Chuck Smith warns against the dangers of meddling, using the example of King Amaziah who, after a spiritual victory, sought unnecessary challenges and ultimately faced defeat. He emphasizes that overconfidence can lead us to put ourselves in harmful situations, ignoring the warnings of the Holy Spirit. Smith illustrates that meddling with sin can have dire consequences, not only for ourselves but also for those around us. The sermon concludes with the reminder that yielding to temptation can lead to a loss of virtue and spiritual captivity.

THE DANGER OF MEDDLING Intro: Amaziah was 25 when he became king. He successfully put down the Edomites. He then started looking for trouble. Challenged Jehoahaz. I. THE NATURAL TENDENCY TO MEDDLE. A. God gives to us some spiritual victory. 1. We feel very strong and exuberant. 2. Go out and start looking for trials or we -want to challenge Satan to a conflict. 3. Deliberately Put ourselves in a place of: We think: "I can handle it." a. We may go to a party where we know they will be using pot. b. We may date someone we know isn't a Christian. c. We may move into an ungodly household thinking to convert them. B. Times of greatest danger is right after some great victory. 1. Overconfidence in flesh. a. "Watch me handle this one, Lord." b. We foolishly enter into areas not directed by the Spirit. c. Peter thought he -was invincible "though they slay me, I would not deny Thee." C. The greatest testings follow immediately after the greatest experiences. 1. Christ baptism. 2. Mt. of Transfiguration. 3. Peter's healing of lame man. II. THE WARNING AGAINST MEDDLING "WHY SHOULD YOU MEDDLE TO YOUR HURT." A. God is faithful in warning us. 1. He will warn of dangerous situations. 2. Every time I have fallen into sin I must confess that the Spirit was warning me to turn away. B. Consider the question, "Why meddle...?" 1. Some people like to meddle with sin. 2. If you play with fire.... 3. Jumping rocks in stream church picnic. a. Feeling of joy. b. Feeling of horror. 4. You cannot meddle with sin and not get hurt. a. It may seem exciting now - a game of challenge. b. Satan has even let you get by with a lot of things. 1. Like a smart fish. C. Why fall and Judah with thee? 1. One tragic side effect of your falling. a. You usually take some one else with you. D. "But Amaziah would not hear." III. THE RESULT OF MEDDLING - "AND HE WAS PUT TO THE WORSE BEFORE ISRAEL." A. Amaziah was defeated. 1. A portion of the wall of Jerusalem destroyed. 2. The treasures were taken from his house. 3. Hostages also taken to serve as slaves. B. Once you give into sin, a portion of your defenses are destroyed. 1. It's much easier to do it the second time. 2. You don't have as much resistance now. C. The treasures of virtue and purity are stolen. D. If you persist, you are led into captivity. E. Here you are away, from God, bound by sin, robbed of blessing, how did I get here?--meddling.