Chuck Smith addresses the dire spiritual condition of the nation, emphasizing how false prophets mislead the people with lies, leading them away from the true worship of God. He highlights the consequences of their refusal to heed God's Word, which results in impending judgment and destruction. Smith draws parallels to contemporary society, where many seek entertainment over sound doctrine, preferring the chaff of false teachings over the nourishing wheat of God's truth. He warns that neglecting God's message leads to spiritual decay and ultimately, ruin.

"THE WHEAT AND THE CHAFF" Intro: The chapter begins with a woe against the pastors that would scatter God's sheep. They purported to the people that they represented God, yet they spoke lies in the name of God. I. THE CONDITION OF THE NATION. A. Spiritually - the pits. 1. Worship of idols had replaced worship of the true and living God. a. "They have forsaken Me, the fountain..." 2. They sought to find fulfillment in - a. Sensual pleasures. b. Intellectual achievements. c. Amassing of possessions. 3. They looked upon the Word of God with scorn. a. They ridiculed the true prophets of God. b. They loved to hear the lies of the false prophets. 1. "Peace and safety." 2. God will not judge your evil. 3. Live as you please - just think a beautiful thought occasionally. 4. God was saying, "you're irredeemably rotten." B. From a practical standpoint, almost gone. 1. The Babylonian armies are already on the move towards them. 2. Within weeks, the siege shall begin. a. Those living outside the walled cities will be slain with the sword. b. Those within the walls will starve until the walls be destroyed, and they are slain or captured. II. THEIR REFUSAL TO HEED GOD'S WORD. A. Had they given heed, they would have been saved. 1. If they trusted in God, He would have destroyed their enemies. 2. He would have prospered them. 3. They would dwell safely in the land. B. Why would they not listen to God's Word? 1. They didn't like being told they were sinners. a. To live after the flesh is death. b. That God's judgment would soon destroy them. 2. They liked to hear that what they were doing was fine. a. God didn't care if they lived after the flesh. b. God won't judge them for their sin. c. The devil and hell are only myths to be believed by superstitious people. III. II TIMOTHY 4:1-4. A. People today are the same. 1. So many have itching ears. a. They want the church to be their entertainment center - and churches seek to accommodate. b. They want the sermons to be masterpieces of eloquence that convict no one - and pastors try to accommodate them. c. Even in many of the Pentecostal type churches, more excitement is generated over visions, dreams, healings and gifts than the sound teaching of the Word. d. What is the chaff to the wheat? 1. The real nourishment is in the wheat. 2. The real value is in the wheat - the chaff is to all blow away.