Psalms 119:9
God's Word has the power to cleanse us from our sins and bring us true freedom and deliverance.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word in cleansing our lives from guilt and sin. He explains that emotional disorders often stem from unresolved guilt, which can only be addressed through the acknowledgment of sin and the acceptance of God's forgiveness. By hiding God's Word in our hearts, we can find strength to resist sin and experience true cleansing. Smith reassures that while we may falter, God's grace allows us to start anew, highlighting the importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture for spiritual growth and freedom.
Text
"THE WORD OF GOD"
Intro: God has spoken to man! He has revealed himself to us so we might know His love,
and His plan for our lies. He has given to us the rules for a rich, full, joyful
life. How important it is to know and give heed to God's Word.
I. "WHEREWITHAL SHALL A YOUNG MAN CLEANSE HIS WAY?"
A. The psychologists tell us that most of our emotional disorders stem from a
guilt complex.
1. Our guilt creates a sub-conscious desire for punishment.
a. We begin some neurotic behavior pattern that is subconsciously
designed to bring disapproval or punishment.
2. We need to be cleansed from our sins.
a. Consciously we may laugh at them.
b. Sub-consciously they are ripping us up.
c. You may attempt to repress your feelings of guilt, they will out.
d. Cleansing is one of our greatest emotional needs.
e. I desire to feel clean, washed, pure.
B. How can a man be clean?
1. How can you make something that is isn't?
2. We look at the feeble attempts of man outside of Christ..
a. The philosophers have sought to rid sin through relativity.
1. It's all relative to the moves.
2. You can always find some sub-culture where your actions
are acceptable practice.
b. The psychologist will take a page from the philosopher and tell
you that you are not really bad, you have set impractical
standards, you can't live by the puritan ethic.
1. Try as you may, you can't talk guilt away.
C. We see others performing penance.
1. They inflict pain upon themselves.
2. They deprive themselves.
3. You may try to crawl on your knees from here to N.Y. fasting all
the way. You won't get far, either towards N.Y. or removing your
guilt.
3. "By taking heed to the Word" Jesus said; "Now ye are clean through
the Word . . ."
a. God's Word acknowledges our sin.
1. "All we like sheep . . ."
2. "For all have sinned" if we say . . ."
b. His word assures us that "if we confess our sins, He is . . . ."
4. It's so beautiful God gives me a clean page and lets me start all over.
a. However before I get very far I blotch the new page.
b. How can I get to the place where I don't need several new pages
each day?
II. 'THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART, THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST THEE."
A. Giving heed to God's Word will bring you cleansing.
B. Hiding it in your heart will keep you clean.
1. The word becomes the power in our life to keep us from sin.
2. Some have prayed and agonized for years over a particular sin in
their life.
a. Can a child of God be set free?
b. Is there deliverance? YES! It's not by casting out the
darkness. It's putting in the light!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of God's Word
- Hiding God's Word in Our Hearts
- Giving Heed to God's Word
- The Word as Power to Resist Sin
- The Power of God's Word to Cleanse
Key Quotes
“By taking heed to the Word, Jesus said; 'Now ye are clean through the Word . . .'” — Chuck Smith
“It's so beautiful God gives me a clean page and lets me start all over.” — Chuck Smith
“It's not by casting out the darkness. It's putting in the light!” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Give heed to God's Word and allow it to cleanse you from your sins.
- Hiding God's Word in your heart will keep you from sinning and bring you true freedom.
- It's not by trying to cast out the darkness, but by putting in the light that we find true deliverance.