A Glimpse That Strengthens
God's purpose for our afflictions is to purify us through faith, resulting in a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of faith through the story of Job, illustrating how God allows us to see behind the scenes of our trials to strengthen our trust in Him. Job's lack of knowledge about the heavenly councils meant that his faith was tested and purified, demonstrating that understanding is not always necessary for faith to flourish. Epp reminds us that God's eternal purpose is often beyond our comprehension, and that our afflictions serve a greater good, as stated in Romans 8:28. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem baffling, as these experiences ultimately lead to spiritual growth and glory.
Text
Job 1:6-11
In the first two chapters of the Book of Job, God gives us a look behind the scenes so that we can see events on earth from the standpoint of heaven.
There is no doubt that if Job could have seen into the councils of heaven before and during his trial, he would have answered his friends quite differently. But God did not allow him to know about this heavenly scene presented to us.
Nor did God explain it to him at the close of his experiences. He may have learned about it after he went to heaven but not before.
God's eternal purpose for Job would have been thwarted if Job had been given the explanation for his trial. If he had known all that went on behind the scenes in heaven, there would have been no place for faith.
Without faith, Hebrews 11:6 tells us, it is impossible to please God. Job could never have been purified, as gold is purified by fire, if he had not gone through the situation in which he had to trust God implicitly.
God has permitted us to see these things to help strengthen our faith when we face baffling afflictions. His purpose is that we might place implicit faith in Him and in His counsel and His goals for us, believing that the hard experiences in life are permitted for a good purpose.
This is the teaching of Romans 8:28,29: "All things work together for good" for the believer.
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17).
Sermon Outline
- God's Purpose for Job
- To Purify Job
- Through Faith
- In the Face of Affliction
Key Quotes
“God has permitted us to see these things to help strengthen our faith when we face baffling afflictions.” — Theodore Epp
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17).” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We must place implicit faith in God's counsel and goals for us, even when we don't understand the reason for our afflictions.
- Our light afflictions are temporary and will work together for a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
- Faith is essential to pleasing God and achieving purification through our experiences.