Topical Bible: Man: Cannot Profit God

◄ Man: Cannot Profit God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept that man cannot profit God is rooted in the understanding of God's self-sufficiency and sovereignty. God, being the Creator of all things, is entirely independent and lacks nothing. This theological perspective emphasizes that human actions, whether righteous or sinful, do not add to or detract from God's essence or well-being.

Scriptural Foundations

The Bible clearly articulates the idea that human beings cannot benefit God in any way. In the book of Job, a profound discourse on the nature of God and man is presented. Job 22:2-3 states, "Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him? What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would He gain if your ways were blameless?" This passage underscores the futility of thinking that human righteousness or wisdom can enhance God's state.

Similarly, in Job 35:6-7 , Elihu, one of Job's friends, asserts, "If you sin, how does it affect Him? If your transgressions are many, what does it do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand?" These rhetorical questions highlight the transcendence of God, who remains unaffected by human actions.

The Nature of God

God's self-existence and independence are central to understanding why man cannot profit Him. God is described as the "I AM" in Exodus 3:14, indicating His eternal and unchanging nature. He is the source of all life and sustenance, as seen in Acts 17:24-25 : "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else."

Human Dependence on God

While man cannot profit God, the reverse is not true; humanity is entirely dependent on God for existence and sustenance. Psalm 50:10-12 illustrates this point: "For every beast of the forest is Mine—the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof." This passage emphasizes God's ownership and provision, reinforcing the idea that He is not in need of anything from humanity.

Implications for Worship and Service

Understanding that man cannot profit God shapes the way believers approach worship and service. Worship is not about fulfilling a need in God but is an expression of gratitude and reverence for His majesty and grace. Service to God and others is a response to His love and commands, not an attempt to enrich Him. As 1 Chronicles 29:14 states, "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand."

Conclusion

The biblical teaching that man cannot profit God serves as a humbling reminder of God's greatness and our dependence on Him. It calls believers to a posture of humility, gratitude, and faithful service, recognizing that all we have and are comes from the Creator, who is complete in Himself.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 22:2
Can a man be profitable to God, as he that is wise may be profitable to himself?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 16:2
O my soul, you have said to the LORD, You are my Lord: my goodness extends not to you;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Setting of Man's Life
... God and to his own profit and the profit of his ... be strong that will manfully use
the love of God. ... enfeebled with great disease ofttimes a man cannot pray, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter iv of the setting.htm

How God Has Shown his Omnipotence in his Birth in Time as Well as ...
... for you afflict Me?" [2603] If then we cannot think that ... with a few loaves, nor did
the blind man receive his ... did not refuse for the succour and profit of men? ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv how god has.htm

Showing How Some Men Live Contrary to These Exercises
... a man has always himself and his own profit in mind. ... So, when a man possesses the
natural rest in bare vacancy ... disobedient in his self-will, he cannot be united ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxvi showing how some.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... which has also an eye to business, and makes a profit out of a ... a true faith in God
would have warranted; and we cannot but see ... 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... always been a loss to him; he has never found any profit, but has ... God saith that
the sea can be tamed with sand; but the heart of man cannot be restrained ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/gods barriers against mans sin.htm

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ...
... What profit have I now of all my pride, fine house ... my evil deeds, will accuse me,
and I cannot excuse myself ... Cursed be the man that shewed my father, saying, "A ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the misery of.htm

Profit and Loss
... Now, I have only cast up accounts for this life; but what will it profit a man,
when he comes to ... cannot thy bags of gold ferry thee across the Jordan ... What, man! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/profit and loss.htm

That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial
... Whosoever therefore shall have lifted up his will unto God with singleness of ... And
the more perfectly a man forsaketh things which cannot profit, and the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xv that the grace.htm

Of the Decrees of God.
... No, for they cannot, though they would; he chains them ... all the world should conspire
as one man to obstruct ... into the particulars of them, but to profit by them. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xiv of the decrees.htm

Faith Without Works is Dead, and Cannot Save a Man.
... Chapter 67."Faith Without Works is Dead, and Cannot Save a Man. ... dead, being alone."
[1217] The same apostle says again, "What doth it profit, my brethren ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 67 faith without works is.htm