Second Hand Religion not Enough
Job 42:1-12
We Americans are a peculiar people. Like the men of ancient Athens, we like new things. We will endure 2nd hand things, but with a grudge. This is true in every phase of our life except the most important. Too often we are satisfied with a 2nd hand experience of God that leaves us luke-warm in a world that is on Fire of Hell.
I: A Personal Experience with God:
1. Job hadn’t seen God face to face.
2. Job had been told of God and his requirements.
3. Job had served God with the knowledge he had.
4. But Job needed a new and vital knowledge of God.
5. It’s not enough to believe God. One must walk daily with God.
6. One can’t walk with God and be content with lukewarm living.
7. When Trials come to one who doesn’t have a face to face experience, the outcome is in doubt.
8. Until one is confronted with troubles too big to handle, he will be satisfied with 2nd hand knowledge of God. Only a walk with God will meet the great issues of life.
II: Reconciliation with Others:
1. A 1st hand experience with God humbles or pride and self-confidence fades away.
2. Pride and self-confidence are only possible as we compare ourselves with other men. Job said “I abhor.” No bargaining with God.
3. One can’t walk with God without seeking a closer walk with those about Him.
4. Job’s friends couldn’t be reconciled to God until they made things right with Job.
5. Jesus made this same demand of every Church member. “This sin Jesus wouldn’t tolerate.” Matthew 18:15-17.
6. Jesus isn’t only concerned with our walk with God, but our walk with our brother.
7. A Christian can’t walk with God and refuse to make amends or forgive another.
8. Job prayed for his friends and received a blessing of his own. Nothing stagnates the Christian growth like wrong feelings toward others. Forgiveness may not do others good, but it keeps our own heart right.
9. One who can’t forgive doesn’t feel the greateness of his own sin.
III: The Joy’s of Walking with God:
1. John Muir riding on the Northern Pacific Railroad: “I am richer than he is. I have all I want.”
2. The best test man can give is the test of what he wants most.
3. It’s not the pressure of life that makes the difference in men, but the way they meet them.
“Every day with Jesus…”