Job 1:20
Job's experience shows that our reaction to adversity reveals the value of our Christian experience, and that worshiping God is the right response to tragic losses.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that true Christian faith is tested in adversity, as exemplified by Job, who lost everything yet chose to worship God instead of cursing Him. The sermon explores the reasons behind Job's losses, including God's confidence in Job and Satan's challenge to his faith. Despite the tragic events, Job's reaction was one of humility and worship, recognizing that all he had was a gift from God. Smith highlights that Job understood the transient nature of material possessions and maintained his integrity by not blaming God for his suffering. Ultimately, Job's faithfulness in the face of loss showcases God's ultimate victory over despair.
Text
"BLESSED BY THE NAME OF JEHOVAH"
Intro: The real test of the value of my Christian experience comes in
adversity. How do I react to tragic losses? Anybody can smile on
a sunny day. In Job, we find a man who was suddenly stripped of
everything.
I. THE REASONS BEHIND JOB'S LOSSES.
A. God had been bragging on Job.
1. A complete man, upright man, loves good, hates evil.
B. Satan's philosophy.
1. Job is a mercenary.
a. He is only serving for the material prosperity
God has given him.
2. "Doth Job serve God for nothing?"
3. Let me strip him and he will curse you.
4. You have protected him from me.
II. JOB'S STRIPPING.
A. Sabeans stole oxen and asses.
B. "A fire of God is fallen from heaven."
1. Destroyed sheep.
2. This was not really a fire of God.
3. How often man blames God for Satan's work.
C. The Chaldeans stole the camels.
D. Sons and daughters all killed when a great wind collapsed their
house.
1. Would be classified by insurance company as an "Acts of
God."
2. These are the very things God had been protecting him
from by the hedge around him.
III. LET US NOW LOOK AT JOB'S REACTION.
A. The crisis hour has come.
1. Satan's work for a time is finished.
2. As Job stands will he curse God?
3. I am sure all heaven was hushed.
B. The heavens watch as Job tears his robe, shaves his head, then
falls on the ground and worships God.
V. JOB'S PHILOSOPHY CONCERNING HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS.
A. "Naked I came into the world..."
1. When I started I had nothing.
2. When I leave I am taking nothing with me.
B. What I have has been given me by God.
1. Thus it is really His.
2. It is only mine to use as He sees fit.
C. Job possessed his possessions.
1. Many men are possessed by their possessions.
2. Their lives governed by the material.
3. Your life is governed by spiritual or material.
V. GOD'S VICTORY.
A. Job did not curse God.
B. Yet more. He did not charge God foolishly.
Sermon Outline
- I. THE REASONS BEHIND JOB'S LOSSES.
- A. God had been bragging on Job.
- B. Satan's philosophy.
- II. JOB'S STRIPPING.
- A. Sabeans stole oxen and asses.
- B. A fire of God is fallen from heaven.
- III. LET US NOW LOOK AT JOB'S REACTION.
- A. The crisis hour has come.
- B. The heavens watch as Job tears his robe, shaves his head, then falls on the ground and worships God.
- IV. JOB'S PHILOSOPHY CONCERNING HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS.
- A. Naked I came into the world...
- B. What I have has been given me by God.
- C. Job possessed his possessions.
Key Quotes
“Anybody can smile on a sunny day.” — Chuck Smith
“Doth Job serve God for nothing?” — Chuck Smith
“Naked I came into the world...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- When faced with adversity, we should worship God and trust in His sovereignty.
- Our material possessions are temporary and belong to God, not us.
- Our reaction to adversity reveals the value of our Christian experience.