Ezekiel 18:4
You are responsible for developing your own personal relationship with God and have the right to His resources and salvation.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that every soul belongs to God, highlighting the personal relationship each individual has with Him. He explains that we are accountable for our own choices and cannot rely on the righteousness of others, such as our parents or spouses. Smith also discusses the rights we have in God, including access to His wisdom, strength, love, and grace, as well as the responsibility to know, love, and submit to Him. Ultimately, he asserts that true self-discovery and potential are found in acknowledging God's claim over our lives.
Text
"ALL SOULS ARE MINE"
Intro: God has made a claim on you. This declaration from God came in
response to the proverb by which they were seeking to blame their
fathers for their captivity.
I. EVERY SOUL HAS A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
A. When you stand before God you answer only for yourself.
1. You will not be rejected for your father's sin.
2. You can't slip in on your wife's righteousness.
3. We are what we are by our own choice.
B. God has endowed each one with particular capacities.
1. This is a constant marvel to me.
a. Some endowed with natural aptitude toward
music.
b. Others gifted in math.
c. Artistic abilities.
2. You're not a rubber stamp copy.
a. You are distinct and special to God.
b. In body of Christ, not all have the same gifts
or calling.
1. Don't attempt to be what God hasn't
made you.
C. God requires that you develop your own personal relationship
with Him.
1. This can only be done through Jesus Christ.
a. You say, "What about those who have never heard
about Jesus?"
b. God may have an alternate plan for them, but
not for you because you have heard.
2. How would you grade your relationship to God on a scale
of 1-10?
Excellent, good, poor...
II. EVERY SOUL HAS PERSONAL RIGHTS IN GOD.
A. Right of access.
1. Jesus said that if you came to Him, He would in no way
cast you out.
2. God is approachable.
B. We have the right to His resources.
1. "If any man lack in wisdom..."
a. Really no excuse for making wrong, dumb moves.
b. God has made His wisdom available.
2. God has promised us His strength.
a. No excuse for us to stumble because of our
weakness.
b. If we fail it is our failure to appropriate all
He has made available.
3. God has promised His love.
4. God has promised His Grace.
5. God has promised His supply.
6. These infinite resources available to you.
C. You have the right of salvation.
1. God has made provision for all men, through Jesus
Christ.
III. ALL HAVE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO GOD.
A. Intellectual responsibilities.
1. To know Him better.
a. Some reject without even knowing.
b. Someone else has rejected Him, and influenced
their decision.
c. Christ was not granted a fair trial.
1. Have you given Him a fair trial?
B. Emotional responsibilities.
1. To love Him with all my heart.
2. To worship and adore Him.
C. Spiritual responsibilities (to submit).
1. To allow His Spirit to reign in my life.
2. To allow His Spirit to flow from my life.
"All Souls are mine," and you will never truly discover yourself, or your
potential until you acknowledge this truth.
Sermon Outline
- Every Soul Has a Personal Relationship with God points: - You answer only for yourself - You will not be rejected for your father's sin - You can't slip in on your wife's righteousness - We are what we are by our own choice
- You're not a rubber stamp copy points: - God has endowed each one with particular capacities - In body of Christ, not all have the same gifts or calling
- This can only be done through Jesus Christ points: - God requires that you develop your own personal relationship with Him
- Every Soul Has Personal Rights in God points: - Right of access - Jesus said that if you came to Him, He would in no way cast you out
- God has made His wisdom available points: - We have the right to His resources
Key Quotes
“ALL SOULS ARE MINE” — Chuck Smith
“You will never truly discover yourself, or your potential until you acknowledge this truth.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Take responsibility for developing your own personal relationship with God.
- Recognize that you have the right to God's resources and salvation.
- Acknowledge that you will be held accountable for your own choices.