Zephaniah 3:17
God is a mighty and loving God who desires to dwell in the midst of His people and bring them joy and salvation.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the mightiness of God as depicted in Zephaniah 3:17, illustrating His power, wisdom, salvation, joy, and love. He highlights that God is not only mighty in creation and salvation but also rejoices over His people and dwells among them. Smith encourages believers to recognize God's presence and love, assuring them that He is a source of joy and rest. The sermon calls for a personal acknowledgment of God's dwelling in our lives, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience to His commandments.
Text
"THE MIGHTY GOD IN THE MIDST OF THEE"
I. HOW MIGHTY IS OUR GOD.
A. Mighty in power.
1. Look at vast universe.
B. Mighty in wisdom.
1. Variety of life forms.
C. Mighty in salvation, "We will save."
1. The extent.
a. "All who will come unto God by Him."
b. "Whosoever will let him come."
2. Scope.
a. "The blood of Jesus Christ."
b. "All manner of sin and blaspheme..."
D. Mighty in joy, "He will rejoice over thee with joy."
1. He not only rejoices over us, but He is our source of
joy
2. I find this a little difficult to conceive.
3. "He will joy over thee with singing."
E. Mighty in His love. "He will rest in His love."
1. How much does He love you?
a. John 3:16.
b. "Herein is love, not that we love God."
2. Important that we learn to rest where God is resting.
II. THIS MIGHTY GOD WILL DWELL IN THE MIDST OF HIS PEOPLE.
A. This text is a prophesy for Israel.
1. "And God shall dwell in the midst of them."
B. It can become a reality for you today.
1. "In that day ye shall know that I am in the Father.. "
2. "He that dwelleth in love..."
3. "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them."
a. What Is His commandment? "And this is the commandment we have
received from Him, that we believe.
4. "And where two or three are gathered together in My
name..."
Sermon Outline
- How Mighty Is Our God
- Mighty in Power
- Mighty in Wisdom
- Mighty in Salvation
- Mighty in Joy
- Mighty in Love
Key Quotes
“He will rejoice over thee with joy.” — Chuck Smith
“He will joy over thee with singing.” — Chuck Smith
“He that dwelleth in love...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We can experience God's joy by resting in His love and letting Him be our source of joy.
- God's presence and love are available to us in a personal and intimate way when we gather together in His name.
- We must believe in God and keep His commandments to experience His presence and love.