Chuck Smith emphasizes that Israel's self-destruction stemmed from turning away from God and embracing idols, leading to a shift in priorities that ultimately distanced them from divine help. He highlights that prosperity can often lead to forgetfulness of God, and that individuals are responsible for their own choices rather than blaming others. Despite Israel's failures, God offers His help, illustrating His unwavering love and the importance of seeking Him as our true source of strength and support. The sermon underscores the role of the Holy Spirit as our helper and comforter, reminding us that God is always ready to assist us in our times of need.

"GOD OUR HELP" I. "O ISRAEL, THOU HAST DESTROYED THYSELF." A. How did Israel destroy herself? 1. By turning away from God. a. First commandment of the law, vs. 2, 4. b. So easy to shift priori-ties. c. So devastating to shift priorities. d. Jesus said, "Seek ye first..." 1. Life exists on two planes - vertical and horizontal. 2. Vertical axis is most important. 2. By turning to idols. a. The act of turning is always a double action. 1. As I turn away, I am in the same action turning to. 2. If you turn from God, you must substitute something in His place. 3. A man's god is the mastering passion of his life. The central axis. a. Sports are his god. b. Cars are his god. c. Money is his god. B. When did Israel destroy herself? 1. When she enjoyed God's prosperity, vs. 6. a. When she was destitute she sought God. b. When she became prosperous, she forgot God. c. Prosperity often reveals the truth of a persons heart. 1. Satan accused Job of being a mercenary. 2. "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them." d. Do you still trust and seek God when you think you don't have to? C. Notice God's direct accusation, "You have destroyed yourself." 1. It seems like human nature to try to blame someone else for my woes. a. Adam said, "the woman you gave me..." b. So many seek to blame their parents. 2. God holds you responsible for you. a. You will not answer for your parents. b. The judgment bar of God will be a singularly lonely place. D. I think of the destructive power of sin. 1. How many lives have been destroyed by it. 2. So often when one goes under, he pulls others under with him. a. I think of the thousands of children who are the innocent victims of their parent's sin. b. Maybe as you look at the mess you have made of your life you can also see the harm you have done to others. E. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself. 1. Is that the end of the story? 2. Is there a period at the end? a. If so, there is no hope for man. b. We have all been guilty of Israel's sin. II. "BUT, IN ME IS THINE HELP." A. Even to self destructive Israel, God is still offering His help. 1. "O love that will not let me go." 2. If I am destroyed eternally, I will have no one to blame but myself. a. God has thrown to me a life preserver. b. I only need to reach out and take hold. B. One of the names Jesus gives to the Holy Spirit is helper. "Paracletus", translated, "comforter", one who comes alongside to help. 1. God knows we need help. 2. Left to ourselves, we would be destroyed. C. This is the true gospel for destroyed man. 1. God will help you. a. For this purpose, He sent His Son. b. For this purpose, He also sent the Holy Spirit "Can I help you?", can be the most beautiful words in the world.