Job 40:4
Chuck Smith's sermon 'Job 40:4' teaches that recognizing our small account in comparison to God's greatness is the key to understanding our true worth and value.
Chuck Smith explores the theme of self-discovery through Job's encounter with God, emphasizing Job's realization of his insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe. God challenges Job to recognize his limitations and the futility of questioning divine wisdom. Smith highlights the value of the soul, contrasting worldly gains with spiritual worth, ultimately affirming that despite our smallness, God values us immensely, demonstrated by the sacrifice of His Son for our redemption. The sermon encourages believers to reflect on their true worth and relationship with God amidst life's trials.
Text
"THE DISCOVERY OF SELF"
Intro: Job's three friends silenced, young man Elihu speaks up but does
not finish, for he is interrupted by the voice of God out of the
whirlwind. "Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without
knowledge?" Then addressing Job God said "Gird up thy loins like
a man" Job still lying there stripped of everything which men
naturally rely upon for experiences and realization of life. God
makes no reference to Job's suffering-does not explain what or why.
He brought Job face to face with the Universe then asked if he
could govern it.
I. "BEHOLD, I AM OF SMALL ACCOUNT."
A. What right have I to ask God to do anything for Me?
1. How presumptuous some people are.
a. Challenge and question God.
B. This cry indicates that Job had begun to comprehend God.
1. "I cannot grasp the infinite-the universe."
a. You have already done it.
b. Cannot interpret all that is in it.
2. Try to get your dog to understand the greatness of
the universe.
a. He has intelligence-emotion-will and power.
3. When you begin to grasp the concept how nothing am I by
comparison. The answer of Jesus to Job - never once did
14 agree with Job's estimate of his worth.
II. "WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?" ("What should it
profit a man if he gain the whole world..."
A. Terms of market place - take balance.
1. In the one tray put world -values riches, glory.
2. In the other tray put a man.
B. "What shall a man give?"
1. Question assumes man has sold himself his true sense of
personality.
2. If I have sold out to world and lost my soul how can I
regain soul?
a. "Give world back" not valuable enough."
b. "Give myself to gain myself vicious circle,
you have already lost."
C. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."
1. God's estimate of worth of man.
2. Standing in consciousness of universe I say "I am of
small account."
3. Listening to words of Jesus I find I am of greater
value than whole world, and to God so valued that He
sent His son to die for my redemption.
"How thou canst think so well of us, And be the
God thou art, Is darkness to my intellect, But
sunshine to my heart."
Sermon Outline
- Behold, I Am of Small Account points: - Job's Comprehension of God - Job begins to grasp the infinite and the universe - He is humbled by the greatness of God
- What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul? points: - The Value of a Man - A man's worth is not measured by material possessions - A man's worth is measured by his relationship with God
- God's Estimate of Man's Worth points: - God's Love for the World - God gave His only begotten Son for the world - God values man above all else
Key Quotes
“What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” — Chuck Smith
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” — Chuck Smith
“How thou canst think so well of us, And be the God thou art, Is darkness to my intellect, But sunshine to my heart.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize your small account in comparison to God's greatness and be humbled by it.
- Value your relationship with God above all else, including material possessions and earthly achievements.
- Give yourself back to God and recognize your true worth in His eyes.