Numbers 27:12
As a representative of God, we have a great privilege and responsibility to accurately represent God's opinions and character to others.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of Moses as God's representative, illustrating how the people learned about God through Moses' actions and words. He highlights the immense responsibility that comes with representing God, noting that people's perceptions of God are shaped by the representatives they observe. Smith also discusses Moses' failure at Meribah, where his actions misrepresented God's character, leading to significant consequences. Ultimately, he calls on Christians to recognize their privilege and responsibility as representatives of Christ, urging them to yield to the Holy Spirit for guidance. The sermon serves as a reminder that how we live reflects on our faith and influences others' understanding of God.
Text
"GOD'S REPRESENTATIVE"
Intro: Moses calling, Moses privilege.
I. MOSES BECAME GOD'S REPRESENTATIVE.
A. The people feared direct contact with God.
B. God spoke to the people through Moses.
1. Oft repeated phrase "And the Lord spoke unto Moses
saying - speak unto..."
C. God directed their activities through Moses.
1. The form of worship.
2. The order of the camp.
D. What they knew of God they learned through Moses.
II. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A REPRESENTATIVE.
A. That you properly represent your master.
1. Opinions of God formed by what they saw Moses do.
2. Their whole concept of God derived from Moses.
a. Whether they loved or hated.
b. Whether they believed in God or ridiculed.
B. Responsible to God.
1. Must accurately represent God's opinions.
a. I fear when I am called to judge.
b. I fear when I teach.
c. I fear when I counsel.
2. I must answer to God. "Be not many masters knowing..."
3. People come and tell me how to run the church.
Ill. MOSES FAILURE AS GOD'S REPRESENTATIVE.
A. Throughout most of life good.
B. He failed at water of Meribah.
1. He smote the rock in anger twice.
a. God was not angry - He said speak.
C. The cause of failure "Ye rebelled against my commandment."
1. "To obey is better than to sacrifice."
2. "He that hath my commandments and keepeth."
D. The result of failure.
1. People got wrong impression of God.
2. Moses kept back from highest privilege.
a. He was not cast out.
IV. REPRESENTATIVES OF CHRIST.
A. You who take the name "Christian."
1. Great privilege to bear name of Christ.
2. Great responsibility.
a. People will judge Christ by what they observe you do.
b. They will love him or reject him.
B. How can I be true to this responsibility?
1. Must yield to Spirit's control.
2. Must be filled with Spirit.
3. Must be led by Spirit.
Sermon Outline
- Moses Became God's Representative
- The people feared direct contact with God
- God spoke to the people through Moses
- God directed their activities through Moses
- What they knew of God they learned through Moses
Key Quotes
“To obey is better than to sacrifice.” — Chuck Smith
“He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” — Chuck Smith
“Be not many masters, knowing that ye shall receive a greater condemnation.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- As a representative of Christ, I must yield to the Spirit's control and be filled with the Spirit.
- I must be responsible to God for how I represent Him, and not try to do things my own way.
- Obedience is better than sacrifice, and I must strive to obey God's commandments.