Job 23:3
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God, especially during trials, and reveals how Jesus embodies God's nature and love for humanity.
Chuck Smith emphasizes Job's earnest search for God amidst his suffering, illustrating how trials can make God feel distant. Job's desire to find God and plead his case reflects a deep longing for strength and peace, even as he struggles to perceive God's presence. Smith draws parallels to Philip's experiences with Jesus, highlighting that seeing Jesus is akin to seeing the Father, as He embodies God's love, concern, and willingness to serve humanity. The sermon encourages those seeking God to look to Jesus, who invites us to come to Him as the Way and the Truth.
Text
"WHERE TO FIND GOD"
Intro: Eliphaz has just exhorted Job to acquaint himself with God and be
at peace and good would come to him.
I. JOB'S EFFORT TO FIND GOD. "OH THAT I KNOW WHERE I MIGHT FIND HIM."
A. It's amazing how far off God sometimes seems.
1. Especially when we are going through a heavy trial or
testing.
2. We feel as though our prayers are not heard.
3. We search so hard for guidance.
B. Job desired to come to His throne to plead his case.
1. He knew he would find strength.
2. He knew he would be delivered.
3. If he could just touch God's throne.
4. He desired to find God's peace & goodness.
C. Job describes his search for God.
1. vs. 8 He had gone forward and backward.
2. vs. 9 On the left and on the right.
3. He could see God working but he could not find Him.
a. Some say that they find God in nature.
b. Nature does testify of the existence of God.
c. Nature's testimony is incomplete.
1. One says, "God speaks to me in the
breeze, He is gentle, cool, &
refreshing."
2. But what if you get caught in a
tornado? He becomes fierce, wild,
destructive.
II. JESUS SAID TO PHILIP, "HE THAT HATH SEEN ME HATH SEEN THE FATHER.
" THE WORDS I SPEAK, THE WORKS I DO ARE GODS."
A. What had Philip seen of Jesus?
1. When he first met Jesus, Jesus had been looking for him
& when Jesus found Philip He said, "follow Me."
2. When the multitude had been following Christ for
several days and were now physically weak from hunger,
Jesus said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread?"
3. There were certain Greeks who came to Philip seeking
Jesus. He heard Jesus say, "The hour is now come for
the Son of Man to be glorified. Except a corn of wheat
fall in the . . . "
4. He saw Jesus on the Mt. of Olives weeping over blind,
lost Jerusalem.
5. He then saw Jesus take a towel and stoop to wash His
disciples feet.
B. What had Philip seen of God? "He that . . ."
1. He saw God seeking the lost and bring them to a new
life. "He that hath..."
2. He saw God's concern for man's physical needs and His
glorious supply. "He that hath..
3. He saw the suffering and agony of God for a lost world,
and His willingness to give all to redeem it. "He that
hath..."
4. He saw God weeping over blind lost humanity "He
that . . ."
5. He saw God stooping down to serve man to minister to
his needs. "He that hath..."
Ill. TO YOU TODAY WHO ARE SEEKING TO FIND GOD.
A. Jesus said:
1. "He that hath seen Me . . ."
2. "Come unto Me . . ."
3. "I am the Way, the Truth . . ."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''God often seems distant during trials.'', ''B'': ''Job''s desire to plead his case before God.'', ''C'': ''Job''s search for God amidst his struggles.''}' - JOB'S EFFORT TO FIND GOD
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Philip''s encounters with Jesus reveal God''s nature.'', ''B'': ''Jesus'' actions demonstrate God''s love and concern.''}' - JESUS AS THE REVELATION OF GOD
- III points: - '{''A'': ''Jesus invites seekers to come to Him.'', ''B'': ''Jesus identifies Himself as the Way and Truth.''}' - ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THOSE SEEKING GOD
Key Quotes
“Oh that I knew where I might find Him.” — Chuck Smith
“He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” — Chuck Smith
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- In times of trial, remember that God is always near, even when He feels distant.
- Look to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God's love and purpose in your life.
- Seek God actively through prayer and scripture, trusting in His promise to be found.