Job 36:4 (KJV)
For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
John Gill offers three possibilities concerning Elihu’s words, “he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.” One is that Elihu speaks of God, perfect and complete in His knowledge. Another is that Elihu speaks of himself, not as omniscient, but as sincere and competent concerning what he is about to say. The third, and the one I find especially compelling in the context, is that Elihu speaks of Job. Job possesses knowledge of God, and Elihu therefore expects him to recognize the truth of what is being said and receive it.
There is a wonderful application here for the preacher.
The preacher approaches the work God has given him with three great confidences.
First, God is present. Preaching is not merely one man speaking to a room filled with other people. God is there. Elihu said, “I have yet to speak on God's behalf” (Job 36:2). The preacher enters the pulpit believing that God has a purpose for His Word on that particular occasion.
Second, God has illuminated His Word the preacher. This does not mean that the preacher is infallible or that every thought that enters his mind has come from God. He has studied. He has prayed. He has searched the Scriptures. Now he stands believing that God has given him truth from His Word that should be preached.
Third, God is able to illuminate the hearer. This may be the greatest confidence of all. The preacher cannot possibly know everything taking place in every heart before him. Some are mature believers. Some are young in the faith. Some may be discouraged, distracted, rebellious, hurting, or confused. Some may not know Christ at all.
But the preacher does not have to know everything about them.
He that is perfect in knowledge is with them.
The rest of the chapter reinforces this truth. God “openeth also their ear to discipline” (Job 36:10), and He “openeth their ears in oppression” (Job 36:15). God knows how to take His truth and address the heart of the hearer.
That takes an enormous burden from the preacher. His responsibility is not to manipulate a response, manufacture conviction, or somehow know every need in the congregation. His responsibility is to faithfully preach what God has given him.
The preacher knows what God has given him to preach.
God knows why each person needs to hear it.
#PreachTheWord #GodIsPresent #BiblicalPreaching #PerfectInKnowledge #DailyVisitwithGod
Three Confidences Every Preacher Needs in the Pulpit: Where Perfect Knowledge Resides
What gives a preacher confidence when he steps into the pulpit? He does not know every need, burden, or spiritual condition before him—but God does. The One who is perfect in knowledge is with them.
How has God used a sermon or Bible message to speak directly to a need in your life? Share your experience in the comments. Your testimony may encourage a preacher or another believer.
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