The Book of Job
Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook or tie down his tongue with a rope? His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames dart from his mouth. Job 41:1, 21
INTRODUCTION
Does anyone here believe in dragons? I do. I see them all the time. They leave a wake of destruction in their path.
Turn to the book of Job…
JOB
Job 1:1 - In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. THIS MAN WAS BLAMELESS and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.
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."
NOTICE: 1. THE BIBLE REFERS TO JOB AS BLAMELESS
2. GOD REFERS TO JOB AS BLAMELESS
Job 1:9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."
Job 1:12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
ROUND 1
Job 1:13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
Job 1:16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
Job 1:17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
Job 1:18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
Job 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in WORSHIP
Job 1:22 In all this, JOB DID NOT SIN by charging God with wrongdoing.
(He had just lost everything: his wealth and his family! What would you do?)
Job 2:1 On another day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. And the LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."
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. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."
"Skin for skin!" Satan replied. "A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."
The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."
ROUND 2
Job 2:7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
JOB’S WIFE
Job 2:9 His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!”
Recently we talked about the spiritual gifts. It is my observation that Job‘s wife does not have the gift of mercy. And did you notice that Satan is trying to devastate Job. How does he do this? By taking his children - and leaving his wife! And she‘s saying “ I‘m just trying to help.” “Curse God and die.”
Do you ever help people like that? “Just die!” (just trying to help)
JOB’S 3 FRIENDS
Job 2:11-13 - When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and SYMPOTHIZE with him and COMFORT him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, (The Bible says, “mourn with those who mourn“) and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. (True friends - don’t have to say a word… They are just being there for their friend who is hurting.)
And if that is where the story stopped - I would tell you that these three friends were great friends indeed. But that’s not where the story stops… Because then they started talking... giving free advice... “Godly” counsel...
ROUND 1
ELIPHAZ
Job 4:7-8 “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.
What’s he saying? He’s saying , “Are you sure you are innocent?”
He goes on in Job 5:8, “But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him…
He’s saying, “How’s your prayer life? Have you prayed about this?” (people are so spiritual!)
Job 5:17 “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
He’s saying “be grateful the Lord is disciplining you.” “Rejoice” “Be Glad”
BILDAD
Job 8:4-6 “When your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin. (As if to say, your children had it coming) But if you will look to God and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your rightful place.” (“If you will only repent“)
8:11 “Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.” (“Job, you’ve forgotten God! You’ve backsliden! You need revival!”)
8:20 “Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers.” (You’re not blameless… You’re not innocent… This wouldn’t have happened if you were righteous)
ZOPHAR
11:1-5 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker to be vindicated? Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock? You say to God, ‘My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.’ Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you.”
11:13-15 “Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.” (just trying to help!)
ROUND 2
ELIPHAZ
Job 15:4-6 “But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God. Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you.”
15:9 “What do you know that we do not know? What insights do you have that we do not have?” (You think you’re so spiritual - Job)
15:17 “Listen to me and I will explain to you; let me tell you what I have seen…”
Have you ever noticed how we set ourselves up as the superior one. We are the teacher. “You can learn a thing or two from us…We’ve been around the block a few times“… and we start quoting the Bible… Or if we don’t know the Bible - we start quoting Oprah
I’ve read before 95% of all college professors think they do a better job than their peers (???)
90% of Americans think they are going to heaven - but believe that 70% of American will not make it to heaven (???)
BILDAD
Job 18:2-3 “When will you end these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk. (why do they think Job isn’t being sensible? Because he’s in the minority)
“Why are we regarded as cattle and considered stupid in your sight?”
19:1-2 Job’s response: “How long will you TORMENT me and CRUSH me with words? (Job’s saying, “You’re hurting me! Will you go home now!!!”)
19:3“Ten times now you have reproached me; shamelessly you ATTACK me.”
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is HELPFUL for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen .” (and I’m sure that’s what Job’s friends think they are doing… they’re just trying to help.)
ZOPHAR
20:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed. (“I just can’t hold back. I’ve got to speak up” - Have you ever felt like that? “I’ve just got to speak up” No you don’t! Sometimes you just need to shut up and keep your mouth closed! The times I get myself in trouble is when I talk! And I’m a preacher!!!
21:3 Job’s Response: Bear with me while I speak, and after I have spoken, MOCK ON.”
At this point, Job has been devastated.
40% of Americans don’t go to church because of church problems - Gallop Poll - 1988
I heard about a man who didn’t want to go church anymore. He woke up on a Sunday morning and told his wife he wasn’t going.
“What do you mean you’re not going to church?”
“I mean I’m not going”
“Give me three reasons why you’re not going.”
“#1 - I’m not being fed. #2 Nobody there likes me, and #3 I don’t like anybody there.”
She said, “Well, you had better get up and get to church because you’re going.“ (She wasn’t a very submissive wife)
He said, “Give me three reasons why I should go to that church.”
“#1 It’s a beautiful day, #2 God’s Word tells us not to forsake the assembly of the saints, and #3 You’re the preacher.”
They found a man alone on a deserted Island. But his rescuers were confused by something they saw. They saw three huts. So they asked the man about the three huts.
He explained, “One was for me to live in. And I’m a religious man, so I built the second as a church.”
“Well, what about the third hut?”
“Oh, there was a church split.”
Our churches are falling apart because of… people
As long as there are people - there will be problems. People are not spiritual enough - or they are too spiritual… Overbearing, or lazy. They are legalistic… or they are too liberal… too structured… too disorganized
They don’t meet up to our standards - so we take it upon ourselves to speak up… to help out… to help them become what God wants them to be… It’s our duty… our responsibility.
But we come across like a dragon… and we leave people devastated
DRAGON SPECIES (From Marshall Shelly, Well-Intentioned Dragons pg. 37)
1. THE BIRD DOG - They point at problems all the time
(Luke 17:3) watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. (YOU REBUKE HIM - don‘t send the preacher after him)
We need less pointers and more shooters (???)
2. THE WET BLANKET - (Romans 12:11) “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord“
Some people have no zeal at all, and the problem is it’s contagious…
Doom and gloom, and negativity
I saw an advertisement in the paper yesterday, criticizing Billy Graham’s crusade on several issues. I would tell you that I’m not in 100% agreement with Billy Graham. But I would also tell you that he has done more for the Lord then I believe I will ever be able to do. But the last part of the ad says, “The carnival atmosphere cheapens and corrupts the gospel. The original gospel message was preached on the merits of its claims to truth without entertainment, applause, selling novelties, asking hearers for donations, special effects, emotional testimonies, and celebrity appearances.”
Excuse me! But How many people have you brought to the Lord - You dragons!!!
3. THE ENTREPENEUR -
The person that uses the church to make a living. Me & Steph became members of a church. And within days we received a letter from a man welcoming us to the church. “By the way,“ he writes, “I sell insurance.“ And he had an application enclosed. We felt victimized!
4. THE STEAM ROLLER -
One man came to our church and told me that if he ever had a problem with anything I said from the pulpit - don’t be surprised if he stands up in the middle of my sermon and disagrees. I lived in terror until that man left
5. THE FICKLE FINANCIER -
The one who uses the offering to control the church. The guy who gives the most - and says he won’t give if he doesn’t get his way.
6. THE BUSY BODY -
1 Timothy 5:13 talks about people who... get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. (phone to phone) And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. (Things that are not wholesome)
7. THE SNIPER -
Makes accusations but avoids confrontation. Doesn’t give anyone a chance to respond… to defend themselves
8. THE BOOK KEEPER - (1Corinthians 13:5) Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.
1 Tim 5:24 The sins of some men are obvious, (Alcohol… drugs… sexual immorality) reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them
These dragons can seem so spiritual… they package their criticism in all this spiritual language… and they are just trying to help… But they leave a path of destruction behind them. And the church leadership is spending more time on damage control than outreach. Moral is weakened… Enthusiasm is squelched… The mission is lost… And the church goes into survival mode.
“The Mystery of man is that he is bad when he wants to be good.” George MacLeod
DARKENING THE LORD’S COUNSEL…
Job 38:1-2 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?
Is it you? Are you getting in the way of what the Lord is trying to accomplish?
(This needs to be kept in balance because we need to keep our zeal for the Lord…We are His Ambassador… We are our brother’s keeper… We do have a responsibility to hold each other accountable.)
APPLICATION TO DRAGONS -
1. SEEK GOD’S WILL
Job’s friend spoke on behalf of God constantly - But when do we ever find them going to God for guidance?
1 Kings 22:5; Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the LORD.”
2. LISTEN
Proverbs 18:13; He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame.
3. DON’T BE PRESUMPTIOUS
There are times we are called to judge… to discern… Obvious sin… (see 1 Corinthians 5)
But what about when things aren’t so obvious… things aren’t so black and white…
Job 38:3- Job 39 God speaks up and says, “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you,
and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone--
Who calms the storms? Who says “Be still” and it’s still! How does He do that?
All throughout Job 38-39 God is asking “WHAT DO YOU KNOW?”
And the more I learn - the more I realize, I don’t know very much at all… and it keeps me very humble. And it keeps me very careful. What right do I have to tell someone else how to get their act together? What do I know?
Yeah - I have a responsibility to help my brother in his relationship with Christ - But I had better be humble. And I had better be careful… because I don’t want to darken the Lord’s counsel. I don’t want to get in the way of what God is doing
4. DON’T BE A FAULT FINDER
Proverbs 11:27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
Busy bodies… always looking for the bad… the negative…
“Every Christian is an odd combination of self-sacrificing Saint and Self-serving Sinner.” - Marshall Shelly
APPLICATION TO KNIGHTS -
1. DON’T REPAY EVIL FOR EVIL
See Romans 12:18-21; Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Just because a dragon attacks you. You have no right (and you don’t want…) to become a dragon
2. SEEK UNITY
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There are times I know that we are going to disagree. But does that mean disfellowship? (Maybe)
There are times we need to take a stand - but often we take our stand way to quick - without understanding… without compassion…
3. BE HUMBLE
Job 38-41
4. PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
CONCLUSION
JOB 42
Then Job replied to the LORD: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, `Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, (Job’s taking the blame here) things too wonderful for me to know. "You said, `Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:7 After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I AM ANGRY WITH YOU AND YOUR TWO FRIENDS, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has." So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer.
Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before
Pete Baumgartle,
First Capital Christian Church,
Corydon, Indiana
heypastorpete@hotmail.com
