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
(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?
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.
Eliphaz continues to argue that wickedness leads to suffering. Job speaks of his suffering and a lack of hope in death. Note:
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
(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?
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”
– Grant Osborne on Revelation 5 in Revelation (BEC)
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:
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
Brian J. Mikul 