When the Heavens Seem as Brass
The sermon emphasizes the importance of realizing our unworthiness before God, yielding to His will, and walking worthy of His kingdom and glory.
Theodore Epp discusses Job's noble character and his struggle with pride, emphasizing that despite his many virtues, Job's self-evaluation kept him from fully experiencing God's blessings. Epp highlights the importance of humility and recognizing our unworthiness before God, suggesting that true readiness for God's use comes from yielding ourselves to Him. Job's request for God to weigh him in the balances serves as a reminder that we must not rely solely on our own merits but seek God's grace and guidance in our lives.
Text
Job 31:6-8,33-35
Job was an unusual man. He had done many noble deeds. He was outstanding in many ways. He was the kind of man who, once he humbled himself before God, could be trusted with more responsibility. The Scriptures say that the person who is faithful in little things will also be faithful in great things (see Matt. 25:23; Luke 16:10). Job's pride, however, was still keeping him from enjoying the best that God offered.
It was no light decision for Job to ask God to weigh him in the balances. Job was a chaste man, God-fearing, kind and sincere. He was ready to put his signature on the list of his own virtues. And he wanted his Adversary to put his charges down in writing, Job thought that since he had always pleased God before, everything was all right. He was worthy of the best God could give him. This was his personal evaluation, however.
In and of himself, no one is ever worthy of anything from God. The more we realize our unworthiness, the better position we are in for God to use us. Then we must yield ourselves to Him to do with us and through us what He pleases.
"That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory" (1 Thess. 2:12).
Sermon Outline
- Job's Pride and Unworthiness
- Our Unworthiness Before God
- Yielding to God's Will
- Walking Worthy of God
- The call to walk worthy of God's kingdom and glory
- The importance of yielding to God's plan
Key Quotes
“In and of himself, no one is ever worthy of anything from God.” — Theodore Epp
“The more we realize our unworthiness, the better position we are in for God to use us.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We must recognize our unworthiness before God to be used by Him.
- Yielding to God's will is essential for Him to use us effectively.
- Walking worthy of God's kingdom and glory requires living in accordance with His plan.