Psalms 73
The sermon explores the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the ultimate understanding found in God's presence, emphasizing the importance of faith amidst struggles.
Chuck Smith addresses the question of God's fairness in his sermon on Psalms 73, illustrating the disparity between the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. He shares personal anecdotes of individuals who seem to thrive despite their sinful ways, while faithful believers endure hardship. Smith emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding through God's sanctuary, where one can gain a broader perspective on life and eternity. Ultimately, he concludes that true fulfillment comes from being in God's presence and recognizing the eternal benefits of faithfulness.
Text
"IS GOD FAIR?"
Intro: I know a man very wealthy, excellent health, large of stature, handsome countenance,
yet his mind is a cesspool - blasphemous, spends his money on riotous and sinful
pleasures. Is God fair to give him so much when he curses God? I know a dear saint
who suffers continually barely enough to get by on, one painful experience after
another. Husband an alcoholic. Yet she is always praying and praising the Lord. Is
God fair. I know a splendid young Christian couple, work diligently in the church
tithe faithfully, they had a baby born to them horribly deformed. Is God fair? Hard
for us to equate. Impossible.
I. "I WAS ENVIOUS AT THE FOOLISH WHEN I SAW THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED."
A. Their strength is firm.
1. Seem to get by and escape.
2. Cheat and are not caught.
B. They are not in trouble as other men.
1. Wicked have trouble.
2. Not those Satan attracts us to for example.
C. Full of pride.
1. "Eyes stand out with fatness."
2. "More than heart could wish."
D. "They are corrupt." vs 8
1. "Set their mouths against heaven."
a. "How doth God know?"
b. "Is there knowledge in the most high?"
E. "Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world."
II. VS. 16 "WHEN I SOUGHT TO KNOW THIS, IT WAS TOO PAINFUL FOR ME."
A. Vs. 2 "My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped."
B. vs. 13 "I have cleansed my heart in vain It hasn't been worth the struggle."
a. The fellow sho cheats gets rich.
b. The honest man goes broke.
Painful perplexity until -
Ill. "I WENT INTO THE SANCTUARY OF GOD THEN UNDER -STOOD I THEIR END."
A. A broader view was discovered.
1. This should always perpetually be the experience of entrance into God's
house.
2. Nearer view more clear.
B. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places."
Deut. - "To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall
slide in due time for the day of their calamity is at hand, and
the things that come upon them shall make haste."
1. Walking icy plank over open pit of hell.
2. So many times when we go into sanctuary the word of God that comes forth
just what we need.
C. Looking to eternity is sin worth it?
D. Vs. 21 "My heart was grieved."
1. Envy turned to pity. Great victory at this point.
IV. MY PRESENT AND ETERNAL BENEFITS.
A. "I am continually with thee."
B. "You hold me by my right hand."
C. "You guide me by your counsel" Absolom had received AthithopheI.
D. You will receive me into glory.
vs. 25
vs 28
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''Observations of the wicked''s prosperity'', ''B'': ''Comparison of troubles faced by the wicked and the righteous'', ''C'': ''The pride and corruption of the wicked'', ''D'': ''The ungodly''s apparent success''}' - The Envy of the Righteous
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Personal feelings of slipping away from faith'', ''B'': ''The futility of cleansing one''s heart'', ''C'': ''The contrast between the dishonest and the honest''}' - The Painful Struggle of Understanding
- III points: - '{''A'': ''Gaining a broader perspective through worship'', ''B'': ''Understanding the fate of the wicked'', ''C'': ''The importance of looking towards eternity'', ''D'': ''Transformation of envy into pity''}' - The Revelation in God's Sanctuary
- IV points: - '{''A'': ''Continuous companionship with God'', ''B'': ''Divine guidance and support'', ''C'': ''The promise of eternal glory''}' - The Benefits of God's Presence
Key Quotes
“I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” — Chuck Smith
“I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” — Chuck Smith
“I am continually with thee; thou hast holden me by my right hand.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Seek God's presence in times of doubt to gain clarity and understanding.
- Remember that true success is not measured by worldly standards but by our relationship with God.
- Transform envy into compassion by recognizing the eternal consequences of one's choices.