Trusting God Through Trials: Lessons from Job
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor emphasizing the importance of submitting to God's rule and finding safety in His guidance, using the story of Job as an example. The pastor highlights that Job's problems were not caused by God, but rather by Job himself due to his self-righteousness. The pastor encourages the congregation to place their faith in God during difficult situations. The sermon also discusses the reconciliation of Job, warning the congregation to be careful about misrepresenting God when comforting others in difficult times. The pastor concludes this section by highlighting the significance of the sacrifices Job's friends were instructed to make, demonstrating the severity of God's displeasure towards their actions.
The pastor then discusses the misconception that trials and tribulations are always a result of God's punishment for sin. He refers to the story of Job, emphasizing that Job's suffering is not a punishment for sin, but rather a test of his faith. The pastor also notes that Job displays a self-righteous attitude throughout the book, making himself the center of his own universe. This portion of the sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding that trials and tribulations do not always indicate punishment, but can serve as opportunities for growth and strengthening of faith.
The pastor then emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during difficult times, leading the congregation in a prayer, thanking God for His example in Job and for the ability to trust in Him. The pastor asks God to help them trust in Him during difficult times, even when they don't have all the answers or understand why certain things are happening. The pastor encourages the congregation to rely on God's trustworthiness and to seek His presence in all circumstances.
The pastor then discusses the story of Job and how God challenges him to take on the role of God for a day. The pastor explains that God is essentially asking Job to see if he can run the world any better than God can. The pastor emphasizes that God is trying to show Job that what he sees is not the full picture, and that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human ways and thoughts. The pastor concludes by highlighting that everything God does is perfect, and that Job should trust in God during difficult times because God will take care of him.
The sermon concludes with the pastor emphasizing that times of trials and tribulations are one of the main ways that God speaks to us and draws us closer to Him. The pastor uses the example of Job, who experienced immense hardships but remained faithful to God. The pastor encourages the congregation to trust in God and not accuse Him, even when faced with difficult circumstances. The pastor concludes by highlighting that those who fully turn to God in their sorrow will find a pathway closer to His tender mercies and obtain keepsakes of Him to treasure forever, even if they do not have all the answers to their trials.
Key Takeaways:
- Job's problems were not caused by God, but rather by Job himself due to his self-righteousness. This serves as a reminder that we should not blame God for our problems, but rather examine our own actions and attitudes ([12:45]).
- Trials and tribulations are not always a result of God's punishment for sin, but can serve as opportunities for growth and strengthening of faith. This challenges the common misconception that suffering is always a result of sin and encourages believers to see trials as opportunities for spiritual growth ([24:33]).
- Trusting in God during difficult times is crucial, even when we don't have all the answers or understand why certain things are happening. This encourages believers to rely on God's trustworthiness and to seek His presence in all circumstances ([36:12]).
- God's ways and thoughts are higher than human ways and thoughts. This serves as a reminder that we cannot fully comprehend God's plans and purposes, and that we should trust in His wisdom and sovereignty ([48:27]).
- Times of trials and tribulations are one of the main ways that God speaks to us and draws us closer to Him. This encourages believers to see difficult times as opportunities to draw closer to God and to trust in His faithfulness ([59:15]).
The sermon begins with the pastor focusing on the significance of God's covenantal name, Jehovah, and its absence in the previous chapters of the book of Job. The pastor explains that God has now come in full force, showing His power and returning with His covenantal name, the Lord. This is a fearful moment for Job, as he is about to receive a lesson from God. Job had desired an answer from God, but when he receives it, he is not pleased because God's questions are direct and Job cannot provide an answer. God wants to impress upon Job that with his limited knowledge, he has no right to question the creator of the universe. God asks a total of 83 questions throughout chapters 38 to 41, challenging Job's self-righteous attitude and desire to vindicate himself.
The pastor then uses relatable examples to illustrate the frustration that comes from someone questioning an expert in a particular field. He likens this to a backseat driver, someone who constantly offers unnecessary advice while someone else is driving. This concept is connected to Job's interaction with God. Job had been questioning God and trying to understand why he was suffering, similar to a backseat driver questioning the driver's decisions. However, in response, God demands that Job answer His questions instead. Job eventually realizes his mistake and humbly admits his wrongs, vowing to remain silent and not question further.
The pastor shares a personal anecdote about taking a difficult test in college and receiving a low grade despite not knowing the answers. This leads the pastor to draw a parallel with Job, who also faced challenges and did not have all the answers. Job was described as a perfect man, not in the sense of being sinless, but in being blameless and without reproach. Job's faith was tested when he lost his riches, family, and health, yet he never cursed God. The pastor also mentions the arrival of Job's three friends, who initially remain silent but later suggest that Job must have sinned to deserve his suffering.
The pastor discusses the shift in understanding of the solar system from a geocentric to a heliocentric model. He explains that in the past, many people believed that the Earth was at the center of the universe because of their arrogance and desire to be the center of attention. However, over time, scientific discoveries have revealed that the sun is actually at the center of our solar system, and the planets, including Earth, orbit around it. This concept is related to the story of Job, who had developed a self-righteous attitude and believed he was the center of his own storm. Eliu, the fourth friend of Job, rebukes Job for his self-righteousness and his friends for accusing Job of secret sin. Eliu delivers a series of speeches, known as the speeches of Eliu, from chapter 32 to chapter 37. In chapter 38, God finally speaks up and answers Job, addressing his self-righteous attitude and questioning him.
The pastor concludes the sermon by acknowledging the significance of a country that is currently capturing the attention of the entire world, despite its small size. He then invites the congregation to share any updates or prayer requests. The pastor also shares a personal story about someone battling cancer who found comfort in knowing that they are on the winning side. He encourages the congregation to remember that no matter what happens, they are on the winning side and that God will be there for them.
Key Takeaways:
- God's covenantal name, Jehovah, signifies His power and authority. When God returns with His covenantal name in the book of Job, it is a moment of fear and reverence for Job. This shows that God is the ultimate authority and we should approach Him with humility and respect. [49:33]
- Job's interaction with God teaches us the importance of humility. Job questioned God's decisions, similar to a backseat driver questioning the driver's decisions. However, God's response reminds us that we should trust in His wisdom and not question His decisions. [52:45]
- The story of Job teaches us about enduring faith in the face of adversity. Despite losing his riches, family, and health, Job never cursed God. This shows the importance of maintaining faith and trust in God, even during difficult times. [56:12]
- The shift from a geocentric to a heliocentric model of the solar system serves as a metaphor for our relationship with God. Just as the Earth is not the center of the universe, we are not the center of our own lives. God is at the center, and we should orient our lives around Him. [59:30]
- The pastor's personal story about someone battling cancer serves as a reminder that no matter what happens, we are on the winning side with God. This provides comfort and hope during difficult times, reminding us of God's presence and support. [1:03:15]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1) 1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
2) Job 38:1-3: "Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me."
3) Job 31:35-37: "Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me. I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him."
Observation Questions:
1) What is the context of Job's conversation with God in Job 38:1-3? What is the tone of God's response to Job?
2) In 1 Corinthians 15:57, what victory is being referred to and how is it achieved?
3) In Job 31:35-37, what is Job's desire and how does he plan to approach the Almighty?
Interpretation Questions:
1) What does God's response to Job in Job 38:1-3 reveal about His character and His view of human understanding?
2) How does the victory mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:57 relate to the trials and tribulations faced by believers?
3) What does Job's desire to approach the Almighty in Job 31:35-37 tell us about his understanding of his relationship with God?
Application Questions:
1) Reflect on a recent difficult situation in your life. How can you apply the lesson from Job's story to trust in God's wisdom and not question His decisions?
2) Can you identify a situation in your life where you felt like you were the center of your own universe, similar to Job's self-righteous attitude? How can you shift your perspective to place God at the center?
3) Think of a recent trial or tribulation you faced. How can you see it as an opportunity for growth and strengthening of faith, rather than a punishment for sin?
4) What is one specific way you can demonstrate your trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty in your daily life, even when you don't have all the answers or understand why certain things are happening?
5) Can you think of someone in your life who is currently facing a difficult situation? How can you comfort them without misrepresenting God's character or intentions?
Devotional
Day 1: Self-Reflection Over Blame
When faced with trials, it's easy to point fingers at God, but the story of Job reminds us that our problems often stem from our own actions and attitudes ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81CTRqLEdA0&t=750s)). Job's self-righteousness, not God, was the root of his problems. This calls for a shift in perspective, urging us to examine ourselves before blaming God.
Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you might be acting self-righteously? How can you shift your perspective from blaming God to self-reflection?
Day 2: Trials as Opportunities for Growth
Trials and tribulations are not always punishments from God, but can serve as opportunities for growth and strengthening of faith ([24:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81CTRqLEdA0&t=1458s)). Job's suffering was a test of his faith, not a punishment for sin. This challenges us to see our trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.
James 1:2-3 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing? How can you view this as an opportunity for spiritual growth rather than a punishment?
Day 3: Trusting God in the Unknown
In times of uncertainty, trusting in God is crucial, even when we don't have all the answers ([36:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81CTRqLEdA0&t=2157s)). We are encouraged to rely on God's trustworthiness and seek His presence in all circumstances.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you don't have all the answers? How can you trust God in this situation?
Day 4: God's Ways are Higher
God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours ([48:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81CTRqLEdA0&t=2892s)). We cannot fully comprehend God's plans and purposes, but we can trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty and wisdom when you don't understand His ways?
Day 5: Drawing Closer to God in Trials
Times of trials and tribulations are one of the main ways that God speaks to us and draws us closer to Him ([59:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81CTRqLEdA0&t=3540s)). This encourages us to see difficult times as opportunities to draw closer to God and trust in His faithfulness.
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one way you can draw closer to God during your current trials?
Quotes
"God will allow hardships in our lives to prove to us that he is all that we need. This is exactly what God did to Job, he broke Job to only build him back up and build him back up better than what he was before." [01:18:04]
"We may go through trials and testings and be without answers. Job never knew the reasoning for the trial that he went through. We must do like Job and trust in God. If it isn't wrong to ask God why things happen, but we do have to be careful if we make accusations to God." [01:18:40]
"Job learned that the source of the problem is not God... God wasn't the reason for it, he was not the problem. Job was the problem." [01:10:14]
"We must place our faith in God in our difficult situations... God was mad at Job's friends for their misrepresentation of God to Job. We have to be careful about how we represent God, how we tell people how God works and acts." [01:11:29]
"God is trying to show Job that what he sees is not the full picture. In Isaiah 55, God says that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways. Everything that God does is perfect, even if we may think it is unjust from our limited perspective." [01:05:38]
"If we were in the same place as God and had the ability to do the same things, we would do the same exact thing because what God does is perfect. He sees the entire picture, while we only see a finite view of the universe." [01:06:11]
"Job's friends, known as Job's comforters, enter his life and begin to question him, suggesting that he must have sinned for God to put him through such trials. They imply that there must be some secret sin in his life. This serves as a reminder of how we sometimes jump to conclusions and assume that suffering is a result of personal wrongdoing." [42:11]
"The reason why we go through difficult times is to bring us closer to God and make us rely on Him. It is through these trials that we can grow closer to Him." [50:11]
"God restored his favor as well...job died being old and full of days." (source: [01:15:40])
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