Second Hand Religion Not Enough
Job 12:1-2
We Americans are a peculiar people. Like the men of ancient Athens, we like new things. We will endure second 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 second 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 had not 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 is not enough to believe God. One must walk daily with God.
6. One cannot walk with God and be content with lukewarm living.
7. When trials come to one, who does not 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 secondhand knowledge of God. Only a walk with God will meet the great issues of life.
II: Reconciliation With Others:
1. A firsthand experience with God humbles one 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 cannot walk with God without seeking a closer walk with those about Him.
4. Job’s friends could not be reconciled to God until they made things right with Job.
5. Jesus made this same demand of every Church member, Matthew 18:15-17.
6. Jesus is not only concerned with our walk with God, but our walk with our brother.
7. A Christian cannot walk with God and refuse to make amends or forgive another.
8. Job prayed for his friends and received a blessing of his own.
a. Nothing stagnates the Christian growth like wrong feelings toward others.
b. Forgiveness may not do others good, but it keeps our own heart right.
9. One who cannot forgive does not feel the greatness of his own sin.
III: The Joys 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 is not the pressures of life that makes the difference in men, but the way they meet them. “Every day with Jesus…”