Job 42:1
Job's encounter with God reveals the importance of seeking a personal relationship with God and the transformative power of repentance.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the transformative power of a personal encounter with God as illustrated in Job 42:1. Job, who had previously only heard of God, experiences a profound revelation that leads him to see himself in a new light, recognizing his own shortcomings and repenting. Smith highlights that knowing about God is not the same as truly knowing Him, and that a genuine search for God can lead to a life-changing experience. The sermon encourages believers to actively seek God, assuring them that a personal encounter is possible and can bring immense peace and joy.
Text
Intro: In our discourse last week we saw Job seeking God. Eliphaz had
advised, "Acquaint thyself with Him and be at peace". Job
responded "Oh that I knew where I might find Him" & told of his
vain search. Now God has revealed Himself to Job.
I. "I HAVE HEARD OF THEE BY THE HEARING OF THE EAR."
A. Job was aware and convinced of God's existence.
1. He had heard of God's power (flood..
2. He was convinced of God's sovereignty.
B. Yet it is possible to know OF God and still not know Him.
1. You can know a lot about Pat Boone.
a. Much has been written.
b. You may know:
1. His favorite breakfast.
2. What time he gets up in the morning.
3. What beverage his family likes most.
2. Yet you may not really know him.
a. At one time he might have been your so you read
as much as you could about him; saw all of his
pictures twice, and you may be able to rattle
off so many facts about him that someone may
ask you, "Oh do you know."
b. You really know him through someone else's
eyes.
1. They may have misinterpreted or
misquoted him.
2. You have never really seen him or met
him.
3. So you may know a lot about God, you
may rattle off scriptures, and yet not
really know Him.
II. "BUT NOW MY EYES SEE YOU."
A. Had he not been searching he would not have found.
1. God revealed Himself to Job because Job was looking.
2. Some people take a very-passive attitude:
a. "In the day that ye seek Me."
B. "But now I see you." There is no substitute for a personal
encounter.
1. You might be saying "I don't believe it is possible to
have a personal encounter with God."
a. Then we should get rid of our whole system of
Juris prudence.
1. The evidence is based on the testimony
of the witnesses.
2. When you seek to repudiate the
testimony of several million witnesses
you have destroyed the system.
2. You may have a personal' encounter with God today.
a. Jesus said, "whoever comes to me, I will in no
wise cast out."
3. What does it feel like?
a. No set feeling.
1. Some say 10 million volts.
2. others say overwhelming love.
3. Some at the moment feel nothing.
Ill. THE EFFECT OF JOB'S ENCOUNTER.
A. He saw himself in the true light.
1. I abhor myself. "Disappear" "Repudiate."
2. I repent in dust & ashes.
3. The man who is proud has not yet had a full encounter
with God.
B. He was blessed vs. 12.
1. The blessing of peace, joy, love.
Sermon Outline
- Job's Awareness of God points: - Job was aware and convinced of God's existence - He had heard of God's power (flood...) - He was convinced of God's sovereignty
- You can know a lot about someone and still not really know them points: - Knowing of God vs. Knowing Him - You may know facts about God, but not really know Him
- Job's Encounter with God points: - Had he not been searching, he would not have found - God revealed Himself to Job because Job was looking - Some people take a very-passive attitude
- There is no substitute for a personal encounter with God points: - The Importance of Personal Encounter - You may have a personal encounter with God today
- The Effect of Job's Encounter points: - Job saw himself in the true light - He repented and was blessed - The blessing of peace, joy, love
Key Quotes
“I HAVE HEARD OF THEE BY THE HEARING OF THE EAR.” — Chuck Smith
“BUT NOW MY EYES SEE YOU.” — Chuck Smith
“I abhor myself. Disappear. Repudiate.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Seeking a personal relationship with God is essential to truly knowing Him.
- Repentance is a necessary step in experiencing God's blessing and transformation in our lives.
- A personal encounter with God can be life-changing and lead to a deeper understanding of His sovereignty and existence.