42 min
“The Question of the Ages—Why?” Lesson 12b: On the Defensive Bakersfield First Assembly
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- Christianity
The Book of Job
“The Question of the Ages—Why?”
Lesson 12b: On the Defensive
1. Job defends himself by challenging God.
a. If we accuse God of not caring, it is evidence that we don’t know God very well.
b. Never allow your difficult circumstances to discredit the character of God in your heart.
c. Sometimes, we see ourselves as more fair and more just than God.
2. Job defends himself by insulting his friends.
Job 6:14-27 (NIV) – [14] “A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. [15] But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams, as the streams that overflow [16] when darkened by thawing ice and swollen with melting snow, [17] but that cease to flow in the dry season, and in the heat vanish from their channels. [18] Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go up into the wasteland and perish. [19] The caravans of Tema look for water, the traveling merchants of Sheba look in hope. [20] They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed. [21] Now you too have proved to be of no help; you see something dreadful and are afraid. [22] Have I ever said, ‘Give something on my behalf, pay a ransom for me from your wealth, [23] deliver me from the hand of the enemy, ransom me from the clutches of the ruthless’? [24] Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong. [25] How painful are honest words! But what do your arguments prove? [26] Do you mean to correct what I say, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind? [27] You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) – [9] Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: [10] If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! [11] Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? [12] Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Proverbs 27:6 (KJV) – [6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
a. Just because you say something honest does not mean it was the right thing to say.
b. We are to speak the truth but speak it in love.
c. Criticism is rooted in our opinion; truthfulness is rooted in God’s Word.
1 Peter 2:21-23 (NIV) – [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
The Book of Job
“The Question of the Ages—Why?”
Lesson 12b: On the Defensive
1. Job defends himself by challenging God.
a. If we accuse God of not caring, it is evidence that we don’t know God very well.
b. Never allow your difficult circumstances to discredit the character of God in your heart.
c. Sometimes, we see ourselves as more fair and more just than God.
2. Job defends himself by insulting his friends.
Job 6:14-27 (NIV) – [14] “A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. [15] But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams, as the streams that overflow [16] when darkened by thawing ice and swollen with melting snow, [17] but that cease to flow in the dry season, and in the heat vanish from their channels. [18] Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go up into the wasteland and perish. [19] The caravans of Tema look for water, the traveling merchants of Sheba look in hope. [20] They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed. [21] Now you too have proved to be of no help; you see something dreadful and are afraid. [22] Have I ever said, ‘Give something on my behalf, pay a ransom for me from your wealth, [23] deliver me from the hand of the enemy, ransom me from the clutches of the ruthless’? [24] Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong. [25] How painful are honest words! But what do your arguments prove? [26] Do you mean to correct what I say, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind? [27] You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) – [9] Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: [10] If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! [11] Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? [12] Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Proverbs 27:6 (KJV) – [6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
a. Just because you say something honest does not mean it was the right thing to say.
b. We are to speak the truth but speak it in love.
c. Criticism is rooted in our opinion; truthfulness is rooted in God’s Word.
1 Peter 2:21-23 (NIV) – [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
42 min