10 character traits of an innocent Man

 Read Job 31. 

Is anyone truly innocent?  Wouldn’t there be someone who could bring up a legitimate offense against us? 

Job stated all along that he was falsely accused and did not do anything that deserved his severe losses or his mistreatment by others.   So, in defense of his integrity and his innocence, he challenged anyone to step forward with their claim. 

No less than seventeen times Job used the word "if" to lay out a scenario of possible wrongdoing.  And, if that were true, "then" he knew the consequences.  Only a person with an absolutely clear conscience could make such statements as these. 

Here are the life values and commitments of Job.

1. Sexual purity, both with his eyes and his behavior. (vv.1, 9-12)

2. Personal Honesty. (vv.5-6)

3. Business Honesty. (vv.7-8)

4. Fairness and treating others with equal respect. (vv.13-15)

5. Generosity. (vv.16-23)

6. Humility. (vv.24-28)

7. Peaceable. (vv.29-30)

8. Hospitality. (vv.31-32)

9. Transparency. (vv.33-34)

10. Justice. (vv.38-40) 

Life is 24/7.  Character is who you are.  Job's character was not the result of his innate goodness.  He knew better.  Rather, it had been shaped first by his life commitment to God and by his understanding of his direct accountability to God for his words and actions. 

When we submit our lives to the Holy Spirit, our character looks like this: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Hope at the end of the Rope

 Read Job 30. 

Once so highly respected, Job had become one who was jeered.  People talked about him and treated him in derisive ways.  They could not stand to be around him. 

Meanwhile, Job had enough internal issues of his own.  His chronic pain would not allow him any rest.  His body was disfigured.  Spiritually, he felt thrown aside by God. 

In crying out to God, Job recounted how he came to the rescue of those around him when they needed help.  But now, when he was the one in need, no one seemed to care.  "But when I hoped for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came." (v.26) 

It can be difficult to find solid hope in the middle of a tough test.  Job held on to his faith but questioned his circumstances with each response.  Would God allow him to be this miserable and then merely die? (v.23)  The lessons from Job are consistent with many others in the Bible who experienced excruciating tests of faith. 

Hagar, the handmaid of Sarah and mother of Ishmael, was sent away from the family of Abraham to fend for herself.  When the food and water ran out, it appeared that she and her son would soon die.  Surely, she felt abandoned by the people she had served for years and now forgotten by God.  But when "she lifted up her voice and wept" (Genesis 21:16) she discovered that God had been watching every move and listening to every word.  Though others may have forsaken her, He did not.  It was at the lowest point of her despair that the LORD revealed two things to her that we can rely on today. 

1. God has plans for our future.

The LORD was not through with her yet.  She would not die because of this test.  There were things to do.  Her descendants would one day be a great nation. 

2. God has already provided to meet our immediate need.

The water was right in front of her but she did not see it until God "opened her eyes".

 

One thing that never Changes

 Read Job 29. 

"Oh, for the good old days." 

Job longed for times past when he felt close to God, when he daily experienced the blessings of God, when he was surrounded by his family, and enjoyed prosperity.  In those days, he was a respected member of the community.  Because he had resources, he generously helped those in need.  People could not wait to hear his counsel.  "I lived like a king..." (v.25) 

But those days were gone.  Things changed.  He lost his health.  His family was gone.  Without his wealth, people no longer had respect or use for him.  On top of that he felt distant from God. 

When everything around us changes (and eventually they will) and the storms of life assail us (and they will), we must have an immovable anchor in our lives that holds firm and never changes. 

Concerning our personal relationship with God, the writer of Hebrews put it this way: "...we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.  We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul..." (Hebrews 6:18-19) 

In a world that ever changes, there is One who never does.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

How to find what God has hidden

 Read Job 28. 

Question of the day: "Where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" (v.12) 

It is not found in natural searches.

Job's example was the human skill in searching for ore and precious stones.  Mine shafts are dug, tunnels bored, waterways dammed up so that precious items may be brought out of the darkness to light.  These things are hidden under the earth's surface.  Birds flying overhead and animals walking the land have no idea what is beneath them. 

Even the efforts of mining human philosophies and seeking out the hidden things of the mind will not meet a person's deepest needs.  Because when it comes to spiritual matters we are naturally ignorant, lacking wisdom, and need help outside ourselves. 

It is not available for purchase.

All the wealth in the world cannot buy wisdom and understanding of life.  Such insights are not on the open market.  The value of wisdom is priceless. 

It is offered freely from only one source.

God understands.  He knows.  He sees everything.  He is the Creator of all things. 

The true answer comes from God Himself: "And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding." (v.28) 

Two insights for life:

1. No fear of the Lord (respect and sense of direct accountability to Him) = no true wisdom.

2. No intentional turning from evil (sin and the things that displease God) = no understanding. 

Speaking of Jesus, Paul wrote: "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:3) 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5-6)

 

A Life of Integrity

Read Job 27. 

Integrity, according to Webster's Dictionary is "the quality or state of being complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state...honesty and sincerity."  Integrity is when thoughts, words and behaviors are consistent.  When those do not match up, there is incongruity or hypocrisy. 

Job defends himself in this chapter with some of his strongest personal statements.

"...til I die I will not put away my integrity."

"I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go;"

"My heart does not reproach me for any of my days."

His conscience was clear as a result of a consistent life. 

Two bedrocks of integrity:

1.  Job committed himself to God.

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him." (13:15) 

2. Job committed himself to God's word.

"I have not denied the words of the Holy One." (6:10) 

In order for one to live a life of integrity there must be an absolute commitment to a group of core values. Without such a commitment one will be a slave to their own weaknesses and/or the culture around them.  This requires discipline to read, study and put God's word into practice.  But the outcome is a life of honor. 

Acts 24:16-"So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man."

Are we listening to the right voice?

 Read Job 25- 26. 

What does a hurting person need?  What should one look for when seeking wise counsel? 

In chapter 25, Bildad sought to stop Job’s talking about his innocence.  In comparison to God’s holiness nothing and no one is pure.  Or, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) 

Job then responded to Bildad saying that his so-called friends have proved to be no help at all.  Looking behind the verbal barbs one can see what Job longed for.  From time to time, every person wants and needs sound advice.  

1. When feeling helpless, one needs help.  Can this person actually provide something that I cannot?

2. When feeling powerless, one needs strength.  Does this person possess the maturity or resources needed?

3. When feeling a lack of insight, one needs wisdom.  Does this person have the learned experience to specifically help?

4. When feeling a lack of understanding, one needs knowledge.  Does this person know how to solve the problem? 

Adhering to such an evaluation checklist should protect one from gossip sessions, wasting time and money on those who cannot provide what is needed. 

 

To address Bildad's brief presentation about God, Job responded with his own.

1. God controls even the dead. (vv.5-6)

All souls live forever in some place after this life.  In torment or comfort, everyone is accounted for under His rule.

2. God controls space. (vv.7-10)

The placement of the earth, the movements of the waters and clouds, day and night, and even the shape of the earth (round, not flat) was by His doing.

3. God controls what happens on earth. (vv.11-14)

The mountains, the seas, the winds may be sustained by Him with peace, rather than earthquakes and storms. 

While the greatness of God should capture our attention and humble us, the voice of God is most often heard in a "small whisper" (v.14).  One must stop and give God glory for what He has done but then be silent; listening to what He has to say. 

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2)  God is speaking.  Are we listening?

When will God act against Evil?

 Read Job 24. 

Job asked an amazing question.  Why doesn't God announce when He will judge evil doers?  In fact, why doesn’t He act now? 

Solomon wrote, "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil." (Ecclesiastes 8:11)  In other words, delays in punishment allow the sinner to not only think that they got away with their wrongdoing but it actually encourages them to do more.  

Job gave a list of illustrations.  People steal from the helpless and poor, even taking their children as surety for their debts.  Then, there are murderers, criminals, and even adulterers who do their deeds under cover of darkness saying to themselves, "no one will see me." 

Perhaps, the ultimate chestnut from the unbeliever is "If there is a god, let him strike me dead right now." 

Yet, "They are exalted a little while, and then they are gone." (v.24) 

People make their choices in this life about how they will live.  God does keep exact records of good and evil. These will provide the basis for degrees of rewards for believers and the degrees of punishments for those who rejected Christ.  But the Lord will mete these out on His own timetable and according to His pleasure, not man's.

 Hebrews 9:27-"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment..."

Our evaluation in this life, then, is limited at best.  According to the Bible, there is no second chance.  God's real judgment awaits after this life. 

Why does He delay His responses to sin?

2 Peter 3:9-"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish." 

God's lack of immediate action against sin should never be construed as acceptance or dismissal.  His delay is to give every allowance for repentance.

 

Where is God when I need Him?

 Read Job 23. 

The weight of his sufferings and the frustration of the accusations were more than he felt he could bear.  After being so falsely and harshly criticized, Job wanted to strongly respond; not to Eliphaz, but to God.  There was no court room for a public hearing.  And, truly, no need.  God was already present! 

Here we get to see that Job's faith in God supersedes his physical experience.

1. Job understood the character of God.

"But he knows." (v.10a)

Job was saying, "I may not see him, but He sees me."   In Psalm 139, David wrote: "Where shall I go from your Spirit?"  There is no place.  God is omnipresent.  We do not communicate with God in a building, but "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23).  In fact, Jesus stated that God is "seeking such people to worship him." 

2. Job understood that suffering is not an end but a process.

"When he has tried me, I shall come out as gold." (v.10b)

The Apostle Paul was bold in stating, "More than that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that the suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..." (Romans 5:3-4) 

3. Job understood God's sovereignty.

"What he desires, that he does.  For he will complete what he appoints for me." (vv.13-14)

God's goal for every human being is not our happiness, but our holiness.  We are His creation.  We belong to Him.  He has a unique design and purpose for each person. 

How could Job be so confident about these things?

Check out his testimony in verses 11-12.

Two insights into living with such inner confidence while experiencing outward suffering:

1. He disciplined his behavior moment by moment before God.

Each step in his life: "held fast to his steps."  He did not get off course.

2. He made what God had to say the guiding priority of his life.

He treasured God's word more than food.

 

A look at Irrational Criticism

 Read Job 22. 

Few things feel more bizarre and bewildering than to be falsely accused.  On one hand, the blame is absolutely meaningless because it does not apply.  On the other hand, it is hurtful to hear that others would think such things about you. 

Critics often emotionally jump to judgment, many times harshly, without first seeking to understand the facts. Job had done nothing wrong to warrant his misery.  In fact, his selection to experience this test was due to his godliness and outstanding behavior.  But that did not stop Job's critics. 

This chapter begins the third and final round of the back and forth between Job, Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz. 

There appears to be no small amount of wealth-envy in Eliphaz' list of sins he thinks Job must have committed.  Surely the reason this once prosperous man lost everything was due to his failure to use his blessings to help others.  But Eliphaz concocted his argument from his own imagination.  None of it was true. 

At the conclusion, he called upon Job to repent.  Here, Eliphaz turned and demonstrated some wonderful theological understanding.  He expressed several statements that are bedrock to our faith.1. "Agree with God, and be at peace." (v.21)

Compare 1 John 1:9

2. "Then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver." (v.25)

Compare 1 Peter 1:7

3. "You will make your prayer to him and he will hear you." (v.27)

Compare Jeremiah 33:3

4. "He saves the lowly." (v.29b)

Compare James 4:6

5. "He delivers even the one who is not innocent." (v.30)

Compare Romans 3:23-24 

Concerning criticism, Rick Warren wrote: "Amazingly, sometimes people who know the most about the doctrines of grace are the least gracious; they are ungracious."  Those of us who have experienced God's grace are most equipped to be gracious to others.

Being patient in Pain

 Read Job 21. 

In the New Testament, James wrote that we are to be patient and steadfast in times of suffering.  He even refers to "the patience of Job."  He did persevere but there were times when Job lost his patience.  In verse 4, Job asked, "Why should I not be impatient?" 

In response to Zophar, Job has a few questions.  If all the things Zophar said about the wicked were true, then how does one explain that the wicked are still alive, live long lives, and increase in their power?  By observation, Job does not see God's punishment of them; quite the opposite.  They appear to live in prosperity and peace. 

All the while they reject God.  They see no need to serve Him or any value in praying to Him.  Job is quick to point out that he is not one of them.  "The counsel of the wicked is far from me" (verse 16). 

Death is the great equalizer.  Rich or poor.  Young or old.  Powerful or helpless.  All will one day face the inevitable.  So, none of the outward appearances are accurate evaluators of one's eternal standing with God. 

The reality is that godly people do suffer.  Indeed, Paul indicated that this life is part of the believer's preparation process for eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17).  So, in the meantime, while we are going through it, we are to turn the focus from our temporal pain to our eternal future. 

"You also, be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door." (James 5:8-9)

 

Rethinking our Inheritance

 Read Job 20. 

It was Zophar's turn again.  The gloves had been taken off.  The verbal punches came faster and harder.  It is difficult to imagine any graphic detail these so-called friends left out in pounding Job.  They kept on trying to beat him into submission and to admit some unconfessed sin. 

Zophar gave a list of behaviors of wicked persons and what God will do to them.

-Their celebration and pleasures will be short-lived. (v.5)

-Their life, no matter how high their position, will one day be gone and forgotten. (vv.6-9)

-Their children will have to deal with those they oppressed and any accumulated wealth will be gone. (v.10)

-Their bodies, no matter how strong, will return to dust. (v.11)

-Their desire and delight in doing evil will one day turn into a lethal poison that will do them in. (vv.12-17)

-Their ill-gotten gains will all be lost. (vv.18-19)

-Their constant striving for more wealth will not spare them from God's wrath. (vv.20-26)

-Their sin will be openly exposed for all to see. (v.27)

-Their possessions will all be gone. (v.28) 

That is what the wicked have to look forward to when this life is over.  While those things may be true of the wicked, it was not true of Job.  Nor is this the "portion" (inheritance or allotment) for those who worship the LORD. 

Asaph, in Psalm 73, confessed that he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked.  Nothing seemed to bother them.  They do what they want.  They say what they want.  They do not feel any accountability to God.  But when Asaph went entered into worship with the LORD he was reminded of their end. 

"Whom have I in heaven but you?  And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:25-26)  Eternal life and joy waits for those who put their faith in Him.

 

7 Beliefs about Jesus we share with Job

 Read Job 19. 

Sometimes when a believer in Jesus is in great pain they may feel one way, but their faith counters their feelings.  Their words may even sound contradictory.  But it is our faith that sees beyond the physical present and looks to our eternal hope.  Watch how Job's words demonstrate this. 

Everything was gone.  No one was left to comfort or to come alongside him.  He cried out for mercy.  But he could find no compassion.  He wanted his complaint and his innocence written down in a permanent record for all to see.  Indeed, it was.  Here, thousands of years later, we know the truth about what happened to this man.  Then, Job pivoted to express his perspective of faith.  He looked forward to the day when the Redeemer would appear. 

Do not miss Job's incredible descriptions contained in these verses.

1. He believed in a Redeemer.

This refers to a close relative who would come to the aid of a needy family member.  They would defend, avenge, or provide when the person could not help themselves. 

2. He believed in a personal Redeemer.

He referred to him as "my" Redeemer.  His faith was not in an institution or a religious system.  It was a personal relationship with a real person. 

3. He believed that this Redeemer was living.

His faith was not in a man-made idol or some dead hero. 

4. He believed in a Redeemer who would come "at the last".

The present life was not final.  There was coming a day of vindication "in the end". 

5. He believed this Redeemer would stand on earth.

That would eliminate a spiritual appearance of the Redeemer or only a heavenly one.  This One would come to earth as Judge and make all things right. 

6. He believed that this Redeemer was God. 

7. He believed that he would see this Redeemer in his own body after his death. There is no room here for reincarnation or so-called "soul sleep".  Fully aware, with a new body, Job looked forward to eternal fellowship with the LORD Himself. 

When Jesus ascended back to heaven, the angels announced, "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."  (Acts 1:11)

Jesus said, "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."  (Revelation 22:12)

Be careful evaluating the lives of Others

 Read Job 18. 

Bildad's name means "son of contention".  How appropriate!  In this, his second round of confronting Job, Bildad described his erroneous view of what happens to those who are evil and forsake God.  He squarely issued this to explain what has happened to Job.  It was his belief that bad things happen to bad people. 

Bildad's anger at Job was fueled by Job's refusal to repent of his sin and his offensive language toward those trying to help.  In return, Bildad unleashed a diatribe against him.  Every calamity mentioned was directed at what Job had experienced.  He accused Job of being caught in a trap of his own making.  All his losses, including the deaths of his children, were due to Job's sin.  Bildad’s words were designed to hurt. 

Finally, according to Bildad, all of this calamity befell Job because he simply did not know the LORD (v.21).  Of course, that was not true of Job and Bildad's list may only sometimes be true of those apart from God. 

So, now the question: Does God always punish those who do not know Him?  No.  There is clear evidence all around us that indeed even the most wicked in any culture may appear to prosper.  But that will only be in this life.  Our judgments of people here are limited at best.  Eternal judgment (the only one that counts) awaits. 

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36) 

In our attempts to understand the lives of other believers, Paul wrote: "Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.  Then each one will receive his commendation from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)

Our transcendent Hope

 Read Job 17. 

Job's spirit was broken.  It is one thing to experience great loss and be financially, emotionally, or even physically broken.  But a broken spirit is a destroying devastation of person-hood. 

He just wanted to get it over with and die.  And, he was ready.  There was nothing left for which to live.  People only mocked him (v.2).  They seemed to hang around merely to divide up what would be left of his property (v.5).  He lost so much physically that he was only a shadow of his former self (v.7).  All his future plans and dreams were gone (v.11).  If his so-called comforters possessed anymore wisdom, they could bring it on. 

Yet, there remained a glimpse of his faith in God.  He had done nothing wrong and, therefore, his faith should make him stronger. (vv.8-9) 

Job's question, "Where then is my hope?" (v.15), has much more to do with his hope of recovering from all the losses, including his health.  The grave appeared to be the only place of peace, rest, and escape from the suffering. 

In Psalm 42, the songwriter expressed one of the most graphic descriptions of brokenness in the entire Bible.

"As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.....My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me continually, 'Where is your God?'...Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." 

Eventually, everyone loses everything, leaving it all behind.  The LORD alone is the only source of unchanging hope that transcends this life.

You've got a Friend!

 Read Job 16. 

Job was worn out (v.7).  He believed the hand of God came against him because the LORD "hated me" (v.9).  And, he felt everyone was against him. 

As he told it, everything was fine until God "broke me apart" and "set me up as his target" (v.12). 

In verse 18, Job looked around the earth and asked for vindication.  He did not want his cries to go without being resolved.  Next, he looked to heaven.  Since there were no friends to plead his case on earth, he longed for a friend in heaven who would advocate for him with God. 

Several insights for today.

1. God is not mad at us.

We are His creation; we belong to Him.  "For God so loved the world..." (John 3:16) 

2. God wants a relationship with us.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) 

3. We do have a Friend in heaven.

"...we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ..." (1 John 2:1)

"...he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25) 

You've got a Friend.  Just call out His name and you know wherever you are, He'll come.

Can a person be pure before God?

 Read Job 15. 

This begins the second of three rounds of speeches as these men interact.  Last time, Eliphaz began by complimenting Job before strongly advising him.  In this exchange he skipped the courtesies and accused Job of being a harden sinner, disrespectful to his elders, and defiant toward God. 

Then, Eliphaz falsely detailed how the sufferings of Job were exactly what happens to all those who defy God.  The wicked will come to ruin and poverty. 

Among the many questions he asked was this one: "What is man, that he can be pure?" (v.14)  God is holy and cannot tolerate sin.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Holiness and sin are eternally incompatible. 

So, how can an unholy human being ever have a relationship with a holy God?  The answer is in the next verse in the book of Romans: "and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24) 

Such right standing with God cannot be earned.  It is a free gift.  It is not the result of what we can do, but solely upon what Christ has already done for us.  Our sin was paid in full on the cross. Our forgiveness and holiness before God is there for the asking. 

Forgiven, we are pure before the LORD

The believer's hope and Home

 Read Job 14. 

Life is short.  Our days here on earth are numbered and determined by a sovereign and loving God. 

But in his suffering, Job wonders when will it all end?  And, where is this going? 

Further, Job observed that a tree may be cut down, yet with a little water, the stump can sprout life again.  But what about human life?  "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (v.14) 

Life is not about reaching our goals but fulfilling God's purposes.  We are "the work of your hands" (v.15).  Job concluded that over time life simply wears down a person's body and hope until they die. 

Does this sound futile?  Yes...if all of one's hope is wrapped up with things here on earth.  The Apostle Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." (1 Corinthians 15:19) 

The hope and home of the believer is not in this life, but in the one that is to come.  Indeed, Paul was encouraged and referred to it as going home!  "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (2 Corinthians 5:8-9)

 

 

Godly confidence comes from a clear Conscience

 Read Job 13. 

By this point, Job was already weary of debating with these so-called friends.  They proved to be of no help.  Indeed, Job compared them to "worthless physicians".  Or, as Dr. Roy Zuck wrote, they had "no prescription to alleviate his pain" (Bible Knowledge Commentary).  He wanted them to be quiet and just listen to him. 

Again, he expressed his greater desire to argue his case directly with God.  Job understood fully the potential consequences of this request.  It had already been stated that no human being is a match for an all-powerful, sovereign God.  It could cost him his life (verse 15). 

His confidence remained in the fact that he had done nothing wrong to justify this suffering.  In essence, Job continued to ask what every hurting person asks, "Why? What did I do wrong?  What did I do to deserve this?"  He even boldly asked that his sins be enumerated. 

In verse 26, Job mentioned the sins of his youth and questioning the value of bringing them up against him.  

We who know Jesus and have experienced His forgiveness never have to worry about God dredging up the sins of our past.  Such plaguing thoughts do not come from Him.  Often the Evil One will remind us of those things to impose false guilt and seek to destroy our confidence.  Our memories of the past should quickly shift to the grace extended to us by faith in Jesus.  To be forgiven by God means our record is clean with Him. 

"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.'" (Isaiah 1:18)

 

Why doesn’t everyone worship God?

 Read Job 12. 

To Zophar's accusations, Job responded with three chapters of defense.  In the banter regarding wisdom and endeavoring to search out the meaning of this real life situation, Job first expounded on the true source of wisdom, all understanding, and ultimate control. 

God's power and wisdom are immediately knowable to everyone. 

1. All of humanity should know the LORD.

Job did not have a Bible.  He had no theological training.  So, how could he have such understanding about God?

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them."(Romans 1:19) 

How has God shown Himself to everyone? 

2. All of nature could tell us.  vv.7-10

Job offered that if the beasts, birds, plants and fish could talk they would declare God's wisdom and power.

"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.  So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20) 

Then, why is it that not everyone worships Him? 

3. All of life experience should tell us.  vv.11-12

Everyday God is at work shaping our lives for His purposes.  Believers trust Him and look for His faithfulness.  Others reject God's plan and go their own way to their detriment.

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools..." (Romans 1:21-22) 

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

(Proverbs 1:7)

 

 

The difference between mercy and Grace

 Read Job 11. 

Next, Zophar took a turn to judge and correct Job.  He accused job of spouting a lot of meaningless talk, even referring to him as stupid (v.12).  Further, he stated that it was too bad that God did not speak up so they could hear the real story.  It was the same erroneous thinking that Job's experiences were the result of some personal sin. 

Though his applications to Job were not accurate, Zophar's statements about God are full of truth. 

1. God is merciful.

"Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt." v.6

Aren't we all blessed by the fact that God does not render to us what we so rightfully deserve?  This is mercy. 

2. God's knowledge is limitless and immeasurable. vv.7-12

Indeed, He knows every detail about our lives-what we have thought, said, and done. 

3. God’s forgiveness is waiting for those who will respond to His grace. vv.13-20

If a person will turn from their sin and turn to Jesus for forgiveness, they will experience a fresh start in life.  Forgiven, cleansed of our sin, being right with God are things we do not deserve.  This is grace.

3 choices when bad things Happen

 Read Job 9-10. 

He knew he had done nothing to bring these miseries on himself, but Job also knew that no one is guiltless before a perfect and holy God. 

In a marvelous series of statements, Job described God's absolute sovereignty.

-He is all-powerful.

-God can remove mountains, cause earthquakes, control the movements of the sun and stars. (9:5-6)

-He created all things.

-God made the constellations. (9:8)

-He is accountable to no one.

"Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?'" (9:12) 

Job no longer liked his life and wished that it would just end.  Again, Job asked "why?" 

When our treasured plans do not work out, when our losses are too great to bear, we have choices of how to respond.  Our choices will be reflected in our attitudes, speech and behaviors.  Note how Job processed his choices.

1. To be angry with God.

While this is a natural reaction by a hurting person, Job understood the futility of that thinking.  A mere human is no match for the Sovereign God.

"Who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?" (9:4) 

2. To argue with God.

Several times Job verbalized his desire to plead his case, as in a court of law or with someone to arbitrate between him and God.  Yet, he again acknowledged that the God of heaven is not answerable to him.

"For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together.  There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both." (9:32-33) 

3. To trust God.

It is this third choice that is the struggle for Job and the rest of us.  Can we trust that God has a plan and a purpose behind allowing our suffering?  Can we trust that God is at work behind the scenes, even when we cannot see it? 

"You clothe me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.  You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care had preserved my spirit.  Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose." (10:11-13) 

When you cannot see His hand, trust His heart.

Evaluating life versus Health and Wealth

 Read Job 8. 

Some comforter Bildad turned out to be!

1. He called Job a wind bag. (v.1)

2. He said Job's children had it coming to them due to sin. (v.4)

3. He urged Job to repent, and God would restore his fortunes. (vv.5-6)

4. He concluded that where there is smoke, there is fire. (vv.11-12)

5. He accused Job of forgetting God. (v.13) 

Bildad's theology was not wrong in itself, but his applications were incorrect.  He judged Job upon a false premise that did not allow for the fact that Job had done nothing wrong.  Bildad's thinking was that Job's suffering was the result of sin in his life.  And, if Job was truly living a godly life, then he would experience health, wealth, position and power.  This is simply not true and is totally false to anyone who knows their Bible. 

On earth, Jesus possessed no wealth.  Paul experienced a physical problem that never went away.  The Psalmist observed that the wicked around him prospered.  Are all world leaders godly people?  It is easy to destroy Bildad's argument, yet so many continue to be drawn into that thinking. 

Evaluating life only in temporal terms is to miss the very essence of truly knowing the God of heaven.  Like The Great Gatsby, it leads to living in a false and fantasized hope.  The results include a self-centered and rebellious life.  "It is all about me and what I can get from God." 

What are the evidences of a godly life?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)  These are the qualities that will be evident regardless of one’s life circumstances.  It is the work of God in a life and cannot be self-imposed by wishful thinking. 

 

The Source of a never-ending Hope

 Read Job 6-7. 

Bewildered, trying to understand what God was doing, and frustrated by his three visitors, Job struggled to maintain any hope of things getting better.1. He asked for justice.

"Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!" (6:2) 

2. His friends were of no help.

"For you have now become nothing; you see my calamity and are afraid." (6:21) 

3. He maintained his innocence.

"How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove?" (6:25) 

4. He could not sleep.

"When I lie down I say, 'When shall I arise?'  But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn." (7:4) 

5. He would not be quiet about his pain.

"Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul." (7:11) 

6. He repeatedly spoke of the brevity of life. 

7. Three times he asked why. ((7:20-21) 

Someone once commented that the human body may survive weeks without food, a week without water, but not a single day without hope. Everyone needs a basis for hope that transcends this life. Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied." (1 Corinthians 15:19) Any source of hope on earth will eventually become a disappointment. 

When Jeremiah's world was crashing down around him and he faced losing everything, he wrote:

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Sometimes being slow is a good Thing

 Read Job 4-5. 

For a week, Job's three friends have said nothing.  But once Job broke the silence, they felt free to speak.  The conversation between these four runs all the way through chapter 37. 

It is immediately obvious that Job's friends never took the 50 hours of training in Stephen Ministry.  While along the way the men speak nuggets of truth, their intent was most often misguided correction.  They wrongfully assumed that bad things happen to bad people.  Therefore, Job with all his outward signs of godliness must have some awful hidden sin that caused this calamity. 

Eliphaz accused Job of being impatient and reaping what he sowed.  His advice: "As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number." (5:8-9)  And, "Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore, despise not the discipline of the Almighty." (5:17) 

His theology is sound.  It is the application that is amiss.  He called upon Job to repent of sin, thinking that these tragedies were punishments from God.  Such was not the case.  This was a test of Job's faith, not a punishment.  The instigator was Satan, not God. 

Unless there is some evidence of violation of God's word, we must always be careful and slow in our judgments.  Blatant disobedience needs swift correction.  But a tragedy is not always the result of personal sin.  Also, it impossible to know what God is doing or how He will choose to use this painful experience in the future. 

Hurting people need the comfort and encouragement of a friend.

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19)

How to respond to a hurting Friend

 Read Job 3. 

Job's faith was strong, but the pain still hurt.  He wondered what happened.  Five times in this chapter he used the word "why".  In summary:

-"I wish I had never been born." (vv.1-10)

-"I wish I had been born dead."  (vv.11-19)

-"I wish I could die now." (vv.20-26) 

How could a man of such faith say these things?

He was confused.  He did everything right and all of this stuff has happened to him.  He was physically tired, emotionally drained, and feeling trapped or "hedged in" (v.23).  Several times he mentioned that at least death would bring rest, an end to trouble, and freedom. 

When his three friends came, they were so appalled by what they saw they sat in silence for a full week.  At least they showed up to be with him in his grief. 

What should a person say and/or do for a hurting friend?

Many churches have trained people in Stephen Ministry.  Their response to "be there" is as an act of love and provides good insights for all of us.

1. Caring.

A friend cares enough for the hurting to be present with them. 

2. Listening.

A friend listens.  Hurting people need to get it all out, to verbalize their feelings and questions, even if their assessment is not quite accurate. 

3. Praying.

A friend intercedes.  They need someone who can pray for them and with them. 

4. Supporting.

A friend discovers what emotional and practical needs there are and endeavors to meet them. 

5. Encouraging.

A friend gives comfort and hope.  It is simply passing on the love, care and comfort "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" has given to us.  "...who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:4)