Psalms 56:9
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of having right concepts of God, as distorted views can lead to wrong responses and a lack of trust in Him.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of having a correct understanding of God, arguing that many misconceptions arise from the influence of God's enemies, particularly through the distortion of His character by Satan. He highlights how these distorted views lead to feelings of distrust and fear towards God, making individuals believe that God is against them rather than for them. Smith points to David's declaration, 'God is for me,' as a powerful affirmation that encourages trust and praise, reminding believers that God desires their joy and well-being. He concludes by affirming that this truth is a promise for God's children, urging them to embrace their identity as beloved and supported by God.
Text
"GOD IS FOR ME"
I. THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT CONCEPTS OF GOD.
A. Most of the concepts people have of God or His word or His Son, they have
learned from His enemies.
1. From the beginning, Satan has sought to distort the character of God.
a. He suggested to Eve.
1. God has lied to you. "You will not die."
2. God is trying to keep you from something good.
3. God is not fair.
2. His attacks have not changed with the centuries.
a. Vicious attacks against God's word.
1. Blatant frauds and lies have been fostered by men of
science to try to prove men evolved rather that was
created.
2. They want you to believe that you evolved from the image
of an ape rather than created in the image of God.
3. Despite the increasing evidence to the contrary through
the research into the DNA cell they hold fast to their
sinking ship.
4. Some have been quoted as saying "but if evolution is not
true that leaves us with no alternative but God."
5. How well Paul described them. Rom. 1:21
b. All kinds of suggestions that God is not fair.
1. What about the savages?
2. Why so much suffering in the world?
3. How could a God of love send a man to hell? I hope you
don't find out.
c. Men feel God's law is against their best interest God wants to
keep you from the good life.
1. God said "Keep your mind pure."
2. Flee fornication.
B. The distorted views of God provoke wrong responses to God.
1. Man feels that God is against him.
a. Against your having joy.
b. See God like KGB.
c. Picture God as standing over them with club.
d. How distorted. When God said to Adam, "What have you done?"
Not harsh voice of arresting officer. Sob of heartbroken Father.
e. See Jesus as He weeps over Jerusalem.
2. Man feels he cannot trust God.
a. This is the evil subtle suggest of the Positive Confession or
prosperity heresy.
b. For my best good I must direct God according to my desires.
c. To commit yourself to God's will can result in sickness or
poverty.
d. I always receive a certain amount of letters when I speak out
against heresy. People send me their testimonies.
3. I cannot praise a God who I think is against me and I cannot trust.
II. DAVID SAID, "GOD IS FOR ME!"
A. I will praise His Word.
B. I will trust Him.
C. I will not be afraid what man will do.
D. I will praise Him.
E. Paul asked, "If God be for us..."
F. This truth only for His children.
The hand of the LORD is against the wicked
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Right Concepts of God points: - Distorted views of God - Learned from God's enemies - Feeling God is against you - Feeling you cannot trust God - Wrong responses to God
- David Said, 'God Is For Me!' points: - Praise His Word - Trust Him - Not be afraid of man - Praise Him - Paul's question - Truth only for God's children
Key Quotes
“He suggested to Eve. 'God has lied to you. You will not die.'” — Chuck Smith
“How could a God of love send a man to hell? I hope you don't find out.” — Chuck Smith
“See Jesus as He weeps over Jerusalem.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be careful not to learn our concepts of God from His enemies, but rather from His Word.
- Having a right understanding of God's character and nature is essential for building trust and praise in Him.
- We must not let distorted views of God lead to wrong responses, but rather seek to understand and obey His Word.