Ecclesiastes 6:10
Chuck Smith teaches that life apart from Christ is empty and that trusting God in difficult circumstances is essential for spiritual growth.
Chuck Smith discusses the futility of contending with God, emphasizing that humans often struggle against divine will due to life's adversities, such as tragedy or disappointment. He questions what is truly good for us, pondering whether riches or poverty, health or sickness, ultimately lead us closer to God. Smith asserts that life is fleeting and devoid of meaning without Christ, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from trusting God through all circumstances. He encourages the congregation to reflect on their relationship with God rather than their earthly conditions.
Text
"WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU"
I. "NEITHER MAY HE CONTEND WITH HIM, THAT IS MIGHTIER THAN HE."
A. People often find themselves in the position of contending with God.
1. Often because of adverse circumstances.
a. Some tragedy, accident, robbery.
b. A great disappointment - someone less qualified got the promotion.
c. A sorrow, sickness or death of a loved one.
2. Some people get angry at God.
a. They refuse to speak to Him.
b. They won't even acknowledge His presence.
c. They speak out bitterly against Him.
B. Contending with God has to be the height of folly.
1. It is surely a no win proposition.
2. Horribly pridefull assumption. I know better than God.
II. "FOR WHO KNOWETH WHAT IS GOOD FOR MAN IN THIS LIFE?"
A. Riches or poverty?
1. If God should grant me riches, would that make me a better Christian or
worse?
a. Would my increase possessions take my eyes off Him?
b. Would I be snared in those diverse lusts that Paul warned against?
2. Does my poverty force me to greater trust in Him?
a. Would I miss the joys of seeing God's faithfulness in always coming
through?
b. I would rather be the poorest man who ever lived, trusting God for
every penny, than to be the richest and make my bed in hell.
B. Sickness or health.
1. Does God through my infirmity seek to develop a greater depth of character?
a. If God can get more glory through my infirmity, and I willing to
suffer?
2. If I were health, would I have sought God?
3. I am only asking questions, I don't pretend to know the answers. Only God
knows the answers.
4. I do know I would rather go through life plagued with sickness, God working
His perfect character in me than.
C. We somehow feel that it would be best for us if we were healthy, happy, wealthy and
beautiful.
1. If I am not one of these things, then I often find myself contending with
Him.
2. God, why did you pout that ugly mole there?
III. WHAT WE DO KNOW, "THE DAYS OF THIS VAIN LIFE ARE SPENT AS A SHADOW."
A. Life is short, it is measured by days.
1. The older you get, the shorter life seems.
a. When you are young, it seems eternity between birthdays or
Christmas.
b. As you grow older, the pace quickens.
c. When Jacob met the Pharaoh when he was 130 years old. "Few and evil
have been the days of my life."
B. Life apart form Christ is empty. "His vain (empty) life."
1. The emptiness of education.
2. The emptiness of riches.
3. The emptiness of fame.
4. The emptiness of pleasure.
C. Life apart from Christ without real substance, "as a shadow."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Contending with God is folly - Contending with God is a no-win proposition
- II points: - 'Riches or poverty: which is better?' - 'Sickness or health: which is God''s best?'
- III points: - Life is short and measured by days - Life apart from Christ is empty
Key Quotes
“It is surely a no win proposition.” — Chuck Smith
“I would rather be the poorest man who ever lived, trusting God for every penny, than to be the richest and make my bed in hell.” — Chuck Smith
“Life apart from Christ is empty, as a shadow.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that life apart from Christ is empty and lacks real substance.
- Trust God in difficult circumstances, even when they seem unfair or challenging.
- Seek to develop a greater depth of character through trusting God, even in adversity.