Song of Solomon 4:16
As a Christian, our lives exist primarily for God, and our purpose is to produce fruit that brings Him joy and pleasure.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that as Christians, our lives are like 'God's garden,' cultivated for the purpose of bearing fruit. He illustrates how God prepares our lives, nurtures us, and anticipates the beauty of our blossoming faith, which ultimately leads to the fruit of our labor. Smith warns against the disappointment of a fruitless life, urging believers to prioritize God above all else to experience fulfillment and joy. He encourages us to invite God into our lives, allowing Him to enjoy the fruits of our spiritual growth and fostering a deep communion with Him.
Text
"HIS GARDEN"
I. AS A CHRISTIAN, MY LIFE IS "GOD'S GARDEN."
A. His work within my life has one general purpose - fruit.
1. God first broke the soil to prepare it for the seed.
2. He watched the developing plant.
a. Cultivating, weeding.
b. Watering.
3. Blossom time is always beautiful.
a. Beautiful to see young Christians begin to
blossom in His love.
b. Purpose not yet fulfilled.
c. Blossoms presage the fruit.
4. The fruit itself takes time to develop and ripen.
a. Days of interest and anticipation.
b. Cheryl and my walks through garden.
5. What glorious days when you can come into the garden
and eat its fruits.
a. Days of fulfilled purpose.
b. Days of reward as you partake of the fruit
of your labor.
B. How disappointing when a fruit tree does not bear fruit.
1. It cannot abide.
a. Jesus and fig tree.
b. "Every branch that bears not fruit He takes
away."
II. "LET MY BELOVED COME INTO HIS GARDEN AND EAT HIS PLEASANT FRUITS."
A. Our lives exist primarily for God. "His garden."
1. The fruit of our lives for His enjoyment.
2. "The husbandman must first be partaker."
a. "My Father is the Husbandman."
3. Try to alter this fact and you are destined to
disappointment and emptiness.
a. If you put yourself first.
1. Life totally wasted.
b. Put others first (superior).
1. You will become disappointed.
2. Some who will take and take till
you have no more to give, then curse
you for not giving more.
a. Why the proverb, "don't bite
the hand that is feeding you."
c. Put God first. Full, rich, rewarding.
1. What is done for others done in His
name. He will reward you.
B. How beautiful when God can come into the garden of your life
to eat His pleasant fruits.
1. When you can share in that rich fellowship and
communion of love.
a. Oh, what joys, how full the peace.
b. What bliss, glory.
2. Have you invited your beloved into His garden lately?
Sermon Outline
- As a Christian, my life is 'God's Garden' points: - God's work in my life has one general purpose - fruit - How disappointing when a fruit tree does not bear fruit
- Let my beloved come into His garden and eat His pleasant fruits points: - Our lives exist primarily for God - How beautiful when God can come into the garden of your life
Key Quotes
“God first broke the soil to prepare it for the seed.” — Chuck Smith
“The fruit itself takes time to develop and ripen.” — Chuck Smith
“What glorious days when you can come into the garden and eat its fruits.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Put God first in your life, and He will cultivate love and fruit in you.
- Allow God to come into your life and share in His fellowship and communion of love.
- Experience fullness, richness, and reward in your life by putting God first.