Where Art Thou?” — Dwight L. Moody (1800s) Full Public-Domain Sermon Text Text: Genesis 3:9 — “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” Introduction This is the first question God ever asked man.
It is a solemn question. It is a searching question. It is a personal question. When God said “Where art thou?” Adam was hiding. He had sinned. He had lost his peace. He had lost his purity. He had lost his God.
God did not ask because He did not know where Adam was. He asked to bring Adam to confession , repentance , and restoration . This same question is asked today of every sinner: “Where art thou?” I. Where Art Thou — As to Sin?
1. Art thou hiding from God? Adam hid among the trees. Many hide today: behind excuses, behind unbelief, behind pleasure, behind business, behind self-righteousness. But no man can hide from God. 2. Art thou far from God?
Sin always puts distance between God and man. Every sinner is far off until he returns. 3. Art thou living in secret sin? Adam took the forbidden fruit. What forbidden thing have you taken? Secret habits Secret lusts Secret vices God sees all.
4. Art thou unrepentant? Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. The sinner blames others. But God says, “Where art thou ?” Each must answer for himself. II. Where Art Thou — As to Salvation? 1. Art thou saved — or lost?
There are only two classes: the saved, the lost. Where art thou? 2. Art thou seeking Christ — or neglecting Him? Christ invites: “Come unto Me.” Are you coming? Are you delaying? Are you refusing? 3.
Art thou near the kingdom — or far away? You may be: moral, respectable, religious, thoughtful, and yet without Christ. Near the door is not inside. 4. Art thou trusting yourself — or trusting Christ?
All who trust themselves are lost. All who trust Christ are saved. Where art thou? III. Where Art Thou — As to Eternity? 1. Art thou prepared to die? Death is near. It may come suddenly. It may come tonight.
Are you ready? 2. Art thou on the road to heaven — or the road to hell? Every soul is on a road. The broad road leads to destruction. The narrow road leads to life. Where art thou? 3. Art thou laying up treasures in heaven — or on earth?
Earthly treasures perish. Heavenly treasures endure. Where is your wealth? Where is your heart? 4. Art thou a child of God — or a child of wrath? There is no middle ground. IV. God’s Call Is a Call of Mercy When God asked Adam, “Where art thou?
” He was not calling in wrath— He was calling in love. He sought the sinner to restore him. Today God calls: not to destroy, not to condemn, but to save. He calls: “Return unto Me.” He calls: “Come now, let us reason together.
” He calls: “Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die?” V. How You Should Answer God’s Question 1. Answer honestly. Do not excuse your sin. Do not hide. Do not pretend. 2. Answer humbly. Say with the prodigal: “I have sinned.
” 3. Answer at once. Now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation. 4. Answer by coming to Christ. Come with your sin. Come with your guilt. Come with your doubts. Come with your fears. Come—and live.
Conclusion God is calling you today with the same question: “Where art thou?” Are you afar off? Come home. Are you in sin? Be cleansed. Are you lost? Be found. Are you dead? Be made alive. Let your heart reply: “Here I am, Lord.
I come to Thee. Save me.” Amen.