The gospel levels all notions of racial superiority because it declares that all peoples stand in the same need of the Savior.
– James M. Hamilton, Jr. on Revelation 5 in Revelation (PTW)
Author: Brian
Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor
Reflections on Job 22-24
Eliphaz continues to insist that Job needs to return to the Lord. Job still wants to present his case to God.
- Treasure – Eliphaz calls for Job to make God his treasure – to delight in God (22:25-26). Job later says he treasures God’s words (23:12). What is your treasure? Do you treasure God? How does that show in your life? Do you treasure his words? How does that show in your life?
- Poor – Both Eliphaz and Job speak of how the rich oppress the poor. Eliphaz notes it as an accusation against Job – a reason he may be suffering. Job says that God often doesn’t punish oppressors, sometimes they prosper in this life. Regardless of how God may deal with each oppressor in this life, are you oppressing the poor in any way? How can you help those with less than you?
Classic Quote
To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.
– William Temple
Job 22-28: God and Our Suffering
(22) Of what does Eliphaz accuse Job (v5-9)? What counsel does he give (v21-30)?
In what way is v24-26 good counsel? Why is delight in riches at odds with delight in God (see also Matthew 6:24)?
(23) Job is still groaning in his suffering (v2). What does he still want (v3-7)?
In response to the accusations of Eliphaz (and his friends) what does Job still maintain (v11-12, see also 27:5-6)?
(23) What does Job teach us about God in v8-10? How might this help us in our suffering?
What more does Job say about God in v13-16, and how does he feel about it? Do you ever feel this way? Why?
(26) In response to Bildad’s speech, what does Job say about God in v6-13?
In verse 14? How might v14 in particular be important for us to grasp in our suffering?
(21, 24, 27) How does Job’s thinking about the wicked progress from chapter 21 (from last week), to chapter 24 (see especially his conclusion in v24), to chapter 27?
How does his progression compare to Psalm 73?
Why is it important for us to come to the same conclusions?
(28) For what do people diligently search in v1-11? What is more valuable (v15-19)? Do you believe it?
Where can we find wisdom (v12-14, 20-28)? Why is this important to grasp in our suffering?
Reflections on Job 18-21
Bildad and Zophar continue the theme that the wicked are judged and perish. Job retorts that often the wicked prosper. Meanwhile he has been alienated from everyone because of his suffering.
- Redeemer – In the midst of his speech decrying his alienation from everyone, he proclaims that his Redeemer lives – and one day Job will see him. In your suffering, will you remember your Redeemer? Do you look forward to seeing him?
- Retribution – Job’s friends believe that wickedness brings suffering; therefore Job must be wicked because he is suffering. While this is often true, Job points out that the wicked do not always suffer in this life. And it is clear from the first chapters that even righteous people like Job can suffer in this life. There are many reasons people suffer. We cannot be like Job’s friends and judge people because of their suffering.
Reflections on Job 15-17
Eliphaz continues to argue that wickedness leads to suffering. Job speaks of his suffering and a lack of hope in death. Note:
- Weeping – Job’s face is red with weeping (16:16), and his friends have proven to be miserable comforters (16:2). When have you wept? Who has comforted you? How did they do it? How might your experience help you comfort others?
- Hope – Job finds no hope in his death, for he seeks God’s restoration to show his innocence. While Job found no hope in death, what hope do you have in death because of Christ? Where do you seek hope in your trials?
Classic Quote
My worth is what I am worth to God; and that is a marvelous great deal, for Christ died for me. Thus, incidentally, what gives to each of us His highest worth gives the same worth to everyone; in all that matters most are we equal.
– William Temple
Job 15-21: Weary with Slivers of Hope
(15, 18, 20) How would you summarize each man’s point?
Eliphaz (15:17-35) –
Bildad (18:5-21) –
Zophar (20:4-29) –
(16, 19, 21) How does Job respond to their efforts to “comfort” him (16:1-5, 19:1-5, 19:22, 21:1-3)?
What warning is there for us here as we try to comfort others?
What does Job really need from his friends (19:21, 21:5)?
(21) How does Job counter his friends’ main point?
When have you seen this?
How does Asaph resolve this in Psalm 73?
(16-17, 19) How does Job describe what has happened to him (16:7-17, 17:1-16, 19:6-22? How does he feel?
Have you ever felt this way?
Why is hope (17:13-16) so important as we face trials?
(16, 19) In the midst of suffering and weariness, Job holds on to a sliver of hope. What is his hope (16:19, 19:25)?
How might this hope help Job? Help us?
Who is our Witness and Redeemer?
(19) What further hope does Job mention in v26-27?
How might this hope help Job? Help us?
Sermon Songs: Revelation 5
See the Lion of Judah reigns, He is the Conqueror
The Lamb of God who has been slain, To be our Redeemer
To ransom a people for God, From all over the earth
To serve as priests now to our God, Sing joyfully His worth
Behold the Lamb – He is worthy, To carry out God’s plan
To take the scroll – authority, From the Father’s right hand
In Him our ev’ry hope is found, “Your kingdom come” we pray
Lift up His praise – a joyful sound, And look to Him each day
To the tune of “We Sing the Greatness of Our God”
Revelation Quote
When John weeps that no one is “worthy” to open the scroll, we are to weep with him. A major theme of the book is “Come, Lord Jesus” (22:17, 20). We must all ask ourselves if we long for his return and remain ready for it in our Christian lives.
– Grant Osborne on Revelation 5 in Revelation (BEC)
Brian J. Mikul 