Confidence in God, Not Man
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than putting confidence in man, using Job's story as an example.
Theodore Epp emphasizes Job's unwavering confidence in God amidst his suffering, as Job refuses to let his friends dictate his faith or understanding of his situation. He asserts his equality with them and expresses his deep resentment towards their unhelpful counsel, highlighting the bitterness that can arise in times of distress. Despite the torment from his friends' words, Job's declarations reveal profound truths about trusting God, even in the face of death. Epp challenges listeners to consider their own trust in God during trials, echoing Job's commitment to faith over human judgment.
Text
Job 13:4-15
As we read in Job 13, Job again spoke quite forcibly of his refusal to let his "friends" arbitrate his case for him. He declared he would take it to God himself.
Job brushed his "friends" aside and told them that what they knew he knew, that he was not a bit inferior to them.
It goes without saying that Job's words to his friends and some of their words to him are hardly patterns for believers to use. A great deal of bitterness was evident on both sides.
Job was suffering greatly in body and mind, and the discourses of Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar added torment to his already overburdened heart.
Job forcefully expressed his resentment against their unfair treatment. At times he "blew off steam," and yet intermingled with his strong words were often statements of remarkable truth concerning God.
From what we have already seen in chapter 13, Job stated that even if God were to kill him, he would trust Him. Would we be able to make such a statement in the midst of intense suffering?
"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man" (Ps. 118:8).
Sermon Outline
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Job's Refusal to Let Friends Arbitrate
- Job takes his case to God himself
- He refuses to let his friends dictate his situation
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Job's Confidence in God
- Job trusts God even in suffering
- He knows God is superior to his friends
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The Importance of Trusting God
- Putting confidence in man is unreliable
- Trusting in the Lord is always best
Key Quotes
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- You can develop trust in God by studying His Word and experiencing His presence in your life.
- In times of suffering, it's essential to focus on trusting God rather than putting confidence in people who may let you down.
- God's sovereignty and goodness are always worth trusting, even when circumstances seem uncertain.