Psalms 46:7
God is our refuge and strength, and He will press His hosts into service for our help and making.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that God is our refuge and strength, contrasting the peace and confidence that faith brings with the fear and anxiety that doubt fosters. He explores the concept of 'The Lord of Hosts,' highlighting God's sovereignty over the universe, including the stars, angels, and nations. Smith also reflects on the personal nature of God as the 'God of Jacob,' illustrating that despite our flaws, God is still with us and actively supports us. The sermon reassures believers that God's vastness does not diminish His care for individuals, as He commands His hosts to assist us in our struggles.
Text
"THE LORD OF HOSTS"
Intro: "God is our refuge and strength." The positive aspects of faith produces peace,
courage, confidence. The negative aspects of doubt; produces fear, uncertainty,
anxiety. He is my only refuge & strength.
I. "THE LORD OF HOSTS."
A. The Hosts of God.
1. The stars.
a. Genesis 24 "And the heaven and earth were finished and all
the 'hosts' of them."
2. Angels.
a. Luke 2:13 "...a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God."
3. Israel the Nation - in Exodus.
B. He is Lord over the Universe.
1. The invisible forces.
2. The visible.
C. Realizing His vastness we suddenly feel insignificant and far removed.
II. "THE GOD OF JACOB."
A. Jacob a mean man.
1. Took advantage of brother's hunger.
2. Deceived father & stole brother's blessing.
3. Outwitted his uncle.
B. Notice wide spectrum.
1. "Lord of Hosts."
2. "God of Jacob."
What it says about God.
III. THE LORD OF HOSTS "IS WITH US."
A. For our help & making He will press these hosts into service for us.
1. Judges 5: "Song of Deborah" "They fought from heaven, the stars in
their courses fought against sisera."
2. God extended the day for Joshua - Elisha and Servant
3. He shall give His angels charge over thee.
4. God has already given us the greatest.
Sermon Outline
- THE LORD OF HOSTS
- THE GOD OF JACOB
- THE LORD OF HOSTS 'IS WITH US'
- A points: - 'Judges 5: ''Song of Deborah''' - God extended the day for Joshua - Elisha and Servant
- B points: - Lord of Hosts - God of Jacob
- Realizing His vastness we suddenly feel insignificant and far removed
Key Quotes
“God is our refuge and strength.” — Chuck Smith
“They fought from heaven, the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.” — Chuck Smith
“He shall give His angels charge over thee.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We can trust in God's power and control over our lives, and recognize His presence and provision.
- We can apply this sermon by recognizing God's transformation in our lives, and by trusting in His blessing and favor.
- We can experience God's greatest blessings and protection by trusting in His presence and provision.