Tag Archives: Trials

“The Final Exam”

by • on 9:50 PM • in Job Study

 

      Job 38-42

In this lesson, God completes His work in the life of Job.

Outline

Some people just can’t resist knowing the end of a story. Many people read the last page of a novel first, just so that they will know what is going to happen. And so we find ourselves now at the end of Job’s story. And for all the pain and suffering he has endured, the blessing he receives at the end of his trial far supersedes anything he enjoyed before his life fell apart.

Job 38

Finally God breaks His silence and speaks to Job directly, employing a series of more than 70 questions to show Job his ignorance and God’s greatness. God had His day in court with Job. In Job 38:1, we read that “the LORD” answered Job out of the whirlwind. “The LORD”, was the name used for God in the book’s prologue, where the reader was introduced to Job and his relationship with God. However, in chapters 3-37, the name Yahweh is not used. God is called El Shaddai, “God the Almighty.” In this book, that change becomes a way of illustrating that God has been detached and distant. The relationship is restored in rich terms as God reveals Himself to Job by using His covenant name. “Out of the whirlwind” – Job had repeatedly called God to court in order to verify his innocence. God finally came to interrogate Job on some of the comments he had made to his accusers. God was about to be Job’s vindicator, but He first brought Job to a right understanding of Himself.

38:3

“I will question you.” God silenced Job’s presumption in constantly wanting to ask questions of God, by becoming Job’s questioner. It is important to note that God never told Job about the reason for his pain, i.e., the conflict between Himself and Satan, which was the reason for Job’s suffering. He never did give Job any explanation about the circumstances of his trouble. He simply asked Job is he was as eternal, great, powerful, wise, and perfect as God. If not, Job would have been better off to keep quiet and trust Him.

38:14

“Clay under a seal”. Documents written on clay tablets were signed using personal engraved seals upon which was written the bearer’s name. The Hebrew for ‘takes on form’ is ‘turned’. It conveys the idea that the earth is turned or rotated like a cylindrical seal rolled over the soft clay. Such rolling cylinder seals were found in Babylon. This speaks of the earth, rotating on its axis, an amazing statement that only God could reveal in ancient days. The dawn rolls across the earth as it rotates.

38:39-39:30

God asked Job humiliating questions about whether he could take care of the animal kingdom. Job must have been feeling less and less significant under the crushing indictment of such comparisons with God.

Job 40

God challenged Job to answer all the questions He had posed. God already knew the answer, but Job needed to admit his weakness, inferiority, and inability to try to figure out God’s infinite mind. God’s wisdom was so superior, His sovereign control of everything so complete, that this was all Job needed to know.

 

40:3-5

Job’s first response to God was “I am guilty as charged. I will say no more.” He knows he should not have found fault with the Almighty. He should not have insisted on his own understanding. He should not have thought God unjust. So he was reduced to silence at last.

40:6-41:34

As if the first was not enough, God’s second interrogation of Job began along the same line, only focusing on two unique animals in God’s creation: Behemoth (40:15-24) and Leviathan (41:1-34), two creatures powerful and fearful who embodied all that is overwhelming, uncontrollable, and terrorizing in this world. Man can’t control them, but God can.

40:15-24

‘Behemoth’. While this is a generic term used commonly in the OT for large cattle or land animals, the description in this passage suggests an extraordinary creature. The hippopotamus has been suggested by the details in the passage (vv. 19-24). However, the short tail of a hippo is hardly consistent with verse 17, where ‘tail’, could be translated “trunk”. It might refer to an elephant, who could easily be considered “first” or chief of God’s creatures whom only He can control (v. 19). Some believe God is describing His most impressive creation among land animals, the dinosaur species, which fit all the characteristics.

41:1

‘Leviathan’. This term appears in four other OT texts (Job 3:8; Ps. 74:14; 104:26; Is. 27:1). In each case, leviathan refers to a mighty creature that can overwhelm man but who is no match for God. Since this creature lives in the sea among ships (Ps. 104:26), some form of sea monster, possibly an ancient dinosaur, is in view. Some feel it was a crocodile, which had scaly hide (v. 15), terrible teeth (v. 14) and speed in the water (v. 32). But crocodiles are not sea creatures, and clearly this one was (v. 31). Some have thought it was a killer whale or a great white shark, because he is the ultimate killer beast over all other proud beasts (v. 34). It could also have been some sea-going dinosaur.

Job 42:1-17

Job repents of his pride and rebellion and finds contentment in the knowledge that he has God’s fellowship. This is the great lesson of the book: If we know God, we do not need to know why He allows us to experience what we do. He is not only in control of the universe and all its facets but also of our lives, and He loves us. Though His ways are sometimes beyond our comprehension, we should not criticize Him for His dealings with us or with others. God is always in control of all things, even when He appears not to be.

Job still did not know why he suffered so profoundly, but he quit complaining, questioning, and challenging God’s wisdom and justice. He was reduced to such utter humility, crushed beneath the weight of God’s greatness, that all he could do was repent for his insolence. Without answers to all of his questions, Job bowed in humble submission before his Creator and admitted that God was sovereign. Most importantly for the message of the book, Job was still diseased and without his children and possessions, and God had not changed anything, except for the humbling of the heart of His servant. Satan had been proven wrong (1) in the charges he brought against Job and (2) in thinking he could destroy true saving faith. Also, Job’s companions were wrong in the charges they brought against him; but most critically, Job himself was wrong in the charges he had raised against God. He expressed his regret that he had not just accepted God’s will without complaining and questioning.

42:6

‘Repent in dust and ashes’. All that was left to do was repent! The ashes upon which the broken man sat had not changed; but the heart of God’s suffering servant had. Job did not need to repent of some sins which Satan or his accusers had raised. But Job had exercised presumption and allegations of unfairness against his Lord and hated himself for this in a way that called for brokenness and contrition.

42:17

‘So Job died, old and full of days.’ These concluding words take the reader back to where the account began (1:1). Job died in prosperity, and his days were counted as a blessing. In the words of James (5:11), Job experienced the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is “very compassionate and merciful.” But the “accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10) is still “going to and fro on the earth” (1 Peter 5:8) and God’s servants are still learning to trust in the all-wise, all-powerful Judge of the universe for what they cannot understand.

 

 

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“Joy Comes In The Morning”

by • on 12:33 PM • in 320, Journaling

 

December, 23, 2011

 

Scripture

John 16:20 (NASB)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.

 

Observation

Life is tough! And Jesus told His disciples to expect to be persecuted, hated and betrayed by the world, loved ones and even friends. Since sin entered the world in the garden of Eden, life has simply become difficult.

While the world parties and rejoices and lives for entertainment and self-pleasure, the life of a follower of Jesus Christ is very difficult and often filled with tears. Jesus says that it is through many trials and tribulations that we enter the kingdom of heaven. The world has its heaven in the here and now, and they live the good life – rejoicing and partying and living each day to their hearts desire. The believer’s paradise is eternal, as the Apostle Peter says:

1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Wow! Praise God! To suffer now through many trials and tribulations for the sake of Christ is of great eternal reward!

 

Application

Do not be discouraged! Life can be so difficult, but that does not mean that God doesn’t love you, and neither does it mean that He doesn’t care about you. He is with you and He stands for you, nothing has the power to destroy your life. It may at times feel like life is too much to bear, but it is through our tears that we enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus suffered many things in this life, and He told us to expect the same. The great things is, is that He leads us every step of the way. God doesn’t send us through the valley of the shadow of death alone, He leads us – He is there every moment with us.

I am reminded of again what the Apostle Peter said in his epistle:

1 Peter 4:12-19
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”  19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I rejoice today in my tears of suffering. Many my sorrow be turned to joy today; I’m trading my sorrow; I’m trading my shame; I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord! I’m trading my sickness, I’m trading my pain, I’m laying it down for the joy of the Lord! I’m pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, Struck down but not destroyed! I’m blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure, And his joy’s gonna be my strength!!!!
Though the sorrow may last for the night, His joy comes with the morning

And we say yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord Amen!!!!

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Rejoicing In Hard Times

by • on 6:52 PM • in 1 Peter

 

   1 Peter 1:1-12

 

 

 

Intro:

1. In Verse 1, Peter addresses this Epistle to:

      a. “Those who reside as aliens”

      b. Literally, the “Sojourners of the dispersion”

 

2. The ‘Sojourners’ or ‘Pilgrims’ were Christians who were –

a. Scattered throughout the world

 

3. The reason Christians at this time were scattered was due to suffering

      a. Many had chosen to become followers of Christ in a PAGAN society

      b. And for those who faithfully lived for Christ;

i. They were persecuted for their faith

 

4. Much of the persecution suffered at this time, came in the form of:

      a. Slander

      b. Riots against them

      c. Brutality by local authorities

      d. And Christians were socially ostracized

 

5. One of the themes Peter will focus on in this Epistle is his-

      a. ENCOURAGEMENT to REJOICE and LIVE ABOVE our suffering

 

6. Peter wasn’t writing to say that he’d bought a chunk of land in South America;

a. And everyone who wanted to ‘escape life’ could join him in this paradise

 

7. He’s actually writing to simply ENCOURAGE us to:

      a. Not to run, but to rejoice & to learn to live above our circumstances

      b. Even though nothing may change

 

 

8. There is a great line in a song that we sing –

 

“Though nothing outside changes, when we come into His presence, everything inside changes.”

 

9. We may not be able to change our circumstances;

a. But God can change our hearts as He leads us through times of suffering

      b. And this will be Peter’s encouragement

 

10. He’s an older man now and much subdued

a. I think the older we get, the mellower we become-or at least we should

 

11. Peter is writing this epistle from Rome -

a. Which in 1 Peter 5:13, he refers to as ‘Babylon’

 

12. It was common during this time in history to refer to Rome as ‘Babylon’

      a. And the reason they did this was to

b. Try to stay out of trouble with the Roman authorities

c. ‘Babylon’ is a CRYPTIC name for ROME

      i. As in some Jewish works & certainly the book of Revelation

 

13. People who refused to call Caesar Lord were put to death;

      a. So for Christians to take a stand and call JESUS LORD;

      b. They were really taking a huge risk of being put to death

 

 

In 64, most of Rome was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome, which many Romans believed Nero himself had started in order to clear land for his planned palatial complex. In 68, the rebellion of Vindex in Gaul and later the acclamation of Galba in Hispania drove Nero from the throne. Facing assassination, he committed suicide on June 9, 68 A.D. Nero’s rule is often associated with tyranny and extravagance. He is known for many executions, including those of his mother and the probable murder by poison of his stepbrother.                                  – Wikipedia

 

 

14. This fire that nearly destroyed Rome A.D. 64;

a. Was very suspicious in that –

b. It left the estates of Nero & his friend Tigellinus-unscathed

 

15. So like any good politician about to be found out –

      a. Nero needed a scapegoat for his dilemma

      b. And what appeared to be a new religion

      c. (Christianity; understood to be a new form of radical Judaism)

      d. Begun by a crucified teacher 3.5 decades before;

            i. Filled the need perfectly

 

16. So Christianity became Nero’s scapegoat

 

“Romans viewed Christians, like Jews, as antisocial. Certain charges became so common that they were stereotypical by the second century: Romans viewed Christians as “atheists” (Like some philosophers, for rejecting the gods), “cannibals” (for claiming to eat Jesus’ “body” and drink his “blood”), and incestuous (for statements like “I love you brother” or “I love you sister”).                           – Bible Background Commentary; N.T.

 

17. So the Romans considered Christianity a ‘hybrid’ form of Judaism;

      a. Begun by Jesus Christ

      a. And the result was that Christians were greatly hated

 

18. Nero hated Christians

      a. He burned them alive as torches to light his gardens at night

      b. He killed other Christians in equally severe ways:

            i. Feeding them to wild animals for public entertainment

 

19. All in all, Nero must have murdered thousands of Rome’s Christians

      a. He was loved by the Greeks

      b. Favored by the Jewish community

      c. But Christians saw him as a prototype of the Antichrist

 

 

20. Nero was born in Antium, Italy on December 15, 37 A.D.

      a. And died in disgrace, somewhere outside of Rome,

      b. While being pursued by fellow Romans who hated him

            i. On June 9, 68 A.D.

 

21. Nero reigned from:

a. October 13, 54 A.D. to June 9, 68 A.D.

 

22. During the last decade of the Apostle Peter’s life, he lived in Rome

      a. Where he wrote this epistle about A.D. 63

      b. Just before the outbreak of Nero’s persecution in A.D. 64

      c. And in A.D. 67, Peter was martyred for his faith

            i. (one year before Nero’s death)

 

23. So while writing this epistle, Christians were suffering greatly for their faith

a. And Peter was in the last 4 years of his life

24. That gives us great encouragement coming from a fellow sufferer

a. Peter wasn’t in some ivory tower talking to Christians who were popular

b. They were all suffering, and encouraging us to rejoice in our sufferings

 

25. The ‘THEME’ of 1 Peter is found in 5:12 –

1. “the true Grace of God”

 

26. Prayer of blessing as we begin 1 Peter—

 

 

1 Peter 1:1-12 (NASB)

1. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen

 

A. Jewish people spoke of Jews who lived outside Palestine as the “Diaspora”

      1. Or as those who were ‘SCATTERED”

 

Diaspora: “The movement, migration or scattering of people away from an established or ancestral homeland.”

 

B. So Peter picks up on this word and he refers to Christians as:

      1. “aliens or pilgrims”

 

C. This word is applied to those who settled in a town or region without making it their permanent place of residence

 

D. As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven

1. And Peter reminds us that we are just temporary residents here on earth

 

E. We’re not in our homeland

      1. It’s coming, and we’re not to -

      2. Become entangled again in the affairs of this world  (2 Peter 2:20)

 

F. Also in Verse 1, Peter mentions 5 Roman provinces –

1. That were geographically connected

 

G. And the last statement Peter makes (NASB) is this phrase:

      1. “Who are chosen!”

 

H. I like this! —-

      1. The definition of ‘CHOSEN’ literally means ‘FAVORITE’!!!!

      2. As the CHOSEN of God, YOU are His FAVORITE!

 

I. Are you saved?

      1. Then you are CHOSEN/God’s FAVORITE!

      2. Talk about COMFORTING!

 

“All trials and suffering are at best TEMPORARY! We’re waiting to go home!”

 

J. So as a believer, you ARE GOD’S FAVORITE, and He CHOSE YOU —

 

2. according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

 

A. So God in His wisdom has chosen us to salvation

      1. By the work of the Holy Spirit

 

B. And it is by the WORTH of the death of Christ that we are made worthy

      1. So that we might be obedient to Him

 

“Foreknowledge”

Peter is referring to the O.T. teaching that God’s people were corporately “chosen,” or “predestined,” because God “foreknew” them.

 

C. Peter now applies that same language to believers in Jesus Christ

      1. God’s prior knowledge of all things;

            a. Based on His relation to them, is the basis of our election

 

“More than passive foresight, foreknowledge involves God’s active consciousness of all that is to come to pass.”                              – The Ryrie Study Bible

 

D. Paul talks about the doctrine of election also, in -

 

Romans 8:29-30

29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

 

Romans 11:2

2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.

 

Ephesians 1:3-8

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight

 

F. Praise God! We’re His favorites!

1. We were CHOSEN by HIM to spend ETERNITY with Him!

 

G. Notice also here in Verse 2;

      1. Peter mentions the TRINITY

      2. Father, Son and Holy Spirit

      3. THREE separate persons, yet ONE GOD

 

A lot of people struggle with the idea of Jesus Christ being GOD or the HOLY SPIRIT is a PERSON of the TRINITY; He is not a force or an essence. Yet this is exactly what the Holy Bible teaches.

 

3 Persons of the Triune God-Head; yet still just ONE GOD

 

H. It’s BECAUSE of the ‘sprinkling of Christ’s blood upon our lives’ that we

      1. Can know God’s GRACE and PEACE

 

I. GRACE and PEACE – always in this order

      1. Never PEACE and GRACE

      2. Nobody will ever experience God’s PEACE;

a. Until they have experienced His Grace

 

J. Often referred to as the ‘Siamese twins of the N.T.’

1. Once you receive God’s Grace, then you can live in His peace

 

K. VV. 3-12 are one long sentence in Greek

      1. This was common in Biblical days

      2. And it was viewed as ‘SKILLFUL ANTIQUITY’

 

L. This was back when hearers were accustomed to –

1. Following the train of thought for a longer time than

a. North American and other television trained readers are today!

 

M. So Peter begins this long sentence in verse 3 –

1. He begins with the Jewish form of blessing called a ‘Berakhah’

      2. Which is an expression of praise directed to God

 

3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

 

A. So Peter begins this recital of God’s blessings upon His redeemed children;

      1. This recital continues all the way through to 2:10

 

B. Notice what Peter mentions 1st about our LORD;

      1. HIS MERCY!

      2. God’s GREAT MERCY!!!

 

C. Paul says in Eph. That the LORD is RICH in MERCY!

      1. It is His mercy that LEADS us to the CROSS

 

“There is POWER in the NAME of JESUS…to break every bond, break every bond!”

 

D. It was God’s mercy that broke our BONDAGE from sin;

      1. And made us BORN AGAIN

      2. UNTO a LIVING HOPE

      3. Because of the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ from the dead!

 

4. to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

 

A. Here again now Peter seems to allude to

1. The inheritance God promised His people in the Promise Land

 

B. So too, because of God’s MERCY in saving us through Jesus Christ;

      1. We have an ETERNAL INHERITANCE

 

‘undefiled’ = “unstained by evil”

 

‘will not fade away’ = “unimpaired by time”

 

‘reserved’ = this is perfect tense (to have), which indicates that our inheritance has already been put in safe keeping and continues there

 

Some Jewish texts like Ezra 4 also spoke of a treasure stored up in heaven for the righteous, but whereas the emphasis for receiving that treasure is normally on one’s obedience, the emphasis here is on God’s completed work!

 

C. So our ‘undefiled treasure that will never fade away’

      1. It’s reserved in heaven for you!

2. Nobody’s gonna show up before you get there and take your inheritance

            a. It’s yours and NOTHING can separate you from it!!!

 

 

5. who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

A. Just like God is protecting your inheritance in heaven;

1. So too He is PROTECTING or literally GUARDING you!!!

 

B. Your SALVATION, INHERITANCE, and very life are being –

      1. PROTECTED by God Himself!

 

C. Knowledge of our secure position & inheritance, brings several things:

 

6. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7. so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (the purpose of a fire is not to destroy the gold; in fact it can’t. the purpose of the fire is to separate the good from the bad);

8. and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9. obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

 

A. Our SALVATION is secure

      1. Our INHERITANCE is secure

      2. Our VERY LIFE is secure

 

B. Because of this, we are able to:

      1. (V6) REJOICE

      2. (v7) Prove our faith

      3. (v8) increase our love for Him

      4. (V8) Filled with joy inexpressible!!!

 

C. Do you believe that God is SOVEREIGN?

      1. And that He has a PURPOSE for all of our SUFFERINGS?

 

D. What is God’s purpose for our testing’s?

      1. To harm us?

      2. To discourage us?

      3. To get us to doubt Him? NO!

 

God’s purpose in our testing is to STRENGTHEN our commitment to Him – to REFINE us!

 

Satan’s objective in a person’s testing is to bring apostasy; while God’s purpose for His children is to strengthen our commitment to His will for our lives!

 

E. What empowers us to ENDURE with JOY the suffering we suffer?

 

#1. Our SALVATION is secure

#2. Our INHERITANCE is secure

#3. Our LIVES are secure

 

 

“While the battle rages, I will hold on!”

 

We don’t need to ‘take any ground’ or win any battle; Christ has ALREADY WON the battle over Satan; all we are called to do is REJOICE in our SECURITY and HOLD ON!

 

F. Just remember:

1. Satan can’t take your salvation away or pluck you out of God’s hand

 

G. And GOD GUARANTEES that you will come through it

      1. If He’s already WON

      2. Then we’ve already WON

 

H. Therefore we CAN REJOICE IN THE MIDST of our TRIALS;

1. Knowing that:

a. God is simply using our LIGHT AFFLICTION for His glory

            b. As He prepares us for our ETERNAL INHERITANCE!

 

 

10. As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11. seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you (Gentiles), in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

 

A. So Peter is saying that –

1. Even though the OT prophets spoke of:

a. God giving grace to the Gentiles;

      2. They did not understand all that was involved in –

            a. God saving Gentiles through a suffering Messiah

 

B. In Isaiah 53,

1. We see the prophecy of Christ’s suffering

C. And in Isaiah 11, Isaiah declares that God will reveal His glory

1. At His 2nd coming

D. Notice that very last statement in verse 12:

1. “things into which angels long to look.”

 

E. The LITERAL interpretation of ‘LOOK’ is ‘LOOKING INTENTLY’

      1. It’s the same word John used to describe Peter –

a. When he peered into Christ’s empty tomb in —

 

John 20:4-5

4 The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; 5 and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in.

 

John 20:11 (NASB)

11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;

 

F. The ‘angels are looking intently into God’s work of saving people’

 

“According to some Jewish traditions, some secrets were so important that God kept them even from angels until the end time; in other traditions, angels respected Rabbis’ esoteric teachings and came to their lectures to listen; in still other traditions, angels envied Israel, who received God’s law.”  Craig S. Keener

 

“The angels are BLOWN AWAY by God’s GRACE upon His elect!”

 

G. They don’t understand it

      1. Quite frankly, neither do I!

      2. That’s why we call it GRACE

CONCLUSION:

1. Why has God saved us?

      a. Because God is love

 

John 3:16 (NASB)

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

 

 

UNSAVED?

1. Are you one of God’s favorites?

      a. One of His CHOSEN?

 

2. If not, you can be – just respond to His love for you

      a. Open your heart to Him and give Him your life

      b. Confess your sins and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior

      c. And you too can become one of His FAVORITE!

 

 

SUFFERING Saints?

1. Are you in a difficult season of your life this morning?

      a. It’s just a LIGHT AFFLICTION

      b. And it’s only for a SEASON

 

2. Rejoice!

      a. Your SALVATION is secure

      b. Your INHERITANCE is secure

      c. And your LIFE is under God’s personal protection plan!

3. Though we OFTEN PRAY for God to SPARE us FROM SUFFERING;

      a. He often answers by SPARING us THROUGH our suffering

 

4. As He teaches us that we CAN REJOICE in the midst of our trials

      a. As we learn to LIVE ABOVE THEM!!!!

 

 

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“Everything has a Season” (Daily Devotions 2.21.11)

by • on 1:37 AM • in 320, Life Journal

S – Scripture

Numbers 9:21-23 (NASB)
21 If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out. 22 Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the sons of Israel remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set out. 23 At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out; they kept the Lord’s charge, according to the command of the Lord through Moses.

O – Observation

God had set His children free from the bondage of the land of Egypt. With a mighty hand and a powerful demonstration, God destroyed the power of Egypt over His people. At the hand of Moses, the LORD began to lead His people towards the promised land. It was a land that flowed with milk and honey, yet God had to prepare His people to receive the blessing of all that He had for them. The direct trip from Egypt to the land of Cana was only a few days, yet God took them on a path that lasted 40 years as He prepared them for all that He had for them. God led them by His Spirit in days, months and years. As God led them, sometimes they would spend only a few days in one location as God prepared them for the next stage. At other times, God might have them remain stationary for years. Only God knew His plans and His timing was perfect as He prepared His people for their future.

A – Application

My LORD has also set me free from the bondage of my ‘Egypt’. Paul says in Romans, that my flesh was my old master, but now in Christ, I am a new creation and old things have passed away – all things have been made new. Daily I am being led by God’s Spirit! Everyday of my life takes me one step closer to my eternal home. Whether God leads me for a few days in one spot, or several years, it’s all a work of God’s Spirit as He completes the work that He has begun in my life. Life is filled with trials, and every trial brings growth. I can’t rush the trials, I can’t avoid the trials, all that I can do is realize that God has an appointed time for me within each trial. My job is not to run or seek to escape from my hardships, but rather what I must do is ask God – “Lord, what do You want me to learn from this trial?” Or, “Lord, is there an area of my life that You are seeking control over?” “What must I do Lord, anything?” Often I have found that God doesn’t show me why I’m in a trial, but I always realize that, ” God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” I may not always realize why I’m going through what I’m going through, but I must always remember that God has a purpose for it in my life. So often I have prayed that God would deliver me FROM a trial, when in fact I have come to see how often He has chosen to deliver me THOUGH my trials. Some last a day. Some last a week. And some never seem to end – Yet God is preparing me through these times for the great and awesome things that are to come! Glory to His name! If I’d have realized what He had in store for me, I’d have trusted Him more throughly!

P – Prayer

Father today, I surrender to be led of Your Spirit. Keep me from ever getting ahead of You or failing to move when you call me. May I always be sensitive to Your leading, guiding and directing in my life. Teach me to be thankful in and through all things. May I never wait to praise You until after my trial is over, but may my heart be filled with thanksgiving in my trials, knowing that no test may last one day longer than You allow. I love You and surrender a new to You today. I love You! Amen 

 

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“God in the Dark” (Job 2:11-4:17)

by • on 6:15 PM • in Job Study

“God in the Dark”

Job 2:11-4:17

Introduction

 

For every ten people who can withstand the temptations of adversity, only one can stand prosperity-or so it is said. When life is good we have no questions, and when it is hard we have no answers-or so it is said.

Group Discussion

 

Drawing on your own life, talk about why you agree or disagree with the statements above.

Personal Reflection

 

Describe an experience in which you were tempted to doubt God’s goodness. What questions did you ask? What thoughts, if any, did you have of God?

Snap Shot Summary

 

Job has handled his prosperity as a ministry and later defends his stewardship of abundance (29:7-25; 31:24-25). But now he is plunged into excruciating loss, a living death. Job’s new test will examine whether his belief in the goodness of God can be subverted by unalterably negative circumstances. Job will ask questions that are asked in wars and famine, when people are faced with congenital deformities and terminal illnesses. Job will later take up the cause of all the nameless, suffering poor (24:1-25). But in this study Job feels the weight of his own burden first.

Read Job 2:11-13

 

Questions

 

1. At this point in the story Job’s three friends travel a considerable distance to console Job. What actions of the friends indicate they understood how deeply Job was suffering?

For chapters 3 through 31 the story moves from prose to poetry as Job’s three friends discuss the meaning of his adversity and where-if anywhere-God was present in the darkness.

Read Job 3:1-26

 

2. In what ways does Job’s response to his suffering go beyond asking the usual why (3:1-10)?

3. Job’s chief complaint, to our surprise, in not his material loss but the loss of his spiritual estate (3:25-26). In what ways does this challenge you when faced with discontentment?

4. Though Job curses his birthday (3:1), he does not curse God. What is the difference?

5. What does Job think God’s role is in all this (3:11, 16)?

6. What new questions does Job ask in 3:20-26?

7. In what ways does Job’s speech go beyond the “poor me” complaint so frequently uttered by people in times of adversity?

  • Each of Job’s three friends makes a speech with Job responding-a cycle that is repeated three times in the book.

 

Read Job 4:1-17

 

8. Eliphaz responds cautiously at first and then attacks. Why does Eliphaz think Job is suffering?

9. Eliphaz counsels, “Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your  hope?” (4:6). Is this sound advice helpful? Explain.

10. Eliphaz thinks he has God’s word (4:12-17). Job only has dark questions. What have you learned so far about finding God in the midst of pain and loss?

11. How do you feel about living with unanswered questions?

Prayer

 

Ask God to show you how to put aside your life circumstances and find rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28).

Now or Later

 

None of the friends breathes a prayer in the whole book. But Job pours out his heart to God. Prayer is, paradoxically, both a blessing and a battle. Consider some of the many scriptural examples of “Taking God on” by righteous men and women; Abraham haggling over Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33); Jacob wrestling a blessing out of God (Genesis 32:22-29); Jesus praying in the garden (Matthew 26:36-46); Paul pleading three times for the removal of his “thorn” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). See also the Psalms, Jeremiah 20:14-18 and Lamentations 3:1-18. As P. T. Forsyth once said, it may be God’s will that we surmount his will. What we mainly “get” through prayer is God!

C. S. Lewis wrote in ‘A Grief Observed’: “Talk to me about the truth of religion and I’ll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I’ll listen submissively. But don’t come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don’t understand.” What does this quote and these chapters from Job suggest to you about how to encourage someone who is grieving?

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Wednesday Night – Job Study!

by • on 7:24 PM • in Exhortation, Uncategorized

I’d like to personally invite you to come out and join us tonight @ 6:30 pm, right here at CCB for our weekly inductive book of Job study. Tonight we’ll be studying chapter 1:6-22. Along with our study we’ll be interactively answering these questions:

1. What indications are there that God’s evaluation of Job-“blameless and upright”-was correct even though he was initially blessed with prosperity?

 2. In this very ancient document, Satan appears as an angelic adversary with free access to God’s presence, unlike the devil in the New Testament. What does Satan accuse Job of (vv. 9-11)?

 3. For what good reasons could God agree to a contest that would affect Job and his family so painfully?

 4. How would you respond to someone who charges that religion is only for those who can’t make it on their own?

5. Though Job apparently is unaware of God’s approval, what signs indicate that this is important for Job?

6. How does Job react to the first test (vv. 20-22)?

7. In what ways is Job’s response (v. 22) different from responses people make today to life’s hard blows?

8. As will be apparent later, Job’s response included questioning God about the apparent injustice of his situation. What would have been seen as sinful behavior in Job’s reaction?

Have any great insigthts? Come and join us tonight as we grow together in the study of this wonderful book! God bless!

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