Job: Temptation and Testing
What is the difference between temptation and testing? Is there really a difference? Does God tempt us? Does God test us? And if he does, why is it necessary for believers to experience this?
Job: God in the Darkness
Imagine packing for an eight-day trip, only to find yourself still away… two hundred eighty-six days later due to unforeseen circumstances! That’s what happened to astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore. Their Starliner spacecraft successfully delivered them to the International Space Station but could not bring them home because of a mechanical failure. Recently, the SpaceX Crew-10 spacecraft launched, docked at the International Space Station, and returned the stranded astronauts to Earth. Williams’ first words upon returning were, “I’ve a really good feeling.”
Episode 70 When Porn Hits Home
Counselor Heidi Erickson on the mental and psychological effects of pornography in the marriage relationship.
Job: God in the Darkness
One of my favorite authors is C. S. Lewis. I quote him often, yet I sometimes hold back to avoid giving the impression that he is the only author I read! However, if that were true, I believe I would be all the better for it. The great thing about Lewis is that since he passed away many years ago, he can’t change his doctrine like many contemporary writers have done.
Job: Stars in the Darkness
We have followed Job’s disappointment with his friends and with God. Yet, a tension remains: pain persists, and God is sovereign. Job endures immense physical and emotional distress. He has questions and still longs to meet God in court. However, for now, Job shifts his focus from his loathsome situation to contemplating God’s greatness.
Job: Why Do the Wicked Prosper?
The beauty of studying Job lies in the fact that we’re not merely viewing a single snapshot but experiencing the whole story—from his blessings to his tragedies, including Job’s questions for God and God’s responses to him, culminating in Job’s restoration. Additionally, God gives us a glimpse into heaven, allowing us to listen in on his conversations with Satan. What a gift God has granted us in the book of Job!
Job: Alone In Our Pain
Is there anything lonelier than pain? I’m not sure there is. When we know a friend or family member is going through a tough time, we reach out through texts, calls, and visits, doing our best to support them. Yet, most of the time, we must face our pain alone.
Job: Can Anyone Help Me?
In this section of our Job study, we’re exploring Job’s disappointment with God. His words are honest and raw. As we noted last time, God’s willingness to hear us speak from our hearts is a remarkable demonstration of his unconditional love. However, I must emphasize an essential point in this part of the story: Job expresses his disappointment but doesn’t linger there. So, let’s ensure we do the same—learn and continue moving forward.
Job: Disappointment with God
Job lost his ten children and his means of making a living. Then, the final blow struck when disease ravaged his body. The painful sores forced Job to isolate himself at a garbage dump to cope with both his suffering and the oozing wounds covering his body. Three friends came to help, but their words were as hurtful as his ailments.
Job: Disappointment with Friends
Job’s friends did not sit quietly drinking coffee with him. They believed that the tragedies Job was grieving and his afflicted body resulted from his sins. We have examined their counsel to Job—well, their insinuations and accusations. Now, we will explore the themes that emerge in Job’s responses.
Episode 69 A Tribute to Craig Wolfley
Former Steeler and Color Analyst Craig Wolfley on football, Tunch Ilkin, and following hard after Jesus.
Job: RESET
Above all, Job loved God. He was upright and blameless, devoted to serving the Lord. He lived a disciplined life of integrity and was the spiritual leader for his large family. He was the most remarkable man in all the East. Then, one day, he lost everything.
Job: A Friend You Want to Stay Away
Zophar listened to Job respond to Bildad’s second speech and became impatient. He is one of those people who would rather talk than listen. Do you know anyone like that? Zophar said, “My thoughts answer me, because of my haste within me.” He doesn’t listen while others talk. Instead, he thinks about his response and can’t wait to share it. Zophar also noted that he was insulted by Job’s remarks (Job 20:3).
Job: The Voice of Zophar
In our study of Job, we have encountered harsh criticism from Job’s friends, Eliphaz and Bildad. Today, we meet Zophar, who essentially reiterates the other two friends’ sentiments.
Job: Room for Mystery
Writing about the greatness of God, the prophet Isaiah asked, “Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? (Isa. 40:13-14) The answer to these rhetorical questions is, “No one!” No man or woman can understand the mind of God and all the ways he works in our lives and the world.
Job: God in Balance
Job lost his family, wealth, and health, leaving him to grapple with questions about God. The foundation of his life has collapsed. He is in emotional pain from losing his family. He endures physical suffering due to his deteriorating health. It’s hard for him to breathe (9:18), and he has no appetite (3:24). He is covered in painful, ulcerous sores (2:7). Additionally, he faces spiritual turmoil. What is God doing? Can I trust him? Is he enough?
Job: Sinner and Hypocrite!
Yesterday, we considered Eliphaz’s first two messages recorded in Job 4 and 15. Today, our focus is on Job 22. In his final confrontation, Eliphaz tells Job, “You are a sinner!” (Job 22:1-11), “You are a hypocrite!” (Job 22:12-20), and “You must repent!” (Job 22:21-29).
Job: Who Suffers Without Reason?
Many people believe that life’s challenges are always the result of sin. They hold a “cause and effect” view of God: sin leads to punishment, while obedience results in blessings. However, our study reveals that Job was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” God was not punishing Job for sin; instead, he was permitting Satan to test Job’s integrity.
Episode 68 Navigating the Dangers of Pornography
Counselor Heidi Erickson on the mental and psychological dangers of pornography and how it impacts us today and in the future.
Job: With Friends Like These
Someone has said you should walk a mile in another person’s shoes before criticizing them. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and have their shoes! I think that’s worth a chuckle. However, what follows with Job’s three friends isn’t amusing. They began their interaction with severe criticism. They hadn’t walked a mile, not even a yard, in Job’s shoes. Yet, they were convinced that Job had done something terrible to lose his family, health, and livelihood, which led them to reprimand him.
Before we move on to Job 4, let me introduce Job’s friends and present a framework for examining the upcoming chapters of the book.