Chuck Smith: Pastor Chuck Smith’s Last Sermon – “Be Strong in the Faith” – Romans 4:19

Pastor Chuck Smith’s Final Sermon — “Be Strong in the Faith” (Romans 4:19).

Even in the midst of his battle with cancer and great physical weakness, Pastor Chuck faithfully taught all three services on his final Sunday. His dedication to preaching the Word and sharing the Gospel, no matter the circumstances, remains an inspiring example for us all.

We will deeply miss Pastor Chuck, yet we rejoice knowing he is now in the presence of the Lord. To God be the glory for the incredible ministry He accomplished through Pastor Chuck’s life.

Pastor Chuck Smith's Last Sermon - "Be Strong in the Faith" - Romans 4:19

Good morning! Oh, bless you—thank you. Good morning, good morning. Wow, what a joy, what a blessing to be together with you again today, looking forward to what the Lord has in store for each of us as we wait upon Him together.

You may be seated, and—well—grab your hymnal and let’s sing our first hymn.

Father, we thank You for Your Word and the opportunity that we have now of studying it. We pray, Lord, that You’ll teach us what this justification by faith is all about—not from the law, but through trusting in Your promises and in Your Word. Bless, we pray, Lord. Open our hearts, speak to us. In Jesus’ name, we thank You for it. Amen.

Romans chapter 4, beginning with verse 19: he’s talking about the subject of faith—not being weak in the faith. He gives us keys to faith. The key is not being weak in faith.

“He did not consider his own body, now dead—being about 100 years old—neither did he consider the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, being fully persuaded that what God had promised, He was also able to perform.”

First, the negatives: he did not consider his own body, now dead at 100 years old. You know, when we’re looking at the promises of God, so often the first thing we consider are the difficulties or the improbabilities. We categorize things: that’s easy, that’s average, that’s difficult, that’s impossible.

And we often carry over our own limitations to God. If it’s easy for us, it must be easy for God. If it’s difficult for us, it must be difficult for God. And if it’s impossible for us, we assume it’s impossible for Him also.

But Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” The prophet Jeremiah declared, “I am the Lord—is there anything too hard for Me?”

Difficulty must always be measured by the capacity of the one doing the work. And if God is the one doing the work, then any talk of difficulty is absurd.

Now, Abraham didn’t consider his age. He didn’t consider Sarah’s barren womb. He simply believed God’s promise. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.

And that’s the real key: he praised God before there was any evidence of fulfillment. He thanked God for the promise before it came to pass.

Beloved, the question is never, “Can God do it?” The question is, “Will I believe that God will do it?”

Faith starts with knowing: God can do it. And then it moves to: I know God will do it.

So hold on, because God is faithful. He will keep His promise. He will keep His Word.

Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank You that we can put our trust and confidence in You, knowing that what You have promised, You are also able to perform. So, Lord, may we place our faith, our confidence, our trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s stand.

The pastors are down here at the front to pray for you. If today you are in need of prayer, God is able. We encourage you—give God a chance to work in your life. Whatever the need might be, God wants to work, and He will work, if you will just give Him that chance.

“The Lord bless thee and keep thee;
The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee,
And give thee peace.”

And bless you.