Proverbs 22:13
The sermon teaches that excuses and fear hold people back from achieving higher goals and living a life for Christ.
Chuck Smith discusses the excuses made by the lazy man, likening them to imaginary lions that prevent individuals from pursuing a higher life in Christ. He emphasizes that these lions, representing fear, unbelief, and comfort, hinder people from taking risks and making sacrifices for their faith. Smith encourages listeners to confront these obstacles and trust in God's ability to sustain them, rather than allowing fear to dictate their choices. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to a life of faith, despite the challenges that may arise.
Text
Intro: "There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets."
I. THE LAZY MAN'S REASON FOR NOT WORKING.
A. A lion in the way.
B. "A man good at making excuses is good for nothing else."
C. In the winter, "it's too cold."
a. In the summer it's the heat.
D. The lazy man will have his lion and he will not thank you if you
get it out of his way.
II. THESE LIONS ALSO KEEP PEOPLE FROM HIGHER GOALS.
A. There are hundreds of inducements to a life for Christ - many
lions.
B. Many impediments to a life of sacrifice for Christ - many lions.
C. Much easier to go as water; the path of least resistance down the
hill.
III. EVERY ROAD TO A HIGHER LIFE HAS AN IMAGINARY LION.
A. You're mixed up with the wrong gang - not bad but not good, you
just fool away your time.
1. Decide to change but oh those lions.
B. When you have done something wrong two paths.
1. Honesty.
2. Lying or concealment.
C. Called to higher life.
1. Lion of unbelief.
a. "I don't know which church to believe."
b. Told to believe in Christ.
2. Lion of fear. "I would be a Christian, but I am afraid
I could not hold out."
a. Sick person arguing thus.
"I would like to be well, but I am afraid
I could not stay well."
"Some disuse might, put me back down."
"I better just stay sick."
b. We are not commanded to hold out just to
entrust ourselves to Him.
"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling..."
Sermon Outline
- The Lazy Man's Reason for Not Working
- Lions that Keep People from Higher Goals
- Every Road to a Higher Life Has an Imaginary Lion
- A lion in the way
- Making excuses
- Seasonal excuses
- The lion is a hindrance
- Inducements to a life for Christ
- Impediments to a life of sacrifice
- The path of least resistance
- Mixed up with the wrong gang
- Choosing between honesty and concealment
- The lion of unbelief and fear
Key Quotes
“A man good at making excuses is good for nothing else.” — Chuck Smith
“Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be aware of the excuses and fears that hold us back from achieving our goals and living a life for Christ.
- We must trust in God's ability to keep us from falling and overcome the lion of unbelief.
- We must choose between the path of least resistance and the path of sacrifice and obedience to God.