Psalm 23 - The Journey Called Life

1) What are the duties/responsibilities of a shepherd? How would sheep behave if they did not have a shepherd?

Read Psalm 23

2) Verse 1 reads “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” What point is David making? David is making an expression of faith in this verse. He has a deep trust in God. God will meet David’s needs physical (food, drink, clothing, shelter) and spiritual (love, peace, security, joy, righteousness, etc.). He’ll never go without. Cross reference Matthew 6: 25-34.

3) Read verses 2-3. What four things does God the Shepherd do for David the Sheep? How is each beneficial to the sheep?

A) He makes the sheep (David) lie down in green pastures - Benefit is rest

Point out to the group that the Shepherd (God) MAKES the sheep (David) lie down (rest) in green pastures. Why is it that the Shepherd (God) has to make the sheep (David) lie down to gain rest? The sheep are about to journey to the next pasture. They need rest in order to make the journey successfully. Can’t stop between pastures for very long. See why in a moment.

Is it necessary for God to make us lie down and rest? What are some ways he makes us lie down? One example is the fourth commandment - Sabbath: God commanded that we rest one day out of seven. What can happen to us if we do not heed God’s command to lie down (rest)?

B) He leads me beside still/quiet waters - benefit is peace. The Shepherd (God) leads the sheep (David) to a place that is peaceful and serene. When the sheep need rest the Shepherd (God) leads them not to places that are chaotic and filled with noise and racket but to a place where they can enjoy His peace. What are some places that God has led you so that you can know peace?

C) He restores my soul. The Shepherd (God) restores the sheep’s (David’s) soul. What does that mean? Restore - to bring back to a former or original state. What do you think David’s soul was like before God restored it? Anger? Sadness? Despair? Frustration? Fear? How did God restore David’s soul? God led David away from whatever it was that changed his soul and made him rest in a place of peace and serenity. In this place David could renew his strength by spiritually feeding on the green grass and drinking the cool waters. Cross reference - Psalm 46:10. How does God restore your soul?

D) He guides me in the paths of righteousness - benefit is doing what God says is right. Why did God guide David in the paths of righteousness? For David’s glory or God’s glory? To bring glory to God’s name.

Who do you rely on when deciding to do what is right? Yourself, someone else, or God? Why do you do what is right? To bring honor to your name or the name of God?

Notice that all of the above comes before what’s next. Why? He’s giving us the strength we need to successfully make it through the difficult part of the journey.

4) Read verse 4. What imagery comes to mind when you hear the phrase “the valley of the shadow of death”? Imagery - sheep walking through a valley. On either side are hungry wolves with red eyes staring at them. Reason why sheep need rest earlier. Can’t stop in the valley of the shadow of death. Reason why he guides us down the paths of righteousness. So that we will continue to walk righteously during the difficult times.

5) Why do the sheep have to walk through this valley? Only way to get to the next pasture. A valley is located between steep mountains. Sheep can’t travel through rocky, steep mountains. Have to go through the valley where danger is constant.

For David as king - He had enemies all around him who wanted him dead in the worst way (Saul, Philistines, his own son Absalom). The shadow of death fell over him regularly. David did not fear the evil that cast the shadow of death, why? God was with him. God’s rod and staff gave him comfort.

6 a) What is the purpose of a rod? Symbol of authority. Used for guiding. The sheep wanders astray from the pack heading for danger the shepherd will tap him with the rod to get him back to safety.

b) What is the purpose of a staff? Staff has a crook at end. Used to pull sheep out of dangerous places - thorn bushes, rivers, steep places, etc.

Both are symbols of God’s mercy/grace Both give us comfort.

c) How does God’s rod and staff comfort us who are walking the valley of the shadow of death?

List examples of “valleys of shadow of death” today - Some examples terminal illnesses, drug addiction, alcoholism, depression, missionaries in dangerous nations (Islamic countries, Asia).

7) Vs. 5 - What imagery comes to mind when you read “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”? What is so significant about God anointing David’s head with oil? Cleansing from filth. Why does David’s cup overflow? Overwhelming joy of being in the presence of God. Being cared for by God. God was the host, David the guest. Ex. Stephen (Acts chapters 6 and 7)

8) Why does David believe that goodness and mercy/lovingkindness will follow him for the rest of his life? He’s following after the Shepherd (God). After making it through the most difficult part of the journey, David is confident that it will end successfully.

9) Where does David like to call home? House of God. Why? That’s where God lives. He wanted to be in the presence of God forever. Who doesn’t? Here lies the end of the journey.

Psalm 46

Read Psalm 46.

Explain purpose of Selah. When the singer said “Selah”, he stopped singing for a moment so that the audience could meditate/reflect upon the words he sang.

1) What is the context of this psalm? That is, why do you think it was written? What do you think it was written in response to? Look at some of the phrases in the psalm. God is our refuge/our strength, help in trouble; we will not fear though the world should crumble around us. One gets the sense that Jerusalem was being threatened by an outside power. Speculation that it was Assyria (II Kings 18, II Chronicles 32, Isaiah 36) mightiest empire of that time. Feared by all peoples in the Middle East. Used a combination of brutality/terror and advanced military technology (battering ram – break down towering walls). Imagine you are a citizen in Jerusalem. Your city is surrounded. Walls are being pounded day after day. Once walls come down who knows what will happen to you. For the people of Jerusalem, their world was crashing down around them. As a consequence, people were fearful/panicking. They were like the fable of the little chick screaming “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” The sons of Korah wrote this psalm in order to calm the people/to reassure the people they had nothing to fear.

2) What terms did the author of the psalm associate with God? Refuge, strength, ever-present help, Most High, Lord of host (NASB)/Almighty (NIV), stronghold (NASB)/fortress (NIV), God of Jacob (refers to God being a keeper of promises)

3) Why would the city of God not fall? Verse 4 & 5 - God is within her. Jerusalem is his city. It is where He dwells. I can imagine people in Jerusalem running around asking “Where is God?” Sons of Korah telling them He is right here. When you are going through a hard time, ever ask the question “Where is God?” as if God is a million miles away or He’s busy with someone else. In truth, for a believer, God is not way out there. He’s right here. Not a church building. God’s house is in your heart. Read John 15:5-7

4) In verse 8, the sons of Korah wrote “Come and see ..”

Who were to come and see? The people of Jerusalem.

What were they to see? see the works of God

By saying “Come and see …” the sons of Korah were striving to get the people’s attention. To get them to stop whatever they were doing/to take their focus off their fears and see the works of God, specifically the desolations God has brought on the earth.

Define the word “desolation” – utter destruction. Can you think of examples of "desolations" God brought upon the earth that the people would remember?

Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Plagues on Egypt, Jericho are a few

5) List examples of God's power found in this psalm. He speaks the earth melts; makes wars to cease, breaks the bow; shatters spears, burns chariots with fire (In NIV its shields).

6) Read verse 10. REALLY, REALLY, REALLY think about what this verse is saying.

a) In your own words, what does "Be still and know that I am God" mean?

Stop whatever you are doing externally (physical) and internally (emotional and spiritual) and recognize/understand God and who He is. And know that no matter how dire the situation is in the end God will be exalted, he will receive the glory. Bad news for the heathens, good news for the people of God

b) What did the sons of Korah know about God? Repeat the answers to questions 2-5.

c) How did they know it? They were still. They did not get caught up in the panic and fear prevalent in Jerusalem. They ceased striving and sought God and God revealed himself. They remembered who God is and how in the past He was the Savior of Jerusalem. The army threatening Jerusalem may be powerful and fearful. But the sons of Korah knew God to be more powerful and more fearful.

Read to class this summary of what sons of Korah were saying in Psalm 46:

Though our world comes crashing down around us, we will not fear. God is our refuge, our strength, our ever present help in times of trouble. God lives with us. This is His home. He will protect us. He will defend us with his awesome power. God has done it before. He will do it again. God will bring us peace.

The reason why the sons of Korah could sing this is because they stopped (stopped being fearful/being anxious/panicking) and took the time to know/recognize/understand God. As a consequence, they were know longer afraid, but filled with boldness and courage.

7) a) When your world comes crashing down around you, what is your initial response?

Examples: running away, fear, anger, anxiety, blame God or others for the situation you are in, feel abandoned by God, doubt God’s power, forget the past times He has helped you through difficult situations.

What is God telling you to do? Be still, know who I am.

Does that make sense? Rationally, no it doesn’t. It doesn’t make sense to stand still with no fear in front of a crumbling mountain or a tidal wave. But the sons of Korah said they could. Verses 2 and 3. Why? They knew God - His power and His promises.

8) What can prevent us from being still and knowing God? Schedule, stress, questions about the future, job, school, worry, anxiety, activities, entertainment, ministry

If your Assyria is despair; be still; know God's hope.
If your Assyria is unconfessed sin; be still; know God's forgiveness.
If your Assyria is drugs/alcoholism/pornography; be still; know God's freedom from addiction.
If your Assyria is unemployment; be still; know God's provision.
If your Assyria is uncertainty about the future; be still; know God's patience/trust.
If your Assyria is stress; be still; know God's peace.
If your Assyria is grief; be still; know God's comfort.
If your Assyria is pain; be still; know God's healing.

APPLICATION:

Take time to be still/cease striving and know God through prayer, worship, His Word, reflection/remembering. Whatever the situation is, take focus of it and put it on God and He will reveal Himself to you. You will gain the boldness and the courage to confront the situation you are in. In the end, when it is all said and done, God will be exalted.

WHEN JESUS GETS ANGRY Pt. 3

6. vs. 23-24 – What is the fourth woe? The Pharisees and teachers of the Law are faithful in their tithing, but they neglected to obey the spirit of the Law – justice, mercy, and faithfulness to their fellow man. Deuteronomy 14:22 - You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. God was referring to seeds that produced agricultural crops such as wheat, barley, grapes, olives, etc. The Pharisees practiced extreme seed tithing. They tithed the produce from small home garden seeds such as dill, mint, and cumin. Moreover, paying tithes with dill required that the seeds, leaves and the stems were to be used. Otherwise, the tithe would be rejected. The strict Pharisee would carefully strain his drinking water through a cloth to make certain he did not swallow a gnat, the smallest ceremonially unclean animal. But Jesus said that they had no problem swallowing a camel, one the largest unclean animals. The purpose of analogy – the Pharisees were faithful to strictly observe the Law to the “t” so that people could see how “clean” they were, but when it came to the spirit of the Law – justice, mercy, faithfulness to God and fellow man – they were “unclean.” Does the fourth woe exist today? Are there church attenders who are faithful in giving their tithe, read their Bibles everyday, can tell you the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism, explain the Holy Trinity, but when it comes to looking out for the needs of others – show justice and mercy – faithfulness - stand beside them through thick and thin – they are sorely lacking.

7. vs. 25-28. What is Jesus saying to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law in the fifth and sixth woes? Outwardly you appear clean, righteous, and spiritual to others with your phylacteries, tassels, tithing, praying, and works, but within you are full of greed, selfish, hypocrisy, and lawlessness. The Pharisees and teachers of the Law believed it was one’s ability to follow the Law and oral traditions that made a person “clean” or “unclean.” When in truth, it is what is in our heart that makes us “clean.” Read Matthew 15:10-20. Jesus really hurt the Pharisees with these two woes. They went to great lengths to keep their physical appearance clean. A speck of dirt on their clothes or skin made them “unclean.” Whitewashed tombs – Why were tombs painted white? A person who stepped on a grave was ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:16), so graves were whitewashed to make them easily visible, especially at night. They appeared clean and beautiful on the outside but were dirty and rotten on the inside. Ex. Hollywood Cemetery. Do the fifth and sixth woes exist today?

8. What is the seventh woe? The Pharisees and teachers of the Law built themselves up in the eyes of the people by tearing down their ancestors. They said if we lived in the days of our ancestors we would not taken part in the persecution and murder of the prophets. We would have defended the prophets. We would have died with them. Jesus was like “OH PUHLEEZE!!!!!!!” You guys would have been right there with them in killing and persecuting the prophets. Why? Like Jesus did to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law, the prophets, inspired by God, condemned the people of Israel and Judah for their hypocrisy. Read Isaiah 1:10-17. The reaction of the people (ancestors of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law) towards the condemning words of the prophets was– violence and murder. The Pharisees will respond the same way to Jesus and his followers. Read vs. 34. Does the seventh woe exist today? When you were younger, did you ever point your finger at the previous generation and say “I will never make mistakes they made!”? 20-30 years go by and you’re doing what you said you would not do.

9. vs. 37-39 – Who is Jesus speaking to and what did he tell them? Do his words ring true today? Jesus expands his final woe beyond the Pharisees and teachers of the Law to include all the people of Jerusalem. They were also guilty of violence and murder against the prophets. Despite their guilt, Jesus wanted to reach out to the people to protect them but the people rejected him. He pointed to the Temple and said “Look at your house that you take such pride in … that is so massive and beautiful! It is empty! God no longer lives there! I no longer live there! You reject me, you reject God! You will not see me again until you acknowledge me to be the Messiah, the Anointed One, your king and God!” Is Jesus crying out to millions of church attenders around the USA pointing his finger at their beautiful places of worship and saying “Look at your church that you take such pride in! It is empty! God no longer lives there! I no longer live there! You reject me, you reject God! You will not see me again until you acknowledge with your lips and your deeds that I am your one and only Savior and Lord!”

WHEN JESUS GETS ANGRY Pt. 2

vs. 5: “broad phylacteries” and “long fringes” – The Pharisees and teachers of the Law went out of their way to let everyone know how godly/holy they were in the way they dressed. Phylacteries were boxes containing Scriptures [Exodus 1:9; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21] worn on forehead and arm. According to Jesus, the Pharisees and teachers of the Law wore larger than normal phylacteries. Why? To hold more of the Scriptures for the purpose of gaining public acclaim. Purpose of the tassels – outward remembrance of God’s commandments/God’s deliverance. They were a symbol of holiness [Numbers 15:37-41] According to Jesus, the Pharisees and teachers of the Law wore longer than normal tassels. Why? Same as the phylacteries. Gain public acclaim.

Does this mind-set exist today? Do church attenders associate clothing and/or physical appearance with being a “true” Christian? Give examples. Should it exist? Read Acts chapter 15.

vs. 6-12: The Pharisees and teachers of the Law loved the “perks” that came with their position in Jewish society. If someone did not show them the “respect” owed to them, they were insulted and let everyone know you insulted them. Jesus made it clear to the crowds and his disciples that only God and His Son were deserving of the “respect” the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law demanded. Does this mind-set exist today? Do church attenders crave the respect/honor/glory/limelight? Do they regard serving God as a means to build themselves up? Give examples. Grove Hill MP church. Should it exist? Read James chapter 2.

WHEN JESUS GETS ANGRY Pt. 2

Read Matthew 23:13-36

1. What is a hypocrite? A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs. The Greeks associated the word with actors.

2. vs. 13 – What was the first woe Jesus directed at the Pharisees and teachers of the Law? They denied people access to God. The slam the door shut so that no one can enter the kingdom of heaven, not even themselves. How? The Pharisees and teachers of the Law can’t enter because of their unrighteousness and hypocrisy. The Pharisees and teachers of the Law deny others entry into the kingdom of heaven by a) placing upon them the heavy burden of the oral laws and traditions that the people could never live up to and b) The hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law turned people away from entering the kingdom of heaven. Does the first woe exist today? Explain. What is a main reason, if not the number 1 reason, why nonbelievers reject Christianity/visit church? Churches are full of hypocrites. How do nonbelievers make that judgment? They see how church attenders act Monday-Saturday and it is not the same as church attenders act on Sunday.

3. vs. 15 – What was the second woe Jesus directed at the Pharisees and teachers of the Law? They will do whatever it takes to convert someone to their beliefs. When they succeed, that person becomes spiritually worse than they are. That person becomes brainwashed. It is nearly impossible to convince that person to reject the lie they believe to be truth and/or accept the truth they believe to be a lie. Does the second woe exist today? Explain.

4. vs. 16 What does Jesus call the Pharisees and teachers of the Law? Blind guides. Why? They are teachers who have no clue where they are going. They think the path they are teaching/leading leads to heaven when in fact they are leading people to hell.

5. vs. 16-22 - what is the third woe? What is the purpose of taking an oath? A solemn appeal to something sacred to witness one's determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law differentiated between which oaths were binding and which were not. This allowed for evasive oath taking. Example – The Pharisees and teachers of the Law taught that if you made an oath by the temple, it was not binding; however, if you made an oath by the gold found in the temple, you had to fulfill you’re oath. Jesus condemned this deceitful behavior. He insisted that people tell the truth with no conditions. Does the third woe exist today? Explain. The word of a Christian should be trustworthy.

WHEN JESUS GETS ANGRY Pt. 1

Read Matthew 23:1-12

Setting: Jesus is at the Temple.

1) Who is listening to Jesus? The crowds, the disciples. And if you read the previous two chapters, Pharisees and the teachers of the Law.

2) How does Jesus characterize the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law in these verses? Egotistical, narcissistic, prideful, arrogant, knowledgeable,

vs. 2: “sit on Moses’ seat” – symbolized a position of authority. The Pharisees regarded themselves as the authorized successors to Moses. In other words, we have a monopoly on God. The only way to God is through us. John the Baptist and Jesus are heretics. Does this mind-set exist today? Give examples. Should it exist? Read Mark 9:38-40

vs. 3: Do what the Pharisees and teachers of the Law say but not what they do. They do not practice what they preach. Jesus expounds on this later.

vs. 4: “Heavy burdens” – reference to the thousands of oral laws that the Pharisees regarded as having equal authority with the Scriptures. They taught the people that if you want to be righteous …if you want to know God’s blessing and not God’s curse/wrath … you have to know and follow all the oral laws as well as the Scriptures. Read Matthew 11:28-30: The “labor” and “heavy laden” Jesus is referring to are the oral laws taught by the Pharisees. Rather than give people joy and hope, the oral laws made them miserable and hopeless. They couldn’t remember the thousands of oral laws. If they could not live by the oral law, they were condemned by God according to the Pharisees. Does this mind-set exist today? Do church attenders place additional conditions on being a Christian beyond what the Scriptures say? Give examples. Should it exist? Read Romans chapters 14 and 15.

vs. 4: “they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” – Pharisees and teachers of the Law have no problem placing burdens on the people; however, they are not willing to place it upon themselves. The Pharisees did not hold themselves accountable to obeying the oral laws the way they did the people. They had no problem judging/condemning others who did not follow the oral laws traditions they taught, but rarely if ever did they judge themselves. Who judges/condemns the Pharisee or the teacher of the Law for failing to abide by the oral laws? No one. They regarded themselves to be above everyone else. Does this mind-set exist today? Do church attenders pass judgment on others and yet fail to live up to the standards of perfection they have set for others? Give examples. Should it exist? Read Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 3:23

WHEN JESUS GETS ANGRY – PRELUDE

Background:

Pharisees – A Jewish religious and political group that maintained a strict observance of the Mosaic Law (the first five books of the Bible and more specifically Deuteronomy) as well as oral laws and traditions passed down by word of mouth over a period of centuries. The Pharisees asserted that the Scriptures were not complete and could therefore not be understood on their own terms. In other words, God was not specific enough when He gave the Law to Moses. The oral laws and traditions functioned to elaborate and explain what was written. Pharisees taught that these oral laws and traditions had the same authority as the Law/God’s Word. Guess who were the only ones who knew these oral laws and traditions?

Example – the Law says that a person is to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy by not working. What qualifies as work? The Pharisees “added” to God’s word by defining what is work – spitting on the ground to make clay, brushing one’s hair, wearing a hairclip, starting or extinguishing a fire, carrying a mat, writing or erasing letters. Items normally used for work could not even be touched on the Sabbath. They were off-limits for fear of "accidental" use. Examples – touching a hammer or looking in a mirror. In all, the Pharisees developed 39 categories of work prohibited on the Sabbath. Within these 39 categories, well established by the time of Jesus, came the thousands of specific rules governing each situation and contingency to avoid desecrating the Sabbath. In addition to oral laws and tradition related to the Sabbath, there were thousands and thousands more to explain the Law God gave to Moses. Written all down, they would make the IRS code look like a children’s book. According to the Pharisees, a person who fails to abide by these man-made rules is a sinner despised by God and man.

The Pharisees were the religious examples for the Jewish people. They went out of their way to let everyone know how godly/holy they were in the way they dressed (phylacteries – boxes containing Scriptures [Exodus 1:9; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21] worn on forehead and arm; tassels – remember God’s commandments/God’s deliverance symbol of holiness [Numbers 15:37-41] – longer the tassels the holier you were, worshipped (pray, tithe, fast), and related to others (avoided unclean people – sick, poor, Gentiles, tax collectors.)

The Pharisees regarded themselves as the sole interpreters of the Law. The people were to listen to them if they wanted to know what it took to receive God’s love and blessings The Pharisees’ knowledge of the Law, the oral traditions, and extreme devotion to God earned them the respect of the people which enabled the Pharisees to greatly influence public opinion.

The Pharisees despised Jesus for the following reasons. He taught as one who had authority to interpret God’s Law/to speak on behalf of God but that authority did not come from the Pharisees. Also, Jesus regularly broke the oral laws and traditions espoused by the Pharisees – He “worked” on the Sabbath, touched sick people, fraternized with “sinners,” etc. Finally, Jesus’ growing popularity among the people undermined the Pharisees’ influence over the people.

Teachers of the Law/Scribes – Jewish scholars who were professionally trained in the development, teaching, and application of Old Testament law.

Read John 8:1-11

1. vs. 2 Where was Jesus and what was he doing? In front of the temple, teaching the people. Jesus was on Pharisee/teachers of the law turf. The people came to the temple to offer sacrifices and hear God’s word as taught by the Pharisees/teachers of the Law. What Jesus taught differed from what they taught. Read the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5-7. “You have heard it said this (from Pharisees/teachers of the Law) … but I (Jesus) tell you this.” Angered the Pharisees/teachers of the Law. Why? They did not give Jesus the authority to teach. What Jesus taught differed from their “official” teaching.

2. What happens in verse 3 and 4? Put yourself in the crowd that day, describe in your words what you see and hear. As you are listening to Jesus’ words, you hear a big commotion behind you. Men dragging a woman, perhaps covered with only a blanket, through the crowd. They are screaming epithets at her … spitting on her … she may be bruised and bleeding. They drop her in the middle of the huge crowd right in front of Jesus.

3. What did the Pharisees and teachers of the law say to Jesus? This woman was caught in the act of adultery. We saw it with our eyes. The Law of Moses (the Scriptures/Word of God) commanded that such women be stoned. What do you say Jesus?

4. What was their motive for asking this question? They wanted to trap Jesus.

5. How was this situation a trap for Jesus?

A) If Jesus said, “This woman is to be stoned to death! Give me a rock! I will be the first to strike her!” Jesus’ reputation among the people would be damaged. Jesus’ teaching was one of love, mercy, compassion for sinners. He would have been viewed by the people as a hypocrite.

B) Only the Roman authorities could carry out death sentences. If Jesus said “stone her,” the Pharisees and teachers of the Law could have him arrested and put on trial by the Romans.

C) If Jesus said “do not stone her,” the Pharisees and teachers of the Law could accuse him before all the people in the temple court of violating the Mosaic Law. Jesus’ ministry would come to a halt.

6. How did John, author of this Gospel and disciple of Jesus, know this was a trap for Jesus? Read Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22 – Where’s the man? How did the Pharisees and teachers of the Law catch this woman committing adultery? Perhaps the man she committed adultery with was one of her accusers? The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were responsible for teaching and explaining to the people God’s word so that they could live righteous lives. At this moment, they are perverting it for their own selfish gain. Let’s be real. What’s happening here was not about the woman. She was just a tool the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were using in order to damage Jesus’ reputation in the eyes of the people.

7. If you were the woman, what are you thinking/feeling at this moment? Afraid, humiliated, ashamed

8. In the last half of verse 6, what did Jesus do and why? Jesus bent down and began writing on the ground. Greg’s interpretation – He was letting the Pharisees and teachers of the Law have their say. Get it all out before He said His piece.

9. vs. 7 and 8. What did Jesus say and do? Why? Jesus stood up and said “if any one of you is without any sin … if any of you have never sinned or cannot sin … you can cast the first stone.” And then Jesus bent down and began writing on the ground again. Greg’s interpretation – Jesus wanted to give his words time to sink in to the hearts of the woman’s, and His, accusers and convict them.

10. vs. 9 What happened? Was there a pattern? What was significant about the pattern? One by one the woman’s accusers walked away starting with the oldest down to the youngest. The oldest had committed more sins than the youngest.

11. What do you think the woman was thinking/feeling at this moment? Shock, amazement.

12. What questions did Jesus ask the woman? Was there someone there who could?
Where did everybody go? Is there no one left to condemn you? Is there no one left to pass judgment on you? The woman’s response was “No one, master.” Was there someone left who could? Yes – Jesus. He was the only one left who had never sinned or could not sin. He could pass judgment upon the adulteress woman and stone her.

13. vs. 11. What did Jesus say to the woman? I don’t condemn you either. Go. And from this point on sin no more.

14. What lessons do we learn from the actions of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law? Men who were responsible for teaching and explaining God’s Word to the people so that they could live righteous lives used/perverted God’s Word for their own selfish gain. Men who praised themselves for being holy and Godly used ungodly methods in order to trap Jesus. They were being hypocrites. The hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law angered Jesus. From the actions of Jesus? John 3:17 – “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that world through Him might be saved.”

The other side of “pride”

From much of the discussion between Job and his three friends, it appears that Job may have had some issues with pride (e.g. Job 27:1-6) or may simply have been moved to defend himself and appeared more self-righteous because of this. In any case, the Bible is full of examples of pride and what it may lead to. Here some examples of the opposite of this type of attitude as well as some warnings against it as well as some models of how we should act – particularly with respect to our attitude toward God.

How would you describe the opposite of pride?

humble, not arrogant, down-to-earth, unpretentious
offered in a spirit of deference or submission


Can you give some examples of Biblical figures (or others) that have shown these characteristics?

could add any number – Joseph, David …..

Abraham - Genesis 18:27
Jacob - Genesis 32:10
Moses - Exodus 3:11, Numbers 12:3
Solomon - 1 Kings 3:7-9; 2 Chronicles 1:10, 2:6
Ahab - 1 Kings 21:29
Josiah - 2 Kings 22:18-19
Jeremiah - Jeremiah 1:6, 10:23-24
Daniel - Daniel 2:30

Elizabeth - Luke 1:43
Centurion - Matthew 8:8, Luke 7:6-7
Jesus – the ultimate example (see later)

One great example of contrasting attitudes is given in Luke 18:9-14 (all translations NIV)
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

What is the attitude of the Pharisee? Do we see this attitude today?

I am a “good” person and deserve my reward (i.e. I am “better” than this other “bad” person). By following the rules we earn our reward. It was this attitude that had become prevalent among Jewish religious leaders at the time of Christ.
I have seen this attitude many times inside and outside of churches.
This is the prevailing attitude of many people who don’t really understand Christianity and think that being “good” is what gets you into heaven.

What is the attitude of the tax collector? Why do you think that he was justified in the sight of God?

He didn’t try to justify himself or explain why he deserved God’s approval – he accepted the reality of his situation (i.e. that he didn’t deserve God’s love/support) – that he needed forgiveness.

Another example of pride – this time among the disciples (note this is repeated in three different gospels)

Luke 9:46-48 (also Matthew 18:1-4, Mark 9:33-35)
An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
What is this really saying?

Even the people closest to Jesus failed to grasp the need for humility. We need to humble ourselves and help others – even those that may appear “weak” or somehow “lesser” in human terms as all are equal in the eyes of God (i.e. we all need his grace and salvation).

How should we act toward God? Look at these references and see what they are saying about what our attitude ought to be.

Isaiah 66:2
Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.

2 Chronicles 7:13-15
13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

What is this saying to you?

True humility (see more on false humility later) is required in our relationship with God – we need to understand that we are not “equal” to God and that we cannot simply rely on our thoughts/reason/understanding/actions apart from God to solve our problems. Note that these Old Testament teachings were known among the religious leaders at the time of Jesus, but they had become so focused on the “law” that there attitude was really the opposite of that required by God.

Matthew23:1-11
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries[a] wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.
8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

What is Jesus saying here? What was the problem the “teachers” were having?
This is a direct addressing of the problem of those who think themselves “better” than others as illustrated in the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector earlier. I don’t think that this means we cannot act as instructors or leaders in some fashion, but we need to do so humbly and not exalt ourselves as “greater”or wiser than anyone else. We all benefit enormously from (and are grateful for) teachers (like Greg or Pastor Barnes or any of those at MPBC), but it is incorrect for anyone to view this as somehow making them greater or more worthy than someone else. (Note that these notes are only some of my thoughts and you should feel free to add your own insights).

Is all humility good? Is this attitude always correct? (see below)

Colossians 2:16-23
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Galatians 6:12-14

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Why should this be our attitude? What is important to remember in our relationship to God?

Sometimes we may be tempted to try and show how much better or wiser we are through some understanding or activity that we have performed. Once again this is not in accordance with what Christ taught. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try and follow God’s laws and teachings or share them with each other (like this discussion), but we need to be careful not to view these as somehow making us superior to others. Note that this is what the early Jewish Christians were attempting to do – first you become a Jew and “do” this (circumcision) and then you become more righteous. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with keeping a tradition such as circumcision (as Messianic Jews do today) as long as this is not done to show how this makes one superior to others.

Romans 12:3-8
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”[b] 21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas[c] or the world or life or death or the present or the future —all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

Philippians 2:2-4
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

I Peter 5:1-4
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

What is this saying to “church” people/leaders?

Christians (and particularly leaders) should set a good example, but not become prideful based on their abilities or achievements. It is very important (my opinion) to maintain a clear perspective – remembering that we are all sinners (see Romans 3:21-31) and that there is nothing we can “do” to earn salvation (see Ephesians 2:8-10). Also, how are we going to encourage people (especially anyone new to the faith) if we have an attitude of superiority? This is another important aspect of humility.

Jesus – a great illustration of what we should do (my opinion) – John 13:1-5, 12-17
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
…..
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Note that Christ set the example for us by deliberately doing one of the “lowest” tasks for people of his time (washing feet). The fact that he had “… all things under his power…” and still chose to humble himself should be a powerful example to us all of the importance of our attitude to God.

What about those who refuse to acknowledge the power of God?

Psalm 55:19
God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.

Proverbs 3:33-34
The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

Read Isaiah 2

Matthew 23:13-36

Revelation 20:11-15

One very real problem we see today (again my opinion) is “pride” in the form of – “I disagree with the Bible (i.e. word of God) on …” and I am going to ignore, change, “revise” this to make it more appealing or interpret God’s teachings in light of human knowledge/wisdom etc. (see 2 Timothy:1-4). It also displays a lack of respect for (or fear of) God (e.g. see Proverbs2:5, Psalm 55:19, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Revelation 14:6-7). This returns us to where Job was – demanding God come down and explain what he did wrong because (like Job) we want to treat God as our peer or equal. Humility means not seeing ourselves as “better” than other people, but also not seeing ourselves as “superior” or wiser (or even the equal of) God.

Book of Job Pt. 7

As Elihu finishes speaking, a storm begins to brew outside Job’s tent.

Read Job 38:1-3

1. Who appears to speak to Job? God appears out of the storm. It’s as if after Elihu gave his words of counsel to Job, God said “Finally, someone is speaking some sense to Job.” God seizes the opportunity to build upon the foundation of truth laid by Elihu. And so, after a lengthy silence going back to before Job experienced his sufferings, God speaks to Job.

2. What question does He ask and why does He ask it? Who is this ignorant man that is misrepresenting my counsel/words? Somehow I don’t think those were the words Job expected to hear from God. Why does God ask this question to Job? For the previous 30 plus chapters, Job and his three friends debated the reason why Job was experiencing such suffering. In their back and forth arguments, both sides used God to defend/promote their respective cases. “God does this … No! God does this …” “This is who God is ... No! God is this.” Job and his three friends spoke arrogantly as if they knew everything about God … how He thinks, how He operates, why He does the things He does. They put God in a box and said “This is God.” In the process, they misrepresented God. They distorted God’s counsel particularly in regards to topics such as blessing, suffering, justice, and righteousness.

3. What did God tell Job He was going to do and for what purpose? Ask Job questions to see if Job could teach Him anything

Job 38:4–39:30

4. What did God’s questions center on? Creation. What was God’s purpose in asking such questions to Job? To humble Job. To prove to Job how little he really knows.

Job 40:1-8

5. What did God say Job was doing? Passing judgment on God. Read verse 8 (NIV) “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself ?” In other words, in order to prove his righteousness, Job condemned God as being unjust. Job said a lot of harsh things about God. How did this happen? The combination of Job’s suffering, his friends’ attacks, and silence … the pain and distress they all brought upon him … caused Job to say some foolish things – specifically He questioned God’s justice. In the course of the debate, Job accused God of being unjust in order to assert his claim to being righteous. Job regularly asserted his good works/righteousness and in the processed accused God of being unrighteous. Just as Job’s three friends passed judgment on him without knowledge, Job passed judgment on God without knowledge. Job, a frail human being limited in knowledge and power, passed judgment on God who is limitless in knowledge and power. By doing so, Job placed himself above God. God’s response “Who are you Job to pass judgment on me? Do you have the power that I wield (chapters 40-41) if so, then you can pass judgment on me.”

Job 42:1-6

6. What was Job’s response to God? “God you asked who spoke about you from ignorance? It was me.” Job confessed his foolishness. vs.6 – Job retracted his false statements/misrepresentations, humbled himself before God (dust & ashes), and repented his sin of pride. If you recall from chapter one God refers to Job as the most righteous man on the face of the earth. Job’s actions here (confession, humility, repentance) are strong evidence of God’s opinion of Job. His actions are the actions of a righteous man.

Job 42:7-17

7. How does the Book of Job end? God expresses his anger towards Job’s three friends. (Notice Elihu is not included. God was not displeased with Elihu’s words of rebuke directed at Job.) God told them to seek Job’s intercession. He will offer sacrifices and pray to God on their behalf. They do so. Despite all the grief they gave Job, he intercedes with God on their behalf. Again, evidence of Job’s righteousness. After Job does so, God blesses Job far more than he did before Job went through his period of suffering – more children, more wealth, etc. Notice that verse 10 says that God blessed Job after he prayed for his friends. If Job had refused (and, in our eyes, he would have been justified in doing so, God probably would not have blessed Job. Yet he did intercede on behind of his friends. A tremendous act of forgiveness. Read verse 16-17.

When the reader of Job gets to the end of the Book of Job, the events that precipitated Job’s suffering seem a million years ago. They are almost forgotten. How does Job begin? Satan challenging Job’s motivation for being a follower of God. He argued that if Job suffered enough he would curse God. At the end of Job, does he curse God? No! In fact, the Book of Job ends with him worshipping God. Through his experience of suffering, Job gained a greater understanding/awareness of God … His power, majesty, and sovereignty.

8. Why does God allow Job to experience the tremendous suffering that we all know is coming his way? Who knows the mind of God? My guess?

To teach a lesson to Satan and to the listeners and readers of the book of Job about faith – what it is and what it is not. Our faith is not based on material rewards/blessings from God. That was the traditional belief of the time as we’ll see. Nor is it based on our emotions at a moment in time. We can go through a traumatic experience and still have faith.

Job would be the instrument to teach this lesson. Sounds petty. God and Satan using Job to prove a point. But, it’s not. What it is: spiritual warfare. Whether we like it or not; whether we think it is unfair or petty, we are in a struggle beyond our control … that is the reality of the situation. Job had no say in this conversation between God and Satan. Yet Job was to be God’s knight so to speak. God’s strongest weapon in the struggle against the forces of evil. In the process, Job experienced great loss and suffering as you expect in war. God allowed this to happen confident that Job would get through it with his faith intact. In the end, forces of good win thanks to Job’s faith. In fact, we’ll see at the end of the book of Job, his faith is even stronger than it is at the beginning.

Lessons from the book of Job:

1. What is my reaction/response to suffering? Is it The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" or “God is out to get me!” “God is picking on me” “I’m a good person. What have I done to deserve this?” or fall prey to self-pity or depression.

2. What is my reaction/response to those experiencing suffering? Consolation or confrontation? Judge or intercessor? At times, confrontation may be necessary as Elihu did with Job. However, just as Elihu exhibited, confrontation must be accompanied with wisdom. What to say and when to say it.

3. Why am I suffering? Is it because I have done something wrong and God is punishing me or is there another reason? Not all suffering is from God although God does allow us to experience adversity in order to humble us or strengthen us. The major reason why we experience suffering is because we live in an evil world that hates us … a world that has been cursed (Genesis 3).

4. Why doesn’t God tell me why I am suffering? Related question – Is God required to answer this question. Is He answerable to us?

Did God explain to Job why he experienced so much suffering? No. Job never found out why he experienced the suffering that he did. Neither does the reader of Job. Why did God point out Job to Satan? Why did He permit Satan to attack Job so harshly? And so, at the end of the book of Job we are left with the lingering question “Why?” Yet Job seemed to be ok about not knowing “why.” Why? After experiencing God, knowing the answer to the “why” question was no longer important to Job. Being in a right relationship with God was now important to him than having his “why” question answered. Job’s obsession with knowing “why” had greatly strained his relationship with God. It caused him to take his focus of God and placed focus on himself. Once Job relearned the lesson regarding the sovereignty of God, his relationship with God was renewed, and Job stopped asking “why.”

5. How does suffering impact my relationship with God?

During our lifetime, we are going to experience suffering. Doesn’t matter who you are. Rich or poor. Righteous or unrighteous. In times of suffering is when our faith in God is tested the greatest. Particularly when we don’t see it coming (death of loved one, loss of job, loss of health.) It’s ok to ask God the “why” question, when we go through periods of suffering (physical, emotional, etc.). Just don’t expect an answer to your question. When there is no reply, we have to be careful that we don’t allow the suffering or God’s silence on the matter to destroy our faith in God, to cause us to question God’s justice/fairness, to accuse God of breaking His promises to us, of contradicting His word. That train of thought leads to sin. How? We take God off the judgment seat and put ourselves in it. God’s wrong, I’m right. We are in no position to judge the fairness or unfairness of our suffering. Instead, of complaining to God, we should seek God’s presence/His peace. What’s more important to you – being in a right relationship with God or the answer to the “why” question? Philippians 4:6-7. How can I find God? Reading Scriptures, prayer, and intercession by fellow believers who will pray not for answers to your “why” questions but for you to experience God’s peace. In his presence we can find comfort, peace, rest, encouragement. Read Psalm 6; Psalm 13; Psalm 22; Psalm 31: 9-24; Psalm 42; Psalm 77; Psalm 142.

Book of Job pt.6

Read Job 32:1-5

1. Who is Elihu? A young man, much younger than Job and the three friends. (vs. 4) He perhaps came with one of Job’s three friends. Elihu may not have been mentioned earlier because he was not a friend of Job’s. He probably was a friend of one of the three who travelled to see Job. Also because of his age. In Middle Eastern Culture, the young respected their elders by keeping quiet while the elders spake. To do otherwise was the height of insolence. Also, it is possible that Elihu was someone who lived in the area and heard of Job’s reputation for righteousness. After learning of Job’s tragedy, Elihu came to offer his sympathy.

2. What is his reaction/response to Job’s three friends and to Job? Elihu was angry at Job and Job. He had sat for who knows how long listening to both sides argue about who is right and who is wrong and neither was able to convince the other. Both sides had put their stakes in the ground and were not budging. Elihu had heard enough and speaks up. He was angry at the three friends because these so-called wise men had failed to find the answer as to why Job was suffering and yet they condemned him anyway. They talked, talked, and talked; made one argument after another; in the end, their words amounted to nothing more than hot air. Elihu was angry at Job because he was being self-righteous/arrogant – I’m right, God is wrong. Job still convinced his suffering was unjust. Elihu’s impression of Job changed from great respect to great amazement. Is the righteous, God-fearing Job I heard about? More like self-righteous.

Read Job 33:8-33

3. What does Elihu say to Job in theses verses? How does he characterize Job? Vs. 8-11 - I’ve heard what you’ve said Job. “I have done nothing to deserve this suffering. I have lived an innocent life. God has made up stuff to justify what He is doing to me. Despite all the good I have done, God considers me His enemy. I cannot escape Him. He watches me 24/7.” Vs. 12-13 – What does Elihu tell Job? You’re wrong Job! God is greater than man; therefore, God is not accountable to man; therefore, God is not accountable to you Job. So why do you complain that God is not explaining to you, a man, everything He is or isn’t doing? Vs. 14-19 – From time to time God speaks to man through dreams … visions. For what purpose? To teach them so that they will change their conduct from evil to good and to keep man from pride. Problem is man rarely pays attention to God’s still small voice approach of instruction; therefore, God uses a different tactic to get man to turn from evil and keep him from pride: suffering. Through suffering God humbles man. What Elihu is saying to Job is that the reason why you are suffering is because of pride. Different accusation than that of Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad. They believed Job was suffering because he had committed some heinous crime such as not helping widows and orphans or refusing to show charity to those in need. Job ably refuted their accusation. However, Elihu believed Job’s problem lay within his heart – pride. Evidence – Elihu has been sitting for who knows how long hearing the back and forth between Job and the three friends. Every time Job rebukes his friends’ accusations, what does he keep pointing to? What does Elihu constantly hear Job say? I am guiltless of any wrongdoing; I am without iniquity. Job constantly points to his good works to support his arguments. Sounded to Elihu like Job was tooting his own horn a little too much. That Job was saying - “I am perfect/sinless/greatest humanitarian the world has ever seen.” Read Job 35:2. That leads to Elihu’s second piece of evidence that Job had a pride problem – By accusing God of treating him unfairly … of attacking him with no just cause … by making demands on God to respond to his “why” questions, Job was making himself, a man, to be God’s judge. Sounded to Elihu that Job believed God was accountable to him and not the other way around. Elihu found that ludicrous/preposterous. Job 34:13-15. In Job 35, Elihu tells Job it is because of his pride that God has not answered Job. You’re impatient for God to hear your case against Him. Who are you to demand God to hurry it up and respond to your accusations against Him? The case is before God so you must wait for Him. Read Job 36: 22-26. Job 37 – Elihu speaks of God’s power over Creation and his purposes in exerting His power..

4. Do you agree with Elihu’s characterization of Job? Explain. I do. Job constantly pointed to his righteousness. He did regularly make demands of God. He regularly accused God of injustice. Now was it because of pride, as Elihu asserted, that Job was experiencing suffering? No. Again, we don’t know why God allowed Job to experience such tremendous adversity. However, I’m willing to cut Elihu a little slack on this point because he was clueless about the events that surrounded everything that happened to Job. As we’ll see, I think God cuts Elihu some slack as well.

5. Do you think Job agreed with Elihu’s characterization of himself? Explain. I think so. Unlike with his three friends, Job makes no retort to Elihu’s words.

6. Do you think God agreed with Elihu’s characterization of Job? Explain. Find out next lesson.

Book of Job pt. 5

From chapters 4-31 there is this back and forth among Job and his friends Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad concerning why Job is suffering and Job’s reaction/response to his suffering.

Read Job chapters 18, 20, 22

1. What was Bildad, Zophar, & Eliphaz’s response to Job’s questions?

Bildad – chapter 18 vs. 3 – We three are not stupid so don’t talk to us as if we are. vs. 4 – Are you so special/good/righteous that the world has to experience upheaval for your argument to be addressed? vs. 5-21 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Bildad - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.

Zophar – chapter 20 vs. 2-3 – Job, I am so angry. I find your words insulting. Vs. 4-9 – Don’t you know that since the beginning of time the good times the evil man enjoys is short lived? The evil man is quickly forgotten. Vs. 10-29 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Zophar - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.

Eliphaz – chapter 22 vs. 1-4 – Let’s cut to the chase Job. Do you think it is because of your righteousness/integrity/respect for God that God is punishing you? vs. 5 – Eliphaz does not imply that Job is a bad person. He comes out and tells Job to his face “You are very bad/evil man.” vs. 6-11 – Eliphaz lists Job’s sins. vs. 12-20 – God sees and judges wickedness to the joy of the godly/righteous. vs. 21-30 – Eliphaz makes an altar call to Job. He offers Job an invitation to return to God. It’s not too late Job. If you just repent/confess your sins/turn from your unrighteousness, God will hear you, forgive you, and restore you.

Job committed wickedness.
God is punishing Job for his acts of sin.
God is instructing/teaching Job that he is wicked.
Job should confess his sins and repent.
God will restore Job

Summary –

We know why you are suffering. You sinned. God is punishing. God is instructing/teaching you. That’s the way it works with God. That’s how it’s been since Creation. That’s what tradition has taught us. That’s the wisdom of old men (greybeards)/tradition passed down to us from the beginning of time.

2. How would you characterize how they said what they said to Job (their demeanor)? What was their original purpose for coming to see Job?

Astounded that Job did not understand why he was suffering. Amazed that Job dared questioned God/tradition. They condemned/rebuked Job for being arrogant/prideful in defending his righteousness. Lectured Job on why he was suffering. Regarded themselves to be the defenders of God’s honor against Job. Suppose to be offering Job comfort/consolation. They offered none

3. How did Job react/respond to their counsel?

Job 16:1-5 – You guys are great talkers but are poor comforters. It’s easy for you to say what you say because you are not suffering like me. Put yourselves in my shoes and you would sing a different tune.

Job 19:1-6, 22 – You are not helping me! In fact, you’re making things worse for me. That’s saying something!

Job 21:1-15, 34 – Read my lips. Listen closely to my words. Your theory about bad things always happen to bad people is flawed. In fact, it’s a lie. Good things happen to bad people. Job proceeds to give examples.

Job 27:1-6 – No matter how bad God treats me. I will not give credence to your words. I will proclaim my innocence until the day I die!

4. After learning how Job’s three friends related to Job during his time of suffering, what is your opinion of Job’s three friends? Did they take the right tactic or wrong tactic? If you think they took the wrong tactic, what should they have done differently? Rather than act as Job’s judges, they could have acted as Job’s intercessor. Prayed to God on his behalf. What is more important: the need to prove a point – to say “I’m right and you’re wrong. Admit you are wrong! or Job’s physical/emotional/mental/spiritual health. Confrontation or consolation;
Pray not for an answer to Job’s questions, but for relief for their friend’s suffering.

Book of Job pt. 4

3) Read Job 19:7-21. In your own words, what did Job say? God is to blame for all that has happened to me. He is angry with me for some reason. God treats me as if I am His enemy. My brothers, acquaintances - people who know me, my relatives, my close friends, my servants, my wife, young children, people with whom I have done business … they have all abandoned me. They have ostracized me. I am a pariah to them. I’m nothing more than flesh and bones. Please, I beg you, my friends. Show me pity for God is not.

4) From reading these verses, how would you describe Job's emotional and spiritual state? Indescribable agony. Extreme despair. Why did he feel this way? God had destroyed his life. The God that he faithfully served and obeyed … the God whose hands showered Job with blessings, those same hands had struck Job down. God’s actions against Job have left him isolated/alone. No one will have anything to do with him. When Job questioned the fairness/justice of what God has done to Job (vs. 7), no one answers. He cries out for sympathy, but no one will give him any which only deepens his despair.

5) Read the following verses.

What questions did Job have for God? Have you ever asked these questions to God?

Job 7: 17-21
Why is man so important to you? Why do you test man?
Compared to the vastness of the universe, man is a speck of dust. Compared to God, man is a microscopic bacterium. Yet God has a high regard for man; God focuses a lot of his attention on man. He regularly seeks man out to test him/scrutinize/analyze/study him. Job wants to know why?
What sin have I committed to deserve such punishment?
If I sinned, why won’t you forgive me?
Why am I your enemy?
Why can’t I know rest?

Job 10:1-3
What do you have against me?
Is it right for God to reject the righteous and look favorably upon those who are unrighteous? Questioning God’s justice. Directing accusations towards God.

Job 13:20-24
What sin have I committed to deserve such punishment?
Why want you answer me God? Why are you silent to my cries for answers/relief?

Job 17:1, 11-16
Where is my hope? Who cares about me?

Job 21:2-7
Is my complaint addressed to man or to God?
Why should I not be impatient (for a response from God?
Why do the wicked go through life unpunished? Not only unpunished but they are enjoying the good life.

How soon do you suppose Job wanted God to answer his questions? Job 21:2-7
Now. I don’t want to wait until after I’m dead for my complaint to be addressed/to be justified. I want an answer now. I deserve an answer now.

Did God answer Job's questions? Job 13:20-24 - No.

Did Job expect his questions to be answered? Did he expect to be found guiltless of any wrongdoing? Job 16:6-22; Job 19:23-27

Job 7:17-21
What is man that You magnify him, and that You are concerned about him, that You examine (pay close attention to) him every morning and try (test, scrutinize) him every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; and You will seek me, but I will not be.

Job 10:1-3
I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, do not condemn me; let me know why You contend with me. Is it right for You indeed to oppress, to reject the labor of Your hands, and to look favorably on the schemes of the wicked?

Job 13:20-24
Only two things do not do to me, then I will not hide from Your face: Remove Your hand from me, and let not the dread of You terrify me. Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, then reply to me. How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my rebellion and my sin. Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy?

Job 16:6-22
Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved; and if I refrain, it does not go away. Surely, O God, you have worn me out; you have devastated my entire household. You have bound me—and it has become a witness; my gauntness rises up and testifies against me. God assails me and tears me in his anger and gnashes his teeth at me; my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes. Men open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me. God has turned me over to evil men and thrown me into the clutches of the wicked. All was well with me, but he shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target; his archers surround me. Without pity, he pierces my kidneys and spills my gall on the ground. Again and again he bursts upon me; he rushes at me like a warrior. I have sewed sackcloth over my skin and buried my brow in the dust. My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure. O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry never be laid to rest! Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend. Only a few years will pass before I go on the journey of no return.

Job 17:1, 11-16
My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, the grave is ready for me …. My days are past, my plans are torn apart, even the wishes of my heart. They make night into day, saying, “the light is near,” in the presence of darkness. If I look for Sheol as my home, I make my bed in the darkness; if I call to the pit, 'You are my father'; to the worm, 'my mother and my sister'; where now is my hope? And who regards my hope? Will it go down with me to Sheol? Shall we together go down into the dust?

Job 19:23-27
Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!

Job 21:2-7
Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your way of consolation. Bear with me that I may speak; then after I have spoken, you may mock. As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should I not be impatient? Look at me, and be astonished, and put your hand over your mouth. Even when I remember, I am disturbed, and horror takes hold of my flesh. Why do the wicked still live, continue on, also become very powerful?

Read Job chapters 29 & 30
Chapter 29 – Job talks about how great his life used to be – He and God were tight. God looked after him; Job reaped the blessings of God; his children were alive; people showed him respect; took care of the needy; Job wore righteousness; no one could say ill of him; he punished the wicked; when Job would die, it would be a good death - Job would leave behind a strong legacy.

Chapter 30 – Job talks about detestable/repugnant his life is now – He is no longer respected; those to whom he showed disdain (who deserved disdain) now despise him. Those who despise Job are taking advantage of his suffering to make his life even more miserable. They have taken from him whatever honor & wealth he has left. Job is experiencing tremendous physical pain. Blames God for his suffering. When Job cries out to God for an answer/for relief, he gets no response. I helped others who were in need. For all the good that I have done, in return I get evil. Consequently, Job feels anger and despair. Questions the fairness/justice of God.

8) If you were one of Job's friends, what would you say to him?

Book of Job pt. 3

7. a. What image do you have of Job? Bedrock of faith. Strong spirit.

b. How would you describe his response to all that has befallen him? Patience, acceptance,unwavering/unquestioning faith – If this is God’s will for me, so be it. He does not ask why he is suffering.

Job 2:11-13

8. Who came to visit Job and for what purpose?

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Offer their sympathies. To comfort Job – REMEMBER THIS. When they saw Job, they didn’t recognize him at first. Expressed tremendous grief at what had befallen Job (wailed, wept, tore robes, threw dust over their heads). For seven days and seven nights, Job doesn’t say a word. Out of respect, Job’s friends say nothing. They just sit there with Job.

WHY AM I SUFFERING? PT. 3

1) For 7 days, Job stayed silent in his tent. What do you think was going on inside of Job during this time? Inner turmoil; a growing heaviness in his soul; continued grief over the loss of his children. As we’ll see, something happened inside of Job during these 7 days that altered his response/reaction to all the suffering he has experienced. This noticeable change will have a tremendous impact on Job’s opinion of himself as well his relationship with his three friends and, most importantly, God.

2) Job finally speaks in chapter 3. In your own words, what did Job say? I wish I had never been born. Moreover, Job wished he had never been conceived. Prefers death over the life he is living now. To the point he would have given up all the blessings (wealth, fame, family) and the joy that came with those blessings that he had experienced in his life prior to his time of suffering. Verses 13-19 – Job makes some interesting statements. Kings and counselors who wasted their lives building & rebuilding castles/fortresses destined for ruin know rest that comes with death. Greedy princes/rulers who wasted their lives pursuing wealth know rest that comes with death. The wicked who have died – men who were unrighteous know rest that comes with death. Prisoners who have died – men who have committed crimes know peace that comes with death. Slaves who have died – the lowest of the low in society know the freedom that comes with death. Read between the lines, what is Job saying? Rulers who pursued selfish pleasures, the wicked, criminals, and slaves who have died know rest/peace/freedom yet I, a righteous man, a man of integrity, am denied the rest/peace/freedom that comes with death. How is that fair? How is that just? Read verses 20-23. Beginning in verse 20, Job asks a question. Why? Why has God kept me alive? Why can’t I know the peace that comes with death? Read verses 24-26. Job is in turmoil - a state of extreme confusion and/or agitation. Why is Job confused? Why do I continue to experience such extreme suffering? Why is God denying me peace/rest? Why can selfish, wicked men know the peace that comes with death and I don’t. More importantly, what I have done to deserve such extreme suffering? Why is Job agitated/upset? God is not treating him with fairness and justice. Rulers who pursued selfish pleasures, the wicked, criminals, and slaves who have died know rest/peace/freedom yet I, a righteous man, a man of integrity, am denied the rest/peace/freedom that comes with death. Consequently, Job feels uneasy/restless/impatient because after 7 days, God has not responded to Job’s why questions.

Were they similar to the words he spoke immediately following the catastrophic events that befell him in chapters 1 and 2? No. If not, how were they different? The man who once said “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity” is now questioning God as to why he is going through adversity. He is no longer accepting of his adversity. It is too much for him to bear. He wants it to end but for some reason, God is prolonging his adversity. Why were they different? What happened inside Job during those 7 days? Time happened. The terrible events that befell Job happened so quickly that he didn’t have a whole lot of time to process/digest what happened to him. His immediate response (acceptance, worship) to all that happened came out of his deep faith in God … a reflex reaction. Job did not question God about his suffering. But as time passed (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4), the initial shock of all that happened to Job began to wear off. As Job sat in ashes in utter agony, the reality of all that he loss (wealth, family, health) began to sink in. Consequently, where there was once acceptance of all that happened to him, there were now questions. Questions that for some reason God was not answering. And so by Day 7, lips that once spoke words of praise toward God were now lamenting over why God allowed him ever live. They questioned God’s fairness/justice.

Book of Job pt. 2

4. Do you find anything unusual about God and Satan’s conversation? Who brings up Job? God. Why does God go out of his way to bring Job to the attention of the enemy? Seriously, He might as well have painted a bull’s eye on Job. Of all the people on the face of the planet, why does God point out Job?

God had confidence in Job to pass the test/face the challenge the Accuser will throw at him. God knew Job better than Satan did. God knew that Job’s faith in Him was not based on enjoying a good life. Job’s faith was much like that of Enoch’s - see Hebrews 11:5-6. Job’s faith rested on the fact that God exists. Nothing more, nothing less. He is the only God that exists and therefore is the only one worthy to be feared, to be worshipped.

5. Having said all that, why does God allow Job to experience the tremendous suffering that we all know is coming his way? Who knows the mind of God?

Job 1:13-22

6. In what ways, does Satan attack Job? See vs. 13-19

Job does not have time to process one catastrophic event before he is told of another.

7. What is Job’s response to all that befell him? Grief, worship, acknowledge God’s sovereignty (Everything I had … children and wealth … came directly from God; therefore, He has the right to take it all away.), praise. Job did not sin. Job did not curse God.

The Book of Job Pt. 2

Job 2:1-6

Young’s Literal Translation of Job 2:3 - And Jehovah saith unto the Adversary, ‘Hast thou set thy heart unto My servant Job because there is none like like him in the land, a man perfect and upright, fearing God and turning aside from evil? And still he is keeping hold on his integrity, and thou dost move Me against him to swallow him up for nought!

Hebrew word “move” – to incite, instigate, lure, entice

Despite your efforts to incite/lure/entice me to destroy Job for no just cause/for no good reason, Job still remains true to me and to himself.

1. What was Satan’s next challenge to God in regards to Job? Paraphrase what Satan said – Man values his physical life more than anything, even God. According to Satan, a person who has contracted a debilitating illness (leprosy, muscular disease, etc.) or terminal disease (cancer), that person would be willing to give up everything, even faith in God, to live the rest of their life in perfect health. Attack Job physically to the point of death and he will curse you to your face. In other words, Satan once again argued that Job’s faith in God was shallow. It was based on God blessing him with excellent health. If Job contracted some debilitating illness, he’ll reject God in a heartbeat.

2. What was God’s response? Do what you want, but don’t kill him.

Job 2:7-10

3. a. What did Satan do to Job? Afflicted Job with painful sores all over his body.

b. Describe what Job’s physical condition must have been like.

Runny sores from top to bottom. Pain 24 hrs a day, itchy scabs that peeled and became black (using pieces of pottery to scratch himself), overwhelming stench, bad breath, disfigurement, revolting appearance, excessive thinness, fever.

4. What words did Job’s wife offer to her husband in his time of anguish? She lashed out at Job. Why do you cling to your integrity? Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. Job’s integrity was based on his faith in God. It was the code he lived by. Job’s wife is telling him to reject it. Curse God and die. No empathy for her husband. No compassion.

5. Why did she say what she said? Job’s loss was her loss. Like Job, she lost wealth and children. Her world had been turned upside down. She’s going through a difficult time as well. Emotional turmoil. Who did she blame? God. Look at where clinging to your integrity/faith in God has gotten you Job. It has cost us our wealth, our children, and now your health and my husband. The God that you persist in following has brought all these undeserving calamities upon us. Such a God is not deserving of your faith so curse Him – tell Him how much you hate Him for what He has done to you and then die. Job’s wife said these words, but who put the words in her mouth? Satan. Couples – It is in times of stress, anxiety, anger that we are most vulnerable to the Enemy’s temptations. It is in those times we are most susceptible to fall under his influence to say or do something that will drive a wedge in our relationship with our spouse.

6. a. What was Job’s response to his wife? “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” Job acknowledged and defined the sovereignty of God. God is the Creator and I am the created. God makes the rules; I don’t. The reason why I experienced years of blessings is not because of anything I did; it’s because God chose to bless me. The reason why I am experiencing adversity now is not because of anything I did; it’s because God has allowed it to happen. To solely embrace the former and not acknowledge the latter is foolishness. Therefore, the fact that I am presently experiencing adversity after years of blessings is not sufficient reason for me to reject God.

b. What did he refuse to do? Refused to sin with his lips by cursing God.

The Book of Job Pt. 1

Theme

At the heart of the Book of Job is suffering in all its forms – emotional, physical, and spiritual. We will witness the protagonist/leading character experience all three at the same time and to such a degree that few of us can ever imagine. The book of Job provides us with an intimate view into the soul of a broken man. If you read Job, not in a two dimensional manner, but in a three dimensional manner, you will experience what he experiences. You will feel his pain – emotional, physical, and spiritual.

This book is not just about Job and his suffering. There are other individuals in the book who play key roles – his wife and his closest friends.

As we watch Job and the other players in the book react to his suffering, the following practical questions will be addressed.

1. What is my reaction/response to suffering? What should it be?

2. What is my reaction/response to those experiencing suffering? What should it be?

3. Why am I suffering? Is it because I have done something wrong and God is punishing me or is there another reason?

In laymen’s terms, why do bad things happen to good people? If you were to have asked that question to an Israelite living in O.T. times, he would have looked at you funny. The predominant belief among the Israelites was that bad things happened only to bad people. The reason why your children died young, lost your wealth, lost your health, etc., was because you sinned. God was punishing you for your sins. The reason why you had lots of children, wealthy, healthy was because you were a righteous person. God was blessing you for your righteousness. The Book of Job hits that commonly held view head on with the outcome proving to be surprising

4. Why doesn’t God tell me why I am suffering? Related question – Is God required to answer this question? Is He answerable to us?

5. How does suffering impact my relationship with God?

Outline

I. Prologue: Job’s happiness and Job’s testing (ch. 1-2)

II. Dialogue and Dispute: Job and his three friends (ch. 3-27)

III. Interlude on Wisdom (ch. 28)

IV. Monologues: Job, Elihu, and God (ch. 29-42)

V. Epilogue: Repentance and Restoration (ch. 42)
Background

Job believed to have lived 2000 years before Christ. It is believed that Job lived sometime after the Flood and before Abraham. Evidence - Job was not an Israelite/Hebrew. He lived in the Land of Uz – large territory east of the Jordan River. There is no mention of the Mosaic Law in the book of Job. No mention of the children of Israel. Uncertainty over who wrote the Book of Job and when it was written. Possible authors – Moses, Solomon, Ezra, or Job himself. Most common belief is that Job’s story was passed down by word of mouth over a lengthy period of time (possibly 2000 years) before finally being written down. The various translators of Job – Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, English – had a difficult time translating the book because of the archaic/ancient style of the language. Different from other OT books. Tells you how old the book of Job is.

Job 1:1-5

1. What do we learn about Job in these verses? How would you describe him?

Wealthy, famous, large family, strong morals – man of integrity – did what was right – excellent reputation in the community – no one had anything bad to say about Job; strong spiritually – feared God. Detested evil. (KJV – escheweth evil). In fact, Job is listed with Daniel and Noah as examples of righteousness (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). Strong family man. Concerned with the spiritual health of his children. Job did not ignore his children’s partying or laugh it off as kids being kids. When their parties ended, Job would send for his children and sanctify/consecrate them - set them apart from any evil they might have done and offer sacrifices on their behalf. Job acted as intercessor – prayed on behalf of his children on a regular basis. Fathers – we need to follow Job’s example.

Job 1: 6-12

2. What do we learn about Satan in these verses - where he resides, his role in creation, and his authority?

Residence – not Hell; roaming the earth seeking whom he can devour (I Peter 5: 8)

Role – Satan – the accuser; we’ll see example in a moment with Job.
Authority – he has great power but there are limitations to his power. Satan is not a god – not omniscient, omnipotent, nor omnipresent; why is he attending to this convocation of sons of God/angels? Whether he likes it or not, Satan is still answerable to God.

God and Satan strike up a conversation:

God: “What have you been up to?”

Satan with a certain amount of pride and arrogance – “The usual. Roaming around the world making life miserable for your creation. Leading humanity deeper and deeper into sin.” Some justification for Satan’s arrogance. In Job’s day, man was far away from God. Worshipping all kinds of gods – Egypt: Ra, Horus, Osiris. Hittites – Baal, Ashtoreth. Philistines – Dagon; On and on. Job, worshiper of God, was in the minority.

God: “During your travels around the world, did you happen to notice my boy Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is faithful to me; a man of great integrity; a righteous man; who detests evil.”

Satan: “I wonder why? You’ve coddled him. You protect Job and his household from harm and You have made him the richest man on the planet. Why wouldn’t he be faithful to You? You made it easy for him to follow you. I guarantee You this; allow something bad to happen to him. Take all he has away from him … everything You have given him – his family, his wealth, and Job will curse You to Your face!”

God: “Alright, if you believe that to be true, then I give you authority over everything he has BUT do not lay a finger on Job himself.”

3. Satan means accuser. What accusations did Satan make?
Job - Job is righteous only because his righteousness paid dividends – family, fortune, and fame.

God – God gave Job a reason to follow after Him (God) by giving Job material rewards. vs. 10 – You have….

Job’s faith in you is shallow. God, Your faith in Job is shallow. Why else have You not allowed anything bad to happen to him? Take away the dividends/rewards, Job will reject You in a heart beat. All it’ll take is one bad day.

The One Necessary Thing

Give examples of sibling differences Read Luke 10:38-42 1. Do you notice anything unusual about they way Mary and Martha are introduced to us? Name – Hebrew word is Onoma – proper name Called – kaleo – to give a name to. Nickname is often descriptive of one’s personality/physical characteristics. Alexander the Great, Ivan the Terrible, Charles the Bald, Louis the Pious. Note: Mary --- the Hebrew relates to the word Mara, which means bitter or rebellious. “Mary” in Luke 10 is perhaps not a given name but a nickname. This woman had a reputation for being bitter or rebellious. 2. What is the definition of bitterness? Resentful; Expression of severe anguish or disappointment 3. Describe a person who is bitter. What is their personality like? How do they present themselves? What is their attitude like? 4. If Mary was bitter, what do you think she may have been bitter about? Not being married. No mention of husband. Loss of spouse. Or spinster. Jewish culture – looked down upon if not married by age 20. 5. Describe the scene at Martha’s house. What is Martha doing and why? Martha busy preparing the meal … serving food and drink to her guests. In the middle of her “busyness”, Jesus is teaching to the people in the house. Martha reminds me of my mom/Kim’s mom. Refuse to sit down for a meal. When they do it’s only for a minute or two. Unable to participate in fellowship of family. Distracted – Greek word is Perispao - The Greek word properly signifies to be drawn different ways at the same time. You ever felt that way? Give examples. 6. What is Mary doing and why? Sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach. Enthralled by what she is hearing. If Mary was bitter, the words of Jesus sweetened her spirit. They were bringing her hope. 7. What do you think was going through Martha’s mind while Mary was listening to Jesus? What does Martha say to Jesus? “Jesus! Don’t you care that my sister is not helping me keep you and ours guests comfortable? Tell her to get her lazy self up and help me!” How do you think she said it? 8. What does all the above tell us about Martha - her personality? Perfectionist, bossy, not afraid to say what’s on her mind, not afraid to rebuke others – including Jesus. You hear Martha being bitter toward her sister AND Jesus. 9. What distracts you from listening to God? Good intentions can create distractions. 10. What did Jesus say to Martha? Read verse 41 11. Why do you think Jesus had to say her name twice? Get her attention. Get her to stop her “busyness” so that she can listen to what He had to say to her. 12. What was Martha’s issue/problem? Perispao. She was worried and anxious about a multitude of things. Jesus wanted Martha to focus on what? The one thing that is necessary. 13. What is the one thing that is necessary? The Words that came from the lips of Jesus. His Words will never depart from Mary. When she feels the bitterness begin to grow inside her, Mary will be able to remember the Words of Jesus and know hope again. This is why it is so important to know the Word of God. When the World creates an environment that will make you want to Perispao, the Word of God will keep you focused on the One thing that is necessary. Two women with the same problem---bitterness. But the bitterness stems from different issues. One is listening to Jesus, the other is not. With whom do you identify?

Know Your Enemy: The Armor of God Pt. 2

D) Shield of faith Purpose for Roman soldier – Provided protection from enemy attacks – close range (swords, fists) or long distance (spears, arrows). If a soldier were to go into battle without a shield, how long would he last? Not long. Spend most of his time running and dodging. He would not be able to stand his ground firmly. Purpose for Christian – Define faith – Read Hebrews 11:1. Being certain/being sure of our hope/of what we do not see. Read I Peter 5:8-9. Faith keeps us grounded in God. When the Enemy seeks to pounce on us and devour us like a lion, we are to stand firm and throw up our shield of faith and resist him. When he shoots the flaming arrows of (write following on the board) temptation, confusion, hatred, anger, bitterness, guilt, loneliness, depression, uber pride all in an effort to weaken our relationship with God and our fellow man, we are to stand firm and throw up our shield of faith to extinguish them/snuff them out/make them ineffective. Enemy/this world is throwing everything at you including the kitchen sink to cause you to despair/lose hope – your faith in God and his promise of salvation enables you to stand firm. If you go into battle without a shield of faith, you have no hope against the Enemy. E) Helmet of salvation Purpose for Roman soldier - Protected the soldier’s head from mortal injury. If a soldier were to go into battle without a helmet, how long would he last? Not long. Purpose for Christian – When we put on the helmet of salvation, what are we putting on? We are putting on an eternal hope … we are putting on an eternal assurance … we are putting on an eternal confidence … in the FACT that the blood of Christ has saved us from an eternal punishment and saved us into an eternal relationship with God. The helmet of salvation protects that knowledge. Such knowledge is important because the Enemy is going to do and say everything he can to undermine your hope, your assurance, your confidence in your salvation. If he can get you to forget your helmet of salvation, to get you to question your salvation, he has made you an ineffective soldier. Ex. If in the midst of a battle, Nate loses hope/loses confidence in himself, in everything that made him a Marine, how effective a soldier will he be? F) Sword of the Spirit - Purpose for Roman soldier – To fight a war, a soldier has to have a weapon. For a Roman soldier it was a double-edged sword (sharp on both sides). The sword used as an offensive weapon and a defensive weapon. Purpose for Christian – According to Paul, what is our spiritual sword? The Word of God. The Bible. In Hebrews 4:12, the author says the Bible is sharper than any double-edged sword, able to divide spirit and soul, joints and marrow. The Bible is our weapon against the Enemy. God’s Word defends us from his attacks. It is also to be used to attack the Enemy to send him running. Recall when Satan tempted Jesus. How did Jesus defeat the Enemy? What were the first three words Jesus spoke “It is written …” Satan attacks – guilt/self-condemnation; Counterattack with John 3:17; Romans 8:1 Satan attacks - worry; Counterattack with Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-7 Satan attacks - unloved; Counterattack with Romans 8:38-39 Satan attacks – negative attitude; Counterattack with Philippians 4:8 Satan attacks – pride; Counterattack with Obadiah 3-4 To be successful in our struggle against the Enemy, knowing and living God’s Word is mandatory. 7) If a Christian is missing one piece of armor, how effective a soldier would he/she be? He/she will be very ineffective. 8) What role does prayer play in our war against the Enemy? Prayer plays a vital role. It is our communication line to our commander. Without prayer, we don’t have a prayer against Satan. When developing military strategy/planning to defeat an enemy – at top of the list is cutting off/destroying the communications of the enemy. Prevent commanders from communicating to front-line troops. Why? Promotes confusion. Have no knowledge where the opposing army is at. Have no knowledge where or when to mount a proper defense. Same in spiritual warfare. The Enemy seeks to prevent us from communicating with our battle commander. Through prayer, God gives us direction, strength, courage, boldness, wisdom we need to fight the Enemy. Through prayer, we are able to put on the whole armor of God needed to fight the Enemy. Should pieces of our armor become weak, through prayer God strengthens our armor. How important is prayer? How essential is prayer? How often did Paul say we are to pray? At all times. If we want to be successful in our war against Satan, we must be in constant communication with God. If you are not, you are going to constantly fall prey to the Enemy’s snares/traps. Regularly devoured. Regularly hit by flaming missiles. 9) What is the final outcome of the Enemy? Rd. Revelation 20:10. Cause for rejoicing. Until then, Satan is still our adversary/our Enemy. My prayer is that after this study you are better prepared/better armed to fight the Enemy. Not just fight, but overcome. Live a victorious life and not a defeated one.