Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Job 22-28: God and Our Suffering

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(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

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

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

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

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?

Job 15-21: Weary with Slivers of Hope

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(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

On By BrianIn Revelation Hymns

MusicNotes

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

On By BrianIn Revelation Quotes

RevQuotes

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)

Reflections on Job 11-14

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Zophar bluntly tells Job that he is guilty and needs to repent.  Job responds by saying that God reigns over all and brings death to all.  Consider:

  • God holds life – God holds the life of all in his hand (12:10). He has numbered our days (14:5).  We exist by his power and will.  Let us flee proud thoughts of our own sufficiency, and let us humble ourselves before our Creator.
  • God’s wisdom – God has wisdom, counsel, and understanding, and he has might to carry out his wise plans (12:13). In the midst of trials, will we trust his wisdom instead of leaning on our own understanding?

Current

On By BrianIn Current Collection

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood recently released the Nashville Statement.  The statement declares the Biblical teaching on human gender and sexuality.  It is helpful summary for the church today  living in the midst of our culture’s confusion about these issues – confusion that has invaded the church.  You can read the statement here.  And then follow up with several insightful posts on why it is needed and why different people signed it:

CBMW Releases Coalition Statement on Biblical Sexuality – Matt Damico

Why the Nashville Statement now, and what about article 10? – Denny Burk

Rosaria Butterfield: “Why I Signed the Nashville Statement” – Rosaria Butterfield

When Calling Yourself a “Christian” Isn’t Enough – Adam Parker

Why I, Peter Jones, signed the Nashville Statement on Sexuality – Peter Jones

Reflections on Job 8-10

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Bildad argues that sin leads to suffering, and so Job must repent.  Job again claims his innocence, wondering who can contend against God.  He feels as if God is contending against him.  Observe:

  • Great God – Job wonders how he can contend with God, going on to describe God’s greatness in his control over creation. Wander outside and ponder God’s great power over creation.
  • Mediator – Job longs for a mediator between God and himself (9:33). Jesus came to be that mediator (I Timothy 2:5) through whom we can approach God.