Ecclesiastes 8: 1-13
September 23, 2007
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” the words of warning from the pen of the Hebrew writer should cause all of us to take inventory of our lives. We all must someday face the reality that this life will come to an end and only that which is done for Christ will last. May we follow the words of Solomon and live our lives with a holy fear of God.
Countenance of the Wise- (wisdom makes his face to shine)
• Understanding what is really important in life
• Wisdom from God- the light of God shines
• Shine for Jesus- Our countenance reveals spirit
Council to Obey- (keep the king’s commandment)
• Maintaining respect for authority even when we don’t agree
• Obey them that govern over you- maintain civil rest
• Better to obey God than man
Comprehend God’s Time- (discerns both time and judgment)
• Chafe not under His providence
• God does all things right
• To every thing there is a season
Concern about the Future- (he knows not that which shall be)
• Those who seek a sign- astrology (the way of the wicked)
• Be not anxious for tomorrow- sufficient is the day…
Control of Life is Gods- (no man hath power…)
• Only God can give life and maintain it
• He knows the number of our days
Confronting Death- (there is no discharge…)
• Life is life a vapor- a shadow passing
• All will face death- there is no avoiding this enemy
• Christ has overcome death- we can be victor
Coarse of Wicked Leaders- (they were forgotten…)
• The dangers of being elevated to a position of authority
• Come and gone from the place of the holy
Continuation of Evil- (fully set … to do evil)
• Presumption of God’s mercy
• False security leads to recklessness and uncheck behavior
Coming Judgment- (it shall not be well with the wicked)
• For the righteous there is no fear to them that fear God
• The day of reckoning for the Godless-wicked
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Words of Wisdom
Eccl. 5:1-12
September 16th, 2007
The words of the “Preacher” are given to those who wish to live a life that is pleasing to God. A right relationship with God requires a careful walk with Him. It is the deep desire of the Godly person to walk in the light that they are given. It is imperative that we are found faithful to the words of wisdom spoken to us through God’s faithful servants. May we heed the advise to worship God in His house, honor God with our words, and to be mindful of our attitude toward the wealth of this world
House of God-Goest to the House of God
• “Keep thy foot”-respect God’s house
• Listen to God
• Better to obey than sacrifice
Haste Not when Speaking- Thy words be few
• Think before you speak
• Let your words be few
• Pray not like the Pharisee-seen of men
• A fool cannot keep his mouth shut
Honor your vows- defer not to pay
• Be care what you promise
• Vows- To vow or not vow
Have and Have Not-seest the oppression of the poor
• The rich seem to get richer
• The unrighteous seem to prosper
• The poor are being taken advantage
Higher Powers in Control- For He that is higher
• God exalts and brings down
• God is still the Sovereign Ruler
Happiness is Never Obtained- …shall not be satisfied
• Riches do not bring satisfaction
• Only that done for Christ will last
• True happiness is only found in submitting to God
Haven of Rest-sleep of the labouring man is sweet
• Resting in the Almighty
• Anxiety for tomorrow can be put away
• The unrest for the sinner and self-seeker
September 16th, 2007
The words of the “Preacher” are given to those who wish to live a life that is pleasing to God. A right relationship with God requires a careful walk with Him. It is the deep desire of the Godly person to walk in the light that they are given. It is imperative that we are found faithful to the words of wisdom spoken to us through God’s faithful servants. May we heed the advise to worship God in His house, honor God with our words, and to be mindful of our attitude toward the wealth of this world
House of God-Goest to the House of God
• “Keep thy foot”-respect God’s house
• Listen to God
• Better to obey than sacrifice
Haste Not when Speaking- Thy words be few
• Think before you speak
• Let your words be few
• Pray not like the Pharisee-seen of men
• A fool cannot keep his mouth shut
Honor your vows- defer not to pay
• Be care what you promise
• Vows- To vow or not vow
Have and Have Not-seest the oppression of the poor
• The rich seem to get richer
• The unrighteous seem to prosper
• The poor are being taken advantage
Higher Powers in Control- For He that is higher
• God exalts and brings down
• God is still the Sovereign Ruler
Happiness is Never Obtained- …shall not be satisfied
• Riches do not bring satisfaction
• Only that done for Christ will last
• True happiness is only found in submitting to God
Haven of Rest-sleep of the labouring man is sweet
• Resting in the Almighty
• Anxiety for tomorrow can be put away
• The unrest for the sinner and self-seeker
Vanity and Vexation
September 9th, 2007
Eccl. 1:12-2:4,10,11
Solomon, known to be the wisest man who every lived to his day. Unfortunately, he failed to apply his own knowledge and wisdom to his own life. Solomon comes to the end of his life and reflects back with dissatisfaction. What has been gain from the fruit of his labor? He realizes that he obtained everything that the world had to offer and he still was left empty. His pursuit for life’s purpose and meaning could not be found in earthly mean or worldly satisfaction. He set his affection on things below and not on thing above. Such is the case with all who seek lasting joy and contentment in this life. It is only through seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that one finds fulfillment. Jesus said, “I am come that they (mankind) might have life, and that they (mankind) might have it more abundantly.” The abundant life can only be found through Christ, all else is vain and vexation when seeking true meaning and joy in this life.
Prestige or position (king over Israel)
• Being known and held up in high esteem
• Having rank or power
Philosophy of the world (my heart had wisdom and knowledge)
• Thinking- expanding the mind- looking within
• Wisdom- knowing what is right prudent
• Knowledge- obtaining information and retaining
Powerlessness of Man (cannot be made straight)
• Man’s inability to make himself right
• Man is corrupt and sinful and in need of a sinless Savior
Pleasures or enjoyment of life (pleasure is also vanity)
• Have a sense of good feelings-“Happiness”
• Amusement and entertainment
• Sinful satisfactions
Prosperity or possessing worldly gain (I am come to great estate)
• Seeking fortune
• Things and material wealth
Production by my hand (I made me great works)
• Job satisfaction
• Place of employment
Eccl. 1:12-2:4,10,11
Solomon, known to be the wisest man who every lived to his day. Unfortunately, he failed to apply his own knowledge and wisdom to his own life. Solomon comes to the end of his life and reflects back with dissatisfaction. What has been gain from the fruit of his labor? He realizes that he obtained everything that the world had to offer and he still was left empty. His pursuit for life’s purpose and meaning could not be found in earthly mean or worldly satisfaction. He set his affection on things below and not on thing above. Such is the case with all who seek lasting joy and contentment in this life. It is only through seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that one finds fulfillment. Jesus said, “I am come that they (mankind) might have life, and that they (mankind) might have it more abundantly.” The abundant life can only be found through Christ, all else is vain and vexation when seeking true meaning and joy in this life.
Prestige or position (king over Israel)
• Being known and held up in high esteem
• Having rank or power
Philosophy of the world (my heart had wisdom and knowledge)
• Thinking- expanding the mind- looking within
• Wisdom- knowing what is right prudent
• Knowledge- obtaining information and retaining
Powerlessness of Man (cannot be made straight)
• Man’s inability to make himself right
• Man is corrupt and sinful and in need of a sinless Savior
Pleasures or enjoyment of life (pleasure is also vanity)
• Have a sense of good feelings-“Happiness”
• Amusement and entertainment
• Sinful satisfactions
Prosperity or possessing worldly gain (I am come to great estate)
• Seeking fortune
• Things and material wealth
Production by my hand (I made me great works)
• Job satisfaction
• Place of employment
God's Majesty
August 26th, 2007
Job 38:1-6, 40:1-14
What a mighty God we serve! Who among us can stand face to face with God and contend that God doesn’t know what He is doing? Job is now in the presence of the Almighty. It is time to put away the mere words and arguments of man and let God speak. At some point in Job’s suffering, he began to question God’s dealing. In his finite human ability, he endeavored to try to understand the providences of God and the full purpose of his life. He knew that he had not sinned against God but, and began to question the goodness of God. He realized that God was Holy and Just and ruled over the affairs of Man, but God had somehow left job “out to dry”. God is good! And He does all things right. Often in our own life, we find ourselves wondering why God has allowed bad things to come are way. If we are not careful, we will begin to question the goodness of God and His divine providence. We would never blame God foolishly, but we begin wonder if God really loves us. Like Job, we may need to come to a point of “repentance” and cast all of our cares upon Him for He cares for us and is mighty to show His power in our behalf.
Man’s Finite Comprehension
• Our understanding is limited to our knowledge
• The reasons and purposes of life are not ours to always know
Man’s Finite Knowledge
• Man’s knowledge is limited
• We will forever be learning more about God and His knowledge
God is Omniscient
• What a mighty God we serve- All knowing from start to finish
• The eternal God who has all things in his control
Job is Speechless
• In the presence of God we have no argument
• Job realizes his Woe is me!
Job Acknowledges his Faults
• Reflected on the providence of God
• Reflected on the wisdom, kindness, goodness, mercy of God
God Does All Things Right
• How far do we question God before start doubting Him
• He does all things well and is right and holy
Man’s Inability to Rise Above His Own Fate
• New age philosophy
• Man’s futile attempt to be God
Job 38:1-6, 40:1-14
What a mighty God we serve! Who among us can stand face to face with God and contend that God doesn’t know what He is doing? Job is now in the presence of the Almighty. It is time to put away the mere words and arguments of man and let God speak. At some point in Job’s suffering, he began to question God’s dealing. In his finite human ability, he endeavored to try to understand the providences of God and the full purpose of his life. He knew that he had not sinned against God but, and began to question the goodness of God. He realized that God was Holy and Just and ruled over the affairs of Man, but God had somehow left job “out to dry”. God is good! And He does all things right. Often in our own life, we find ourselves wondering why God has allowed bad things to come are way. If we are not careful, we will begin to question the goodness of God and His divine providence. We would never blame God foolishly, but we begin wonder if God really loves us. Like Job, we may need to come to a point of “repentance” and cast all of our cares upon Him for He cares for us and is mighty to show His power in our behalf.
Man’s Finite Comprehension
• Our understanding is limited to our knowledge
• The reasons and purposes of life are not ours to always know
Man’s Finite Knowledge
• Man’s knowledge is limited
• We will forever be learning more about God and His knowledge
God is Omniscient
• What a mighty God we serve- All knowing from start to finish
• The eternal God who has all things in his control
Job is Speechless
• In the presence of God we have no argument
• Job realizes his Woe is me!
Job Acknowledges his Faults
• Reflected on the providence of God
• Reflected on the wisdom, kindness, goodness, mercy of God
God Does All Things Right
• How far do we question God before start doubting Him
• He does all things well and is right and holy
Man’s Inability to Rise Above His Own Fate
• New age philosophy
• Man’s futile attempt to be God
Elihu's Advice to Job
August 19th, 2007
Job 36:1-18
With confidence, Job puts his faith in God and His mercy. He was resolute in his convictions that as far as he knew in his heart, he did not do anything that would cause the suffering he was going through. Realizing that Job was not going to admit that he had sinned against God, Elihu takes a different approach. It may be that Job was going through all this because God was unhappy with Job in some area of his life. That he may be experiences bad things, because God was correcting or chastising him for some things in his life that was not sin, but bad judgment. God does chasten those that He loves, and sometime the chastisements of the Lord are not pleasant. Once again, the words that Elihu speaks are full of truth and speak accurately about the nature and attributes of God, but like his counter partners, he too assumed that Job was doing something wrong, and it needed to be corrected. The words we speak are often true and accurate, but are they always appropriate. May we always be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove and we speak and minister to others.
Compelled to Speak
• When are you compelled to speak up?
• Elihu’s could not restrain himself any longer
Convince of Speech
• His doctrine was right- Stayed with truth
• He was confident of his words
Colossal God
• A mighty God is He
• The holiness of God’s might
Condemnation of the Wicked
• Belligerently break God’s law- mistreatment of others
• Life is short for the wicked-Death waits at the door
Chastisement of the Righteous
• His eyes are always on the righteous
• Why? Change ways, listen to instruction, turn around.
Cry of the Hypocrite
• Lord! Lord! Have we not….
• Cry of sorrow without repentance
Christ Paid the Ransom
• We all deserve the wrath of God
• Mercy through Christ and the ransom He paid
Job 36:1-18
With confidence, Job puts his faith in God and His mercy. He was resolute in his convictions that as far as he knew in his heart, he did not do anything that would cause the suffering he was going through. Realizing that Job was not going to admit that he had sinned against God, Elihu takes a different approach. It may be that Job was going through all this because God was unhappy with Job in some area of his life. That he may be experiences bad things, because God was correcting or chastising him for some things in his life that was not sin, but bad judgment. God does chasten those that He loves, and sometime the chastisements of the Lord are not pleasant. Once again, the words that Elihu speaks are full of truth and speak accurately about the nature and attributes of God, but like his counter partners, he too assumed that Job was doing something wrong, and it needed to be corrected. The words we speak are often true and accurate, but are they always appropriate. May we always be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove and we speak and minister to others.
Compelled to Speak
• When are you compelled to speak up?
• Elihu’s could not restrain himself any longer
Convince of Speech
• His doctrine was right- Stayed with truth
• He was confident of his words
Colossal God
• A mighty God is He
• The holiness of God’s might
Condemnation of the Wicked
• Belligerently break God’s law- mistreatment of others
• Life is short for the wicked-Death waits at the door
Chastisement of the Righteous
• His eyes are always on the righteous
• Why? Change ways, listen to instruction, turn around.
Cry of the Hypocrite
• Lord! Lord! Have we not….
• Cry of sorrow without repentance
Christ Paid the Ransom
• We all deserve the wrath of God
• Mercy through Christ and the ransom He paid
Job's Confidence
August 12th, 2007
Job 19:1-11, 19-27
In the shadow of despair and hopelessness, Job sees a ray of light shining through the dark clouds that surrounded him. He sternly rebukes those who have accused him wrongly and stands firm in his belief that he has done nothing that would cause the torrent of calamities that he is facing. He still does not understand why God is allowing all the pain and suffering, but he maintains his integrity toward God and is confident that God will see him through. We often go through trails and hardships without understanding the purpose, but God who stands alone as all knowing will judge right in the end. We may never know all the reasons why, but we can know that God lives and He is ultimately in control.
Agony of soul
• Beyond physical pain
• Rebuke those who cause more suffering
Accepting of fault
• “ I could be wrong, but it is not God’s Fault”
• We must always realize that we might be mistaken
Ascribe his suffering from God
• All things do come from God
• Caught in the net of God without know why
Anguish and hopeless
• Fence up- no where to go, no hope for the future
• A Tree uprooted with no hope to live again
Abhorred by friends
• When Friend turn on you
• Don’t give pity, but show compassion and sympathy
Affirming of our faith
• Epitaph of our life- Let it be know
• Though He slay, still he lives
Avenger of right
• God will make all thing right
• We live not for this world, but for the world to come
• Like the beggar, our reward may be in the life after.
Job 19:1-11, 19-27
In the shadow of despair and hopelessness, Job sees a ray of light shining through the dark clouds that surrounded him. He sternly rebukes those who have accused him wrongly and stands firm in his belief that he has done nothing that would cause the torrent of calamities that he is facing. He still does not understand why God is allowing all the pain and suffering, but he maintains his integrity toward God and is confident that God will see him through. We often go through trails and hardships without understanding the purpose, but God who stands alone as all knowing will judge right in the end. We may never know all the reasons why, but we can know that God lives and He is ultimately in control.
Agony of soul
• Beyond physical pain
• Rebuke those who cause more suffering
Accepting of fault
• “ I could be wrong, but it is not God’s Fault”
• We must always realize that we might be mistaken
Ascribe his suffering from God
• All things do come from God
• Caught in the net of God without know why
Anguish and hopeless
• Fence up- no where to go, no hope for the future
• A Tree uprooted with no hope to live again
Abhorred by friends
• When Friend turn on you
• Don’t give pity, but show compassion and sympathy
Affirming of our faith
• Epitaph of our life- Let it be know
• Though He slay, still he lives
Avenger of right
• God will make all thing right
• We live not for this world, but for the world to come
• Like the beggar, our reward may be in the life after.
Zophar, The Religous Dogmatist
August 5th, 2007
Job 11: 1-16, 20
Job is now in the midst of confusion. He is crying out to God for answers. He does not understand why he is being afflicted when he has done his best to flee wickedness and live right. Zophar, a man of self- importance, and one who values his opinion very highly is tired of Job’s “whining”. Job must see that there is only one cause for this suffering. Job has sinned, and he needs to stretch out toward God and confess his wickedness to God. Zophar leaves no room for any other possibilities, his ideas on how God works are right and there is only one way to deal with it. He usurps himself as God and passes judgment on Job with an air of arrogance and self-righteousness. When defending the faith, we must always stand for truth, but it must always be done in a spirit of meekness and humility.
Convinced opinion
• Job’s words go unanswered
• “Job, you are wrong, now listen to me”
Contend for the truth
• “Bless God! I’ll sent them right”
• More concern about being “right” than showing mercy
Condemnation of others
• Only God truly knows the heart of man
• Praying for others with compassion
Comprehension of God
• Man’s finite ability to comprehend all
• God’s sovereign will is accomplished
• Nothing is hid from God
• God knows the heart no matter the outward appearance
• Job’s declaration of righteousness is put the question
Confession of sin
• Prepare your heart- attitude of sorrow
• Stretch out your hand- Humility and God dependent
• Put iniquity away- confession and restitution
• The tabernacle is free of wickedness- sin is no longer entertained
Confidence toward God
• Clean conscience toward God and man
• Doubt and fears are swept away
Consequences of un-confess sin
• Hope is gone, life ends in despair
Job 11: 1-16, 20
Job is now in the midst of confusion. He is crying out to God for answers. He does not understand why he is being afflicted when he has done his best to flee wickedness and live right. Zophar, a man of self- importance, and one who values his opinion very highly is tired of Job’s “whining”. Job must see that there is only one cause for this suffering. Job has sinned, and he needs to stretch out toward God and confess his wickedness to God. Zophar leaves no room for any other possibilities, his ideas on how God works are right and there is only one way to deal with it. He usurps himself as God and passes judgment on Job with an air of arrogance and self-righteousness. When defending the faith, we must always stand for truth, but it must always be done in a spirit of meekness and humility.
Convinced opinion
• Job’s words go unanswered
• “Job, you are wrong, now listen to me”
Contend for the truth
• “Bless God! I’ll sent them right”
• More concern about being “right” than showing mercy
Condemnation of others
• Only God truly knows the heart of man
• Praying for others with compassion
Comprehension of God
• Man’s finite ability to comprehend all
• God’s sovereign will is accomplished
• Nothing is hid from God
• God knows the heart no matter the outward appearance
• Job’s declaration of righteousness is put the question
Confession of sin
• Prepare your heart- attitude of sorrow
• Stretch out your hand- Humility and God dependent
• Put iniquity away- confession and restitution
• The tabernacle is free of wickedness- sin is no longer entertained
Confidence toward God
• Clean conscience toward God and man
• Doubt and fears are swept away
Consequences of un-confess sin
• Hope is gone, life ends in despair
Bildad the Legalist
July 29th, 2007
Job 8:1-14,20
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (Ps. 19:9) Who can escape his Justice? The “comfort” that Job received from Bildad was that Job was paying for breaking God’s laws. God was exacting punishment on Job by bring him calamity and suffering. The wages of sin is death, and Job was received what was due to him. Job was mystified concerning his fate. He did not comprehend the purpose and reasons for his misfortune and questioned God’s dealings with mankind. Bildad approached the problems of Job through the eyes of a lawyer. If Job is experiencing bad things, then God is punishing Job for doing something evil. The law of sowing and reaping is implied to the calamity of Job’s life. How quick are we to say, “They deserve what they got”. “They made their bed, now they must lay in it”. Where is mercy and compassion? Until we have walked in their shoes, it is always best to lean toward love and mercy and leave the judgments and justice to a Holy God.
Provoke response
• Bildad rebukes Job for not taking Eliphaz advise
• React to Job’s questioning of God’s character
Perverted justice
• God’s standard for right and wrong are always the same
• God is just, therefore Job has sinned
Presumption of sin
• Assuming is not good policy
• Innocent, until proven guilty- Then What?
Prosperity is absent
• What is meant by, “the righteous shall prosper”
• Prosperity is not a sign of God’s approbation
• The rich man and the beggar
Profound wisdom from the past
• We can often glean wisdom from past experience
• Must be careful how we apply past to the present
• Is right and wrong always the same for all generations
Parables from the past
• Papyrus and bulrushes- sudden destruction when God is gone
• God’s blessings is short lived for the hollow life
• May look good on the outside for short while, but will soon collapse because they are empty inside
• Spider web- Self-righteousness- no substance- all show
• Job is accused of being like papyrus and a spider web
Job 8:1-14,20
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (Ps. 19:9) Who can escape his Justice? The “comfort” that Job received from Bildad was that Job was paying for breaking God’s laws. God was exacting punishment on Job by bring him calamity and suffering. The wages of sin is death, and Job was received what was due to him. Job was mystified concerning his fate. He did not comprehend the purpose and reasons for his misfortune and questioned God’s dealings with mankind. Bildad approached the problems of Job through the eyes of a lawyer. If Job is experiencing bad things, then God is punishing Job for doing something evil. The law of sowing and reaping is implied to the calamity of Job’s life. How quick are we to say, “They deserve what they got”. “They made their bed, now they must lay in it”. Where is mercy and compassion? Until we have walked in their shoes, it is always best to lean toward love and mercy and leave the judgments and justice to a Holy God.
Provoke response
• Bildad rebukes Job for not taking Eliphaz advise
• React to Job’s questioning of God’s character
Perverted justice
• God’s standard for right and wrong are always the same
• God is just, therefore Job has sinned
Presumption of sin
• Assuming is not good policy
• Innocent, until proven guilty- Then What?
Prosperity is absent
• What is meant by, “the righteous shall prosper”
• Prosperity is not a sign of God’s approbation
• The rich man and the beggar
Profound wisdom from the past
• We can often glean wisdom from past experience
• Must be careful how we apply past to the present
• Is right and wrong always the same for all generations
Parables from the past
• Papyrus and bulrushes- sudden destruction when God is gone
• God’s blessings is short lived for the hollow life
• May look good on the outside for short while, but will soon collapse because they are empty inside
• Spider web- Self-righteousness- no substance- all show
• Job is accused of being like papyrus and a spider web
Eliphaz the Moralist
July 15th, 2007
Job 4:7-9, 5:2-8, 12-18
After several days of silent mourning, Job finally speaks about his treaded conditions and wishes that he had never been born. Such is the rueful condition of Job experiences. He was at the end of his endurance, weak, feeble and emotionally spent. His nerves were probably shot and his mind in a deploring state. How much worse can life get? “If this is what living is about, I wish I would have never been born.” It is not uncommon for people to lose all hope of life when life seems to “bottom out”. It is normally comforting to have a friend close by during these times of despair. But, it is important that advise from friends be based on God’s Word and not on human moral reasoning. Eliphaz response to Job had a lot of good things to say if Job was truly a sinner. Job did not need accusation and his righteousness questioned, he needed comforting and understanding. The reproving words of Eliphaz admonished Job to repent and return to God. He needed to admonish Job to trust God, and lean not on his own understanding, but acknowledge God as sovereign.
Ruefulness of Job
• He pities the day he was born
• His countenance is full of anguished
• Death is received with “open arms”
Response of Eliphaz
• Base on observation
• Logic- “it stands to reason”
Righteousness Questioned
• Law of sowing and reaping
• God does judge wrong doings with vengeance
• What does God’s word say about the righteous suffering?
Reproving Words
• Speaking foolishly (job’s cry wishing he had not be born)
• The curse of sin- suffering of man
• The opinions of man are often tainted with misconceptions
Return to God
• Assumption that we have sinned
• Plead guilty and be done with it
• Accept what happens as “God’s correction”
• Seek God- rely on His mercy
• Truth is spoken, but not applied appropriately
Rest in God’s Sovereignty
• Lean not on our own understanding
• He is in Control
Job 4:7-9, 5:2-8, 12-18
After several days of silent mourning, Job finally speaks about his treaded conditions and wishes that he had never been born. Such is the rueful condition of Job experiences. He was at the end of his endurance, weak, feeble and emotionally spent. His nerves were probably shot and his mind in a deploring state. How much worse can life get? “If this is what living is about, I wish I would have never been born.” It is not uncommon for people to lose all hope of life when life seems to “bottom out”. It is normally comforting to have a friend close by during these times of despair. But, it is important that advise from friends be based on God’s Word and not on human moral reasoning. Eliphaz response to Job had a lot of good things to say if Job was truly a sinner. Job did not need accusation and his righteousness questioned, he needed comforting and understanding. The reproving words of Eliphaz admonished Job to repent and return to God. He needed to admonish Job to trust God, and lean not on his own understanding, but acknowledge God as sovereign.
Ruefulness of Job
• He pities the day he was born
• His countenance is full of anguished
• Death is received with “open arms”
Response of Eliphaz
• Base on observation
• Logic- “it stands to reason”
Righteousness Questioned
• Law of sowing and reaping
• God does judge wrong doings with vengeance
• What does God’s word say about the righteous suffering?
Reproving Words
• Speaking foolishly (job’s cry wishing he had not be born)
• The curse of sin- suffering of man
• The opinions of man are often tainted with misconceptions
Return to God
• Assumption that we have sinned
• Plead guilty and be done with it
• Accept what happens as “God’s correction”
• Seek God- rely on His mercy
• Truth is spoken, but not applied appropriately
Rest in God’s Sovereignty
• Lean not on our own understanding
• He is in Control
Job's Faithfulness
July 8th, 2007
Job 2:1-13
It was enough that Job suffered the lost of his children and processions. We often feel that we have reached the end of our endurances. And, often asked the questions. Could it get any worse? Why is this happening? What have I done to deserve this? Will it every end? No doubt, Job went through an emotional trauma as he was informed of his misfortunes. He was at the bottom and it seemed that he could not go any further down. But, the spiritual warfare still rages between good and evil. Satan’s desire is to bring ultimate defeat to man’s faith in God. It is said that every man and women has a price. And, at some point will be willing to sell. Satan was determined to bring down Job. God believed in Job’s undying faith and determination to do what was right no matter what happen. The testing of Job was more than physical anguish, but he also had to struggle with the hard questions in life. Does God really love me? Where is God when I need Him? What is the purpose of my life?
Spiritual Warfare vs.1-3 (Satan came... before the Lord)
• We fight not against flesh and blood
• Satan attacks the “apple of God’s eye”
Severe Trails (vs.4 skin for skin)
• Material and social lose
• Physical, emotional, and mental
Sovereignty of God (vs.6 save his life)
• God is in control
• He will not allow a temptation-more than we can bare
Sorrow and Suffering (vs.8 sat among the ashes)
• Dealing with pain
• All that live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer…
Speech Betrays (vs.10 thou speaketh… foolish)
• For out of the mouth comes cursing and blessing
• Let no corrupt communication proceed
• The power of words and speech
Sympathy of Friends (vs. 11 come to mourn with him)
• Bare one another burdens – so fulfill the law of God
• So glad to be apart of God’s family
• Sincere grief for those who suffer lose
Silence in time of Grief (vs13 and none spake a word)
• Custom of the day- Protocol, having respect for others
• Presence can do when words fail
Job 2:1-13
It was enough that Job suffered the lost of his children and processions. We often feel that we have reached the end of our endurances. And, often asked the questions. Could it get any worse? Why is this happening? What have I done to deserve this? Will it every end? No doubt, Job went through an emotional trauma as he was informed of his misfortunes. He was at the bottom and it seemed that he could not go any further down. But, the spiritual warfare still rages between good and evil. Satan’s desire is to bring ultimate defeat to man’s faith in God. It is said that every man and women has a price. And, at some point will be willing to sell. Satan was determined to bring down Job. God believed in Job’s undying faith and determination to do what was right no matter what happen. The testing of Job was more than physical anguish, but he also had to struggle with the hard questions in life. Does God really love me? Where is God when I need Him? What is the purpose of my life?
Spiritual Warfare vs.1-3 (Satan came... before the Lord)
• We fight not against flesh and blood
• Satan attacks the “apple of God’s eye”
Severe Trails (vs.4 skin for skin)
• Material and social lose
• Physical, emotional, and mental
Sovereignty of God (vs.6 save his life)
• God is in control
• He will not allow a temptation-more than we can bare
Sorrow and Suffering (vs.8 sat among the ashes)
• Dealing with pain
• All that live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer…
Speech Betrays (vs.10 thou speaketh… foolish)
• For out of the mouth comes cursing and blessing
• Let no corrupt communication proceed
• The power of words and speech
Sympathy of Friends (vs. 11 come to mourn with him)
• Bare one another burdens – so fulfill the law of God
• So glad to be apart of God’s family
• Sincere grief for those who suffer lose
Silence in time of Grief (vs13 and none spake a word)
• Custom of the day- Protocol, having respect for others
• Presence can do when words fail
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