Nothing More to Say
Job's suffering was a result of his contempt for God, but ultimately led him to realize God's care and sovereignty.
Theodore Epp discusses Job's confrontation with God, emphasizing how Job's arguments against God's justice stemmed from his misunderstanding of divine sovereignty and care. After God reveals His majesty through nature, Job recognizes his own vileness and chooses silence, realizing that he cannot question God's righteousness. Epp encourages believers to trust in God's purpose during suffering, understanding that it can be a form of discipline rather than punishment, ultimately shaping them into Christ's image. The sermon highlights the importance of listening to God and acknowledging His love amidst trials.
Text
Job 40:1-5
Job had contended with God. He had argued against God's dealing with him, which was the root of his problem. He, the creature, had sat in judgment against God, the Creator. He had even accused God of doing the wrong thing.
Now God had spoken to Job and made His presence known. From nature He had emphasized very obvious lessons so that Job could not fail to catch the moral principles involved. No wonder Job replied that he was vile.
How could Job really answer God after this revelation of God's care for His creatures? Job realized how contemptible he had been in speaking as he did of the Lord. He had thought the Lord cruel and unjust; in reality God had shown His love to Job. Job decided all he could do was put his hand on his mouth, say nothing more and just listen to God.
How do we face times of suffering? Do we wonder after a long period of testing if God really cares? We seek for love and care, and God in His grace is ready and willing to love us and care for us; but above all we must remember that God has permitted this testing and has a purpose in it. God is both sovereign and righteous; therefore, He always does what is right.
When a believer does wrong, he may suffer for the wrong done. On the other hand, much suffering in the life of a believer is for discipline, not punishment. Through such suffering God molds him into the image of His Son (see Rom. 8:28,29).
"Now we know that what things so ever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God" (Rom. 3:19).
Sermon Outline
- Job's Contempt for God
- God's Revelation of His Care
- Facing Suffering with Faith
- The Purpose of Suffering
- Suffering for wrong done
- Suffering for discipline, not punishment
Key Quotes
“How could Job really answer God after this revelation of God's care for His creatures?” — Theodore Epp
“Job decided all he could do was put his hand on his mouth, say nothing more and just listen to God.” — Theodore Epp
“God is both sovereign and righteous; therefore, He always does what is right.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- When facing suffering, remember God's sovereignty and righteousness and trust that He has a purpose in testing us.
- Suffering can be a result of punishment for wrong done, but it can also be for discipline to mold us into God's image.
- We must have faith in God and His goodness, even in times of suffering.