Job 9:1
The sermon explores the great gap between God's greatness and sovereignty, and man's weakness and nothingness, and how Jesus Christ provides the solution as a mediator.
Chuck Smith explores the profound relationship between God and man, emphasizing Job's struggle to understand how a mere human can be just before an all-powerful God. He highlights Job's awareness of God's greatness, sovereignty, and the vast gap between divine and human nature, leading to the realization that a mediator is necessary. Smith points out that throughout history, humanity has sought to bridge this gap through various means, but ultimately, it is God who provides the solution through Jesus Christ, our mediator. Through Christ, believers can connect with God, as He understands our trials and serves as the bridge between the divine and humanity.
Text
"GOD AND MAN"
Intro: Bildad has been declaring the justice of God, and saying in effect
if Job will only plead his cause before God, God would help him
if he were right.
I. "HOW CAN A MAN BE JUST WITH GOD?" OR PLEASE HIS CAUSE BEFORE GOD, IN
ORDER TO BE JUST."
A. Job conscious of the greatness of God.
1. This consciousness born out of his observation of
nature.
a. "He spreads out the heavens, He made Arcturus,
Orion, and Pleiades."
b. His presence is obvious, by His work, but I
can't see Him.
B. Job conscious of the sovereignty of God.
1. Who can hinder Him?
2. Who can say, what are you doing?
C. Job conscious of the nothingness of self.
1. Could not answer one out of a thousand questions.
2. Rather than try to argue his case Job would cast
himself upon God's mercy.
a. Yet God seems so far away.
b. The suffering is so close.
3. Talk of my strength is absurd.
4. In trying to justify myself I would only condemn myself.
5. If I said I were perfect He would prove my words
perverse.
D. Job Conscious of the great gap between.
1. All wise, almighty, sovereign God .
2. Foolish, weak, nothingness of man.
a. How can an ant communicate his problem or his
suffering to you?
b. How can a man plead His case before God?
II. JOB'S POSSIBLE SOLUTION.
A. A daysman or mediator between us.
1. One who could bridge this gap.
2. One "who could lay His hand on us both."
B. Man through the ages has been conscious of this gap.
1. David in our Ps. 8.
2. Man has attempted to build a bridge.
a. This religions of the world reflect this
attempt.
b. The philosophy of existentialism is just that:
You must take your leap of faith, build your
bridge from this side and hope when you get out
there you can find something to anchor to.
c. Man's attempts to build his towers to God have
all failed and ended in confusion. Why? The
gap is too great.
1. We need a daysman , a go-between.
C. God is conscious of this gap, He has created a bridge.
1. "For God so loved the world."
2. "For there is one God and one mediator between God and
man."
3. Our great High Priest who has gone into heaven for us
was in all points tempted like we are so that He can
help us & minister to us and understand our trials.
4. He was God, one with the Father He became man, one
with us. He can lay His hand upon God. He has laid His
hand upon me, and has joined me to God.
Through Him I can touch God. Through Him God touches me.
Sermon Outline
- The Great Gap Between God and Man points: - Job's Consciousness of God's Greatness and Sovereignty - Job's Consciousness of His Own Nothingness - The Gap Between God and Man - The Need for a Mediator
- Job's Possible Solution points: - A Daysman or Mediator Between God and Man - Man's Attempts to Build a Bridge - God's Consciousness of the Gap and His Solution
Key Quotes
“He spreads out the heavens, He made Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades.” — Chuck Smith
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and man.” — Chuck Smith
“For God so loved the world.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We need to recognize our own weakness and nothingness before God, and acknowledge our need for a mediator.
- Jesus Christ is the only one who can bridge the gap between God and man, and provide a solution to our spiritual needs.
- Through Jesus Christ, we can touch God and experience His love and mercy in our lives.