Psalms 115
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding our true god, whether it's a false or true god, and how it affects our lives.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that every person has a god, which is the master passion of their life, whether it be intellect, pleasure, or power. He discusses how those who worship false gods ultimately become like them, lacking true understanding and fulfillment. Smith illustrates the futility of idol worship, showing that these gods are mere projections of ourselves and incapable of true action. He contrasts this with the transformative power of God, who seeks to make us like Himself through the Holy Spirit. The sermon calls for reflection on who or what we truly worship and the impact it has on our lives.
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I. EVERY MAN HAS A GOD. "THEIR (THE HEATHEN) IDOLS."
A. Your god is the master passion of your life.
1. The driving force.
2. The ideals that control your actions.
3. The philosophy that governs your decisions.
B. David's time - three basic heathen gods: Baal, Molech, Mammon.
1. Worship of Baal was to deify the intellect.
2. Worship of Molech was to deify pleasure.
3. Worship of mammon was to deify power.
C. Interesting paradox how one ends who worships false gods.
1. The man who worships his intellect.
a. Talk to him of ultimate knowledge, the knowledge of God.
b. He often declares, "I am an agnostic."
c. The Greek word means "not to know."
d. Translated into Latin is Ignoramus.
e. Ends with confession of ignorance.
2. The man who worships pleasure.
a. He chases the world for excitement, a new sensation.
b. He becomes jaded.
c. He still goes through the motions, but the emotion is gone.
d. How quickly fades the thrill of a new car.
e. Ends with lust, unfulfilled desire.
3. The man who worships power, money.
a. They get where they can't spend it.
b. Some of the tightest people I know are the wealthiest.
c. They become a slave to their money.
II. MEN MAKE THEIR GODS LIKE THEMSELVES; THEY HAVE MOUTHS, EYES, EARS.
A. A man's god is often the projection of himself.
1. If I were God, I would control the eruptions of Kiluaua, and as I
went around, whenever I was mistreated, I would erupt and fry my enemies.
2. If I were God, I would live on Mt Olympus.
3. Why did God allow this to happen?
B. They make their gods less than themselves.
1. The mouth can't speak.
2. The eyes can't see.
3. The ears can't hear.
III. A MAN BECOMES LIKE HIS GOD. "THEY THAT MAKE THEM ARE LIKE UNTO THEM."
A. You are becoming like your god.
1. If your god is false.
2. If your god is insensate.
a. You smile with sympathetic pity at the man who said, "God
spoke to his heart."
B. Who your god is is vitally important.
IV. WHILE MAN MAKES HIS GOD LIKE HIMSELF, GOD IS SEEKING TO MAKE US LIKE HIMSELF.
A. The purpose of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to conform us to
the image of Jesus Christ.
1. And we with open face beholding the glory of the Lord...
2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God.
Sermon Outline
- Every Man Has a God points: - Your god is the master passion of your life - 'David''s time - three basic heathen gods: Baal, Molech, Mammon' - Interesting paradox how one ends who worships false gods
- Men Make Their Gods Like Themselves points: - A man's god is often the projection of himself - They make their gods less than themselves
- A Man Becomes Like His God points: - You are becoming like your god - Who your god is is vitally important
- While Man Makes His God Like Himself, God Is Seeking To Make Us Like Himself points: - The purpose of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ
Key Quotes
“Your god is the master passion of your life.” — Chuck Smith
“The man who worships his intellect often declares, 'I am an agnostic.'” — Chuck Smith
“The man who worships pleasure becomes jaded, and the emotion is gone.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize and understand your true god, whether it's a false or true god.
- Be aware of how your god is shaping your life and decisions.
- Seek to conform to the image of Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.