Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of believers as watchmen, drawing from Ezekiel 3:17, where God calls Ezekiel to warn Israel of their wickedness. He highlights that the responsibility of Christians is to hear God's word and share it, not to convert others, as that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Smith encourages believers to recognize their duty to serve God and warn others of the consequences of sin, asserting that delivering the message is fulfilling their responsibility. He reassures that even if people mock or dismiss the warning, the truth will remain with them. Ultimately, serving God is not optional but a divine mandate for all Christians.

"DELIVERING OUR SOULS" I. GOD'S CALL. vs. 17. A. Ezekiel called as a watchman to Israel. 1. He had a two-fold responsibility. a. To hear the word from God. b. To give that word to the people. c. God's method has always been to use those who are in touch with Him, to reach those out of touch with Him. d. Through wickedness, people get out of touch with God. 2. Notice, he was not called to convert them. a. His only responsibility was to warn them. b. Sometimes we become discouraged in our Christian service because we seek to do more than God requires of us. 1. We speak of winning souls - that is the work of the Spirit. 2. My work is to warn. 3. My responsibility is fulfilled when I have witnessed. Now they are responsible before God for what they do with that witness. B. God has called all of us. 1. His call is first to salvation - then to service. a. Jesus said, "Come unto Me..." b. No sooner does one come until He says, "Take My yoke upon you." 2. God leaves us here on this cursed earth for one reason only. a. To serve Him. b. Jobs and all else is incidental. c. God seeks to use you who are in touch with Him to reach those who are not in touch with Him. C. Serving God is not an option for the Christian, it is a responsibility. 1. God holds me responsible to warn the wicked. a. God said to Ezekiel - their blood is on your hands. b. But if you warn them, you have delivered your soul. 2. When I observe some wicked action, I should warn that person that God is not pleased with what they have done - and if they do not change, He will destroy them. a. They may laugh at you or mock you. b. But I promise you, they won't forget what you said. c. You don't have to preach to people. d. You don't have to argue over other religions. e. You don't have to defend God, the Bible, your faith. f. Just simply speak the truth - don't get caught in the trap of trying to defend the truth. g. If they sincerely ask honest questions, seek to answer them. h. If they seek to argue, just restate the truth and let it go at that. 1. Your silence will bug them far more than any eloquent argument or debate. 2. They may defeat your argument - they can't defeat the truth.