Proverbs 22:20
Chuck Smith encourages listeners to overcome their excuses and imagined difficulties to come into a higher life in Christ.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the tendency of individuals to make excuses for not pursuing their ambitions in Christ, likening these excuses to 'lions in the way' that deter us from our spiritual journey. He points out that many start with high aspirations but often fall short due to fear of challenges and a lack of commitment. Smith encourages believers to confront their imagined difficulties and take initiative in their spiritual growth, rather than relying on external instruction. He illustrates this with the example of the young prodigal, who faced challenges stemming from his own choices. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles in our faith.
Text
Intro: A lazy ma's reason for not winning lost "Lion in the way." "Man
good at making excuses good for nothing else." Lion in winter is
cold in summer heat, hill or valley.
I. FEW START WITH HIGH AMBITIONS IN CHRIST.
A. Like water run down hill.
B. Dread for difficult tasks.
C. Give neither half their power or half their time.
1. Gold ore not half extracted tailings of our life.
2. Good reasons for not being skilled, "No one to instruct,
or tell how." Rousing up and finding out for themselves
is very thing needed."
II. ALL ATTEMPTS TO COME INTO HIGHER LIFE HAVE IMAGINED DIFFICULTIES
(LIONS).
1. Young prodigal.
2. Mixed with company not good not bad.
3. Difficulty from own sin Confession or Consequence.
Sermon Outline
- Few start with high ambitions in Christ points: - Like water run down hill - Dread for difficult tasks - Give neither half their power or half their time - Gold ore not half extracted tailings of our life - Good reasons for not being skilled, 'No one to instruct, or tell how'
- All attempts to come into higher life have imagined difficulties (Lions) points: - Young prodigal - Mixed with company not good not bad - Difficulty from own sin Confession or Consequence
Key Quotes
“Man good at making excuses good for nothing else.” — Chuck Smith
“Gold ore not half extracted tailings of our life.” — Chuck Smith
“Rousing up and finding out for themselves is very thing needed.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize and overcome your excuses for not growing spiritually.
- Be willing to face and overcome the difficulties that stand in your way.
- Take responsibility for your own spiritual growth and seek out the things you need to know and do to grow.