The Case of Job: Divine Justice Revealed
The Accuser's Challenge
Job 1:6-12
Introduction:
Good morning/afternoon/evening, dear friends and members of our congregation. Today, we embark on a journey into the book of Job, delving into a profound and timeless story that explores the complexities of human suffering, divine justice, and the relentless challenges we face in our faith journey.
In this series, "The Case of Job: Divine Justice Revealed," we find ourselves at a crucial juncture in the narrative, as we examine the moment when the Accuser, Satan himself, steps into the divine courtroom to challenge the integrity of a man named Job. This encounter unveils the spiritual battles waged behind the scenes and teaches us invaluable lessons about faith, resilience, and God's ultimate sovereignty.
As we explore Job 1:6-12 today, titled "The Accuser's Challenge," let us open our hearts and minds to glean insights that will empower us to stand firm in the face of trials, just as Job did. We will uncover the identity of the Accuser, understand the nature of his challenge, and witness Job's remarkable response in the midst of unimaginable suffering. Most importantly, we will discover how we, too, can overcome the Accuser's challenges in our own lives.
Now, let us turn our attention to the Word of God, seeking divine wisdom and guidance as we dive into this profound passage and its implications for our faith journey.
I. The Accuser's Challenge (Job 1:6-12)
A. The Accuser's Challenge: Understanding the Spiritual Battle (Ephesians 6:12)
- Scripture: Job 1:6-12
- Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
B. Job's Integrity: A Challenge to Satan's Accusations (Job 1:8)
- Scripture: Job 1:6-12
- Job 1:8: "Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.'"
II. Who is the Accuser? (Revelation 12:10)
A. The Sovereignty of God: A Response to Satan's Challenge (Job 1:12)
- Scripture: Revelation 12:10
- Job 1:12: "The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.' So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord."
B. The Accuser's Tactics: How Satan Seeks to Destroy Our Faith (1 Peter 5:8)
- Scripture: Revelation 12:10
- 1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
III. What is the Accuser's Challenge? (Zechariah 3:1-2)
- Scripture: Zechariah 3:1-2
- Zechariah 3:1-2: "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you!'"
IV. How does Job Respond? (Job 1:20-22)
A. The Accuser's Defeat: How Christ Overcame Satan's Accusations (Revelation 12:10-11)
- Scripture: Job 1:20-22
- Revelation 12:10-11: "And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.'"
B. Job's Suffering: A Testimony of Faith in the Midst of Trials (James 1:2-4)
- Scripture: Job 1:20-22
- James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
V. What can we learn from Job's Response? (1 Peter 5:8-9)
A. The Accuser's Defeat: How Christ Overcame Satan's Accusations (Revelation 12:10-11)
- Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-9
- Revelation 12:10-11: "And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.'"
B. Job's Suffering: A Testimony of Faith in the Midst of Trials (James 1:2-4)
- Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-9
- James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
VI. How can we overcome the Accuser's Challenges in our own lives? (Ephesians 6:10-18)
A. The Accuser's Lies: How to Overcome Satan's Deception (John 8:44)
- Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18
- John 8:44: "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
B. The Case of Job: Lessons on Suffering and God's Sovereignty (Job 42:5)
- Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18
- Job 42:5: "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."
C. The Accuser's Challenge: A Call to Stand Firm in the Faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
- Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18
- 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
Conclusion:
In closing, dear brothers and sisters, the story of Job and the Accuser's challenge serve as a profound reminder of the spiritual battles that rage around us and the strength of faith that can withstand even the fieriest trials. As we've journeyed through this sermon, we've seen how Job's unwavering faith in the face of adversity became a testimony of God's goodness, love, and ultimate justice.
In Revelation 12:10, we are told that the Accuser, who accuses us day and night, has been overcome by the blood of the Lamb. This is the central message of hope we find in the midst of our trials. Christ's sacrifice has secured our victory over the Accuser, and we can claim that victory through our faith.
As we leave here today, may we carry with us the lessons from the book of Job and the knowledge that, in the most challenging moments of our lives, we can stand firm in faith, trusting in God's sovereign plan and resting in the assurance that the Accuser's accusations hold no power over those who are covered by the blood of Christ.
Let us go forth from this place, strengthened in faith, united in purpose, and ready to face whatever challenges the Accuser may bring, knowing that in Christ, we are conquerors.
May the peace of the Lord be with you all. Amen.
https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/the-plaintiff-39-s-innocence-jm-raja-lawrence-sermon-on-suffering-275903
