save thousands who were destroying themselves.
1. Some were destroying themselves with alcohol, others with
drugs, still other with their thirst for pleasure.
b. He is conscripting men on an individual basis for His Kingdom.
1. Imagine living in a world where there were no destroyers.
2. Where all men were builders.
3. Each person gave more than they took.
4. Left each place better than when they found it.
5. This is the destiny for those He has saved.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''He was sent by God.'', ''B'': ''If Jesus came to save, we must assume that man was lost.'', ''C'': ''Has He failed in His mission?''}' - HE HAS COME TO EARTH ON A SPECIAL MISSION
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Destructive tendencies in humanity.'', ''B'': ''The impact of man''s actions on the world.'', ''C'': ''The need for salvation.''}' - THE NATURE OF MAN
- III points: - '{''A'': ''Jesus'' individual work in saving mankind.'', ''B'': ''The vision of a world without destroyers.'', ''C'': ''The future hope of His Kingdom.''}' - THE PROMISE OF REDEMPTION
Key Quotes
“God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world...” — Chuck Smith
“It seems there are two kinds of people, those who build and those who destroy.” — Chuck Smith
“Imagine living in a world where there were no destroyers.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Reflect on whether you are a builder or a destroyer in your daily life.
- Consider how your actions impact those around you and strive to leave places better than you found them.
- Embrace the hope of individual salvation and share that message with others.