Faith and Understanding Amidst Life's Unfair Trials

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Job chapter 12, verses 23 and 24, exploring the theme of maintaining faith when life seems unfair. Job's story is a profound example of enduring immense suffering while grappling with the question of why such trials occur. Job lost his wealth, health, and family, yet he continued to seek understanding and maintain his faith in God. His friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, offered misguided counsel, attributing Job's suffering to his own sins and those of his children. Job, however, longed for a mediator, a "daysman," to stand between him and God, a role that foreshadows Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between humanity and divinity.

We also examined the concept of authority, as Jesus declared in Matthew 28:16-20 that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This authority empowers believers to walk in faith, knowing that Jesus has control over every aspect of life, from personal struggles to global events. Job's friends failed to seek true wisdom, relying instead on their own understanding and past experiences. This highlights the importance of continually seeking God's wisdom and understanding, rather than assuming we already possess it.

Job's response to his friends underscores the need for empathy and humility. He pointed out that those who are not suffering often lack compassion for those who are. Job's declaration of God's sovereignty serves as a reminder that God is in control, regardless of our circumstances. He has the power to build up and tear down nations, to give and take away understanding, and to guide us through the darkest times.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Role of a Mediator: Job's longing for a "daysman" who could mediate between him and God foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ. Jesus, being both divine and human, bridges the gap between us and God, reconciling us through His sacrifice. This mediator role is crucial for understanding how we can approach God despite our imperfections. [07:48]

2. Walking in Authority: Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This authority is not just for Him but is also extended to us as His followers. We are called to walk in this authority, understanding that Jesus has control over every situation we face, from personal struggles to global issues. [10:05]

3. The Pursuit of Wisdom: True wisdom is not something we possess inherently but something we must continually seek. Job's friends failed because they relied on their past knowledge and did not seek new understanding. We must be willing to let go of our preconceived notions and seek God's wisdom in every situation. [20:33]

4. Empathy in Suffering: Job pointed out that those who are not suffering often lack compassion for those who are. It's easy to judge others when we are not in their shoes, but true empathy requires us to understand and support those who are struggling. This is a call to be more compassionate and less judgmental. [27:26]

5. God's Sovereignty: Job's declaration of God's sovereignty serves as a powerful reminder that God is in control of everything. He has the power to build up and tear down, to give and take away understanding. Regardless of our circumstances, we can trust that God is sovereign and His plans are perfect. [32:50]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:04] - Job's Suffering
[04:07] - Job's Marital and Health Struggles
[05:37] - Friends' Misguided Counsel
[07:48] - The Role of a Daysman
[10:05] - Jesus' Authority
[11:50] - Walking in Divine Authority
[13:59] - Jesus' Authority Over All
[15:48] - Job's Response to Zophar
[18:45] - Wisdom and Understanding
[20:33] - The Pursuit of Wisdom
[22:19] - Fools and Wisdom
[24:39] - Personal Anecdote
[27:26] - Empathy in Suffering
[29:21] - Misjudgment and Compassion
[31:09] - God's Sovereignty
[32:50] - Job's Declaration of God's Power
[39:01] - Respecting God's Sovereignty

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Job 12:23-24: "He makes nations great and destroys them; he enlarges nations and disperses them. He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason; he makes them wander in a trackless waste."
2. Matthew 28:16-20: "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the main sources of Job's suffering as described in the sermon? [02:04]
2. How did Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, interpret his suffering? [05:37]
3. What role does the "daysman" or mediator play in Job's desire to understand his suffering? [07:48]
4. According to the sermon, what authority does Jesus claim in Matthew 28:16-20? [10:05]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Job's longing for a mediator foreshadow the role of Jesus Christ? [07:48]
2. In what ways did Job's friends fail to provide true wisdom and understanding? [20:33]
3. How does Jesus' declaration of authority in Matthew 28:16-20 empower believers in their daily lives? [10:05]
4. What does Job's response to his friends teach us about empathy and humility in the face of suffering? [27:26]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like Job, enduring immense suffering. How did you maintain your faith during that period? [02:04]
2. Job's friends offered misguided counsel based on their own understanding. How can you ensure that your advice to others is rooted in God's wisdom rather than personal assumptions? [05:37]
3. Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. How can you walk in this authority in your personal struggles and challenges? [10:05]
4. Job pointed out that those who are not suffering often lack compassion for those who are. How can you cultivate true empathy for others who are going through difficult times? [27:26]
5. Job's declaration of God's sovereignty serves as a reminder that God is in control. How can you trust in God's sovereignty in your current circumstances, especially when they seem unfair? [32:50]
6. Think of a situation where you relied on your past knowledge instead of seeking God's wisdom. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [20:33]
7. Identify a person in your life who is currently suffering. What specific actions can you take this week to show them empathy and support? [27:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Role of a Mediator
Job's longing for a mediator between him and God foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ. In the midst of his suffering, Job yearned for someone who could bridge the gap between his humanity and God's divinity. This mediator role is crucial for understanding how we can approach God despite our imperfections. Jesus, being both divine and human, fulfills this role perfectly, reconciling us to God through His sacrifice on the cross. This understanding helps us to see that we are never alone in our struggles; Jesus stands with us, advocating on our behalf.

In our daily lives, we often feel the weight of our shortcomings and sins, making us hesitant to approach God. However, knowing that Jesus is our mediator should give us confidence and peace. He understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us, ensuring that we can come before God with boldness and assurance. This truth is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that we are always connected to God through Jesus Christ. [07:48]

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel distant from God due to your imperfections. How can you remind yourself today that Jesus is your mediator, bridging the gap between you and God?

Day 2: Walking in Authority
Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, and this authority is extended to us as His followers. This means that we are empowered to walk in faith, knowing that Jesus has control over every situation we face, from personal struggles to global issues. Understanding this authority helps us to live boldly and confidently, trusting that Jesus is sovereign over all aspects of our lives.

When we face challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. However, recognizing that Jesus has given us His authority changes our perspective. We are not helpless; we are equipped to face difficulties with the assurance that Jesus is in control. This empowers us to pray with confidence, act with courage, and trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. [10:05]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel powerless. How can you begin to walk in the authority that Jesus has given you in this situation?

Day 3: The Pursuit of Wisdom
True wisdom is not something we possess inherently but something we must continually seek. Job's friends failed because they relied on their past knowledge and did not seek new understanding. This highlights the importance of continually seeking God's wisdom and understanding, rather than assuming we already possess it. We must be willing to let go of our preconceived notions and seek God's guidance in every situation.

In our daily lives, we often rely on our own understanding and past experiences to navigate challenges. However, true wisdom comes from God, and we must actively seek it through prayer, reading Scripture, and being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This requires humility and a willingness to admit that we do not have all the answers. By seeking God's wisdom, we can make better decisions and live in a way that honors Him. [20:33]

James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: Think of a decision you need to make. How can you seek God's wisdom in this situation rather than relying solely on your own understanding?

Day 4: Empathy in Suffering
Job pointed out that those who are not suffering often lack compassion for those who are. It's easy to judge others when we are not in their shoes, but true empathy requires us to understand and support those who are struggling. This is a call to be more compassionate and less judgmental, recognizing that everyone faces their own battles and needs our support and understanding.

In our interactions with others, we must strive to be empathetic and compassionate, especially towards those who are suffering. This means listening without judgment, offering support, and being present for those in need. By doing so, we reflect the love and compassion of Christ, who always showed empathy towards those who were hurting. [27:26]

Romans 12:15 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is currently suffering. How can you show empathy and support to them today?

Day 5: God's Sovereignty
Job's declaration of God's sovereignty serves as a powerful reminder that God is in control of everything. He has the power to build up and tear down, to give and take away understanding. Regardless of our circumstances, we can trust that God is sovereign and His plans are perfect. This understanding helps us to find peace and trust in God's plan, even when we do not understand why certain things happen.

In our lives, we often face situations that seem unfair or difficult to understand. However, trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He is in control and that His plans are ultimately for our good. This trust allows us to surrender our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He is working all things for His glory and our benefit. [32:50]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you are struggling to see God's plan. How can you trust in His sovereignty and surrender your worries to Him today?

Quotes

1. "In one day, according to Job chapter one, Job was completely stripped of pretty much most of everything he understood and knew in life. 500 yoke of oxen. 500 donkeys. And 3000 camels. And 3000 camels were stolen by an enemy raid. That means he was violated by thieves who took all of his livestock that was responsible for his wealth and livelihood. 7000 sheep were struck by lightning and killed 10 of his children, which was all of them were caught up in a tornado or windstorm and killed in one bad day." [02:04] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Any one of those is enough to create great strife, but to have all of it at the same time. And not only that, the doctors couldn't tell him what was wrong with him. And so he's dealing with all these symptoms and has no prognosis or diagnosis. And does not understand why he's going through what he's going through. On top of that, in the midst of him laying on his sick bed, his wife told him, Joe, why don't you just curse God and die? My Lord. So now he's got marital problems. Not really feeling supported by the one family man." [04:07] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The daysman during this time period was a person. Who was given the authority to step in between two disputing parties and settle the dispute. Oh, you're missing your shout. Let me say this again. daysman was an individual who was given the authority to step in between two competing disputing parties and reconcile, remedy, address the dispute. If you remember, Job said he wanted somebody to lay a hand on him and a hand on God because what a daysman would do is bring both parties together and lay his hands on the heads of both." [07:48] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Whatever you're facing, I have the authority over it. Whatever is in front of you, I have the authority over that. You've got sickness in your body. I've got authority over that. You got a bill that needs to get paid. I've got authority over that. Your mind's going crazy. I've got authority over that. You don't like what's happening in politics. I've got the authority over that. There's wars and rumors and wars, but I've got the authority of that. I'm the king of kings, the Lord and Lord, the alpha and omega, beginning and end, the author and finisher of your faith." [10:05] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When you understand the power that you have you'll understand that what job was crying for we've already been given yeah so Jesus so this is so far character comes to respond to job so far is the youngest of the three friends he gives the shortest rebuttal but he speaks with the most anger and the sharpest tongue he is downright disrespectful he tells job you are guilty of sin he tells job you don't know nothing about God you were ignorant about God and Danny tells job that it's your own sin that you are in the predicament that you are in and Job gives a lengthy response one so lengthy that we won't get through all of it this morning but he begins to respond somebody say Job even in his sickbed he won't take in no stuff you you Job is sick and hurting and he's still like oh but I'm gonna respond to you just said and watch how he responds he begins in chapter 12 with affirming his friends no doubt you are the people and wisdom will die with you but I have understanding as well as you watch what he does he's saying no doubt you smart I" [18:45] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Job says that it is easy to see clearly in your own eyes what is wrong with everybody else when you are in a position of ease. This is one of the reasons why so many today in the richest nation in the world have poor nutrition, poor education, poor health care and while the people who have the power to do something about it in the position of privilege and ease turn a deaf ear to it all." [29:21] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Job tells them that god has the power to give man the ability to taste the food that is placed in his mouth but god is also saying that it is god who gives man the ability to discern what is truth and what is a lie joe begins to point out to his friends who are older and no more than he does supposedly that god at the end of the day is sovereign and sovereign over everything and everybody and that at any moment god can tear down one of his friends and he can tear down one of his friends and he can tear down one of his friends and he can tear down one of his friends and put it in a state of disrepair oh my god has the full wisdom to understand and know exactly what is going on and god has the power not only to understand it but he has the power to bring any and everything to pass job is telling them no matter your status state title or power that has been given to you by man god is still yet in control job is telling them that every person from every background experience experiences difficulties experiences pain experiences heartache experiences betrayal what job is telling them is that god is no respecter of person it does not matter your wealth or your socioeconomic status it does not matter your rank or your title rank or your title your position or how long you have been there we all serve a sovereign god who can do whatever he wants to do when he wants to do it how he wants to do it and god is not a man that he can lie what god says as soon as god says it it is here it is job is saying that god can even do what he wants to do when he wants to do it how he wants to do it and god is not a man that he can lie what god says as soon as god says it it is here it is job is saying that god can even do what he wants to do when he wants to do it how he wants to do it and god is not a man that he can lie what god says as soon as god says it it is here it is job is saying that god can even do what he wants to do when he wants to do when he wants to do it how he wants to do it how he wants to do it and god is not a man that he can lie what god says as soon as god says it it is here it is" [32:50] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I don't understand it. But I'm going to respect him. It hurts. But I'm going to respect him. It's unpleasant. But I'm going to respect him. I don't think it's right. But I'm going." [39:01] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?