========================================================================
  CONFIDENCE IN GOD, NOT MAN
  by Theodore Epp
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather
than putting confidence in man, using Job's story as an example.

Topics: "Trust in God", "Suffering"
Scripture References: Job 13:4

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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).

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/confidence-in-god-not-man/
========================================================================