[0:00] I'd like to turn your thoughts back to the chapter we read in Job chapter 1. And the last verse in all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
[0:21] The story of Job, it's a wonderful story, an amazing story, telling how he was severely attacked by the enemy and how the Lord blessed him in so many different ways, not only taking him through the times of difficulty and trial, but also blessing him in such a wonderful way at the end.
[0:51] When you look at the life of Job, what you see is the severe testing of a man of God. The severe testing of a man of God.
[1:04] And this morning we noticed, first of all, how Job was blessed. We know that he had a strong faith. And that comes across in so many different ways.
[1:17] And even when he was going through his most difficult times, his trust and his faith was in the Lord. He had a strong faith.
[1:29] Now, he didn't always have that. But there must have been that time in his experience when the Lord met with him and when the Lord blessed him and when the Lord brought him to himself.
[1:42] And that again is something we must remember. We're not born believers in the Lord. But there has to come that time when we put our trust in him.
[1:54] And that is what is most important. It's not what you know about God in your head. It is what you know, that you know God in your heart.
[2:06] Otherwise, if you don't know him, the word of God makes it so clear that at the end of time, it is only a lost eternity that awaits you.
[2:20] Job was blessed with a strong faith. But we are also reminded that he had quite a large fortune. God blessed him with the kind of work that he did and blessed him with all these animals and so on.
[2:38] He had a great fortune. And we are told a little about the family of Job, all the sons and the daughters he had.
[2:49] And we are reminded what Job did for them. And then we are reminded what happened to them. So you see how he was blessed.
[3:01] But then a second thing you notice is how Job was buffeted. And I want to use that word buffeted. Because it was so severe, it was so sudden, the buffeting that he had from the evil one.
[3:21] And you can imagine Job under this attack from the evil one, buffeted by him. But then also, we see how Job behaved in all that he was going through.
[3:41] That was very important. And I mentioned the Apostle Paul. When he was imprisoned, you see the way that he behaved in his trial, in the way he was being afflicted.
[3:58] And what he did, or the way he reacted, or the way he responded, the way he behaved, was not only a blessing to himself, but a blessing to others.
[4:12] And that's what we must remember. It's so important how we react, how we react, and how we behave, in our difficult times, when we're meeting with the struggles of life, and so on.
[4:29] And what I want us to do, first of all this evening, is to look at the actions of Job. Think of it. Job, in the midst of such awful devastation, in the midst of death, in the midst of destruction, Job still had a testimony for the Lord.
[4:58] His faith was still in him, in spite of all that he was going through. See, it begs the question of us.
[5:12] How do we react when things go wrong? It may be illness. It may be death. It may be times of disaster and difficulties.
[5:27] And I believe that the way we react, and the way we respond, it depends on our relationship to God.
[5:39] And again, keep that thought in your mind. Whatever difficulty you're going through, the way you respond, depends on your relationship with God.
[5:53] And I want us to notice a number of things, about Job's actions. The first is this. You see, Job arose and tore his robe, and shaved his head.
[6:08] These were the signs, of outward distress. Here is Job, showing his feelings.
[6:20] Especially, when he heard, about his family. You could put it like this, that Job's heart, is broken.
[6:32] All his sons, all his daughters, are gone. He's grieving. And what I want us to notice is, that in his grief, he acted, sincerely.
[6:48] He acted, with sorrow. There are people today, who say that, we shouldn't show, our emotions.
[7:00] That, it shows, a lack of trust, in the Lord. But think of it. Jesus, when he was at the grave of Lazarus, he wept.
[7:13] When he looked, over the city, he wept. He showed, his emotions. And that is what Job, was doing here.
[7:26] Job, was grieving. As a man, he was grieving. And there is no doubt, about it. And that sorrow, that Job, is now going through, it's natural.
[7:40] And if we were, in the same situation, it would be natural, for us, to feel, something similar, to Job. Now, we cannot, experience, loss, of any kind, without it affecting us, in some way.
[8:04] But the point, that we have to remember, is this. although, we can't, control, the circumstances, when different things, happen to us, when we can't, control that, we can, I believe, control, our, response.
[8:26] You can't, stop what is happening, or you can't, stop what is meant, for you, but, you can, control, the way, you respond.
[8:36] So, what I want to ask again, is this. How do you, respond? How do you react, when things, go wrong?
[8:51] You see the signs, of outward distress. He was not ashamed, to do this. He was not ashamed, of his, emotions.
[9:03] then the second thing, we see, he fell on the ground, and worshipped. The signs, of inward, devotion.
[9:16] He fell, on the ground, and worshipped. In that moment, when, everything seems, to be crumbling, around him, he goes, on the ground, and he, worships, the Lord.
[9:34] Three things, I want you to notice, just briefly. Even though, his emotions, were ragged, and you can, imagine that. Even though, his mind, was reeling, all those thoughts, going through his mind.
[9:50] And even though, his heart, was racing, he had this testimony, to the reality, and to the depth, of his faith.
[10:08] You think of what he was going through. How he felt emotionally, how he felt mentally, how he felt within.
[10:18] And yet, he had this testimony, for the Lord. Now I believe, it was a faith, that was rooted, and grounded, in the goodness, and in the faithfulness, of God.
[10:37] He knew that. A faith, that was rooted, in the goodness of God. God was good to him. God was faithful to him.
[10:49] The Lord, honored him, in so many different ways. And Job, at this particular time, he knew, what he was going through. And he knew, that this was something, you might say, was, out of the ordinary.
[11:06] This happened, this didn't happen, to Job before. Job, probably wouldn't have heard, of anybody else, that went through, such experiences. But he believed, that God, was in control, of the whole situation.
[11:24] Somebody said this, that God controls, the timing, of our disruptions. He controls, the duration, of our disruptions.
[11:41] He controls, the extent, of our disruptions. Everything he allows, into our lives, is for our good, and his glory.
[11:58] That should be, a tremendous, comfort, a tremendous, comfort, to us. I often, use this expression, it's sometimes, easier said, than done.
[12:15] But here, you have the example, of this man, of God, going through, such, fearful experiences. experiences. And we are told, that in no way, did he, say, did he charge God, did he, blame God, for what he was going through, because his faith, was, in him.
[12:40] But then, it's not just, the actions of Job. But notice, the awareness, that he had. This awareness.
[12:51] And he says, naked I came, from my mother's room, and naked shall I return. He knew, he had nothing, coming into the world. And he knew, that he was going, to leave with nothing.
[13:05] He wasn't going, to take any, of his riches, with him. The way, he came into the world, was the way, he would go out. I often think, of the words, what shall it, profit a man, though he should, gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.
[13:27] The possibility, of gaining the whole world, remote, but maybe possible. What shall it, profit a man?
[13:39] And this is, what Job is aware of. I came in, with nothing, and I'm going out, with nothing. And although I have all, although I had all, of these things, that is not, going to benefit me, one way, or another.
[13:58] If I were to gain, the whole world, and lose my soul. And maybe tonight, you're looking at this, in a, totally different way, than Job did.
[14:12] And maybe you're thinking, tonight, of what you can take, with you. When the Bible says, you can't take anything. Maybe you're thinking, maybe you're thinking, tonight, that there is a lot more, that you want to have, before you close in, with what is being offered, in the gospel.
[14:32] And maybe you're thinking, tonight, that you, are in control, of the timing, in your life. When it is God.
[14:42] the question is this, is there anything, that you're putting, before, you're seeking the Lord, or your trust, in the Lord.
[14:54] Remember, you come into this world, with nothing. And you're going to leave, this world, with nothing. That was the awareness, that Job had, in spite of all, that he had.
[15:07] But then also, you see what, he acknowledges. He acknowledges, that it was the Lord, that gave.
[15:19] Everything he has, that family, that fortune, those many friends, he acknowledges, that the Lord, has given him, all these things.
[15:34] all the things, that ever he had, came, from the hand of God. His wealth, his health, his family, and all of these things, a gracious gift, from God.
[15:53] I want us to notice, just a couple of things, with regard to that. The Lord, gave him, everything, he lost. But also, the Lord, gave him, what he loved.
[16:11] He would have loved, his work, working with all, these animals. He would have, deeply loved, his family. The Lord, gave him, all of that.
[16:27] And later on, we'll notice, that Job acknowledges, the Lord gave, and this is his acceptance, the Lord, has taken away.
[16:40] I'll come to that, in a moment. Think of Abraham. He's asked, to make a sacrifice. And here he is, about, to, draw the knife, on the son.
[16:58] the son, that he loved. The son, he looked forward to. The son, that God, had promised him.
[17:13] And God, is saying, take now, your son, your only son, and, offer him, on that, on that offering, on that sacrifice.
[17:26] The one, in whom, he loved, was going, to be taken away. You can imagine, what Abraham, was going through.
[17:38] Now, God may have called, God may have wanted, the obedience, the willingness, from Abraham. He didn't, ask, for the sacrifice.
[17:51] In the case of Job, Job, had made, the sacrifice. And he acknowledges, the Lord gave, but he also, acknowledge, but he also accepts, the Lord, has taken away.
[18:09] Think of this, four events, in one day, in four, different, places. Most of his family, his flocks, and his friends.
[18:26] He, he acknowledges, the Lord gave him, all of that, but he also knows, the Lord, has taken away. Now, in saying that, he is not, attacking, God.
[18:40] He is not, blaming God. He offers, praise to God. for, all the blessings, that he has enjoyed, becoming bitter, with God, because of this loss, that was, inexcusable.
[19:02] It's never, understandable. Blaming, God. But he says, the Lord, has taken away.
[19:14] The Lord, who has given me, all of these things, he has taken them, away. You see, lots of people, become bitter. And I think, that when we're going, through our times, of difficulty, and trial, we either, become, better people, or we become, bitter people.
[19:37] And we should remember, that the Lord, has a reason, for taking us through, every time, of difficulty, and so on. And Job, could say, well, the Lord gave me, all these things, I enjoyed them, when I had them.
[19:56] But now, the Lord, has taken them away. No hint, of bitterness. So, you see, how Job, acted.
[20:09] You see, what Job, was aware of, and what he acknowledged, and what he accepted, and so on. I want us to notice, a number of things. What would have been involved, in this acceptance?
[20:24] What would have been involved, in this? God, had a plan, and a purpose, for all the difficulties, that he had. And Job's response, is to submit, to the will, of God.
[20:42] So, the first thing, that would be involved, in this acceptance, accepting it. Accepting it. But not only, just accepting it.
[20:55] It is, agreeing with it. Let it be so. This has to be the way. And what you have, is a harmonious, agreement, heart, mind, and lips.
[21:14] So, when you think of, what is involved, in this acceptance, there is the accepting, but there is also, the agreeing. And I want us, to notice a second thing, because I think, it's important.
[21:29] Something that would be, or what would be, included. Not just what would be, involved, but what would be, included, in this acceptance. Well, I believe, first of all, that included, in this acceptance, would be an element, of concern.
[21:49] He would have said, what next? He would have said that, I believe. He may have put it, another way, he may have said, is anything else, going to happen?
[22:02] An element, of concern. That, was something, that came, to the natural man. But also, as I've hinted at already, an expression, of grief.
[22:17] crying, crying, for the, loss, of loved ones. That would be, included, in his accepting, of the situation.
[22:31] But also, I believe, that there would be this, you could put it like this, this expected, confession. I don't understand, why is this happening, in such a short, space of time?
[22:46] Why is it so severe? Why is this, happening to me? I think, that that would have, been included, in jobs, accepting, of the situation, that was before him.
[23:03] But then, I want us to notice, a third thing. what would have been, inconsistent, with this, acceptance? Well, I think the first thing, that would have been, inconsistent, was his despair.
[23:21] Despair. Oh, it's the end of the world. It's the end of the world, for me. It's better to give up, it's better to, and you lose heart, and so on. That would have been, inconsistent.
[23:33] Job didn't do that. There was no despair, in that sense. Now, again, I come back, to the point. His faith, was grounded, in the goodness, and in the faithfulness, of God.
[23:54] He had a trust, that implicit trust, in the Lord. That's why he could say, the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.
[24:04] So there was no, despair. But also, there was no, resentment. No discontentment, no blaming God, but accepting, of the situation.
[24:21] So you have the acceptance, of job. The last thing, that I want us to notice, is just this. The attitude, of job.
[24:33] And he says, may the name, of the Lord, be praised. Now, two things, I believe, that are so important, in this situation.
[24:45] Job's, attitude, brought glory, to the Lord. You see, what happened? Satan, is defeated.
[24:57] And by job, turning to the Lord, and job, acknowledging it, and accepting, all that is going on, Satan, is defeated.
[25:10] The evil one, failed, in what he tried, to do, against job. Satan, said that job, would curse God.
[25:21] God. But instead, he praises, and he blesses, God. You see, his attitude, brought glory, to God.
[25:36] And again, going back to, Paul and Silas, when they were in prison. Or later on, when Paul was in prison, he said, all these things, have fallen out, for the furtherance, of the gospel.
[25:49] those, that were looking after him, those soldiers, you can imagine, some of them, going home, at night. And they'd be turning, to their families, and saying, you know, we're looking after, a very wonderful man.
[26:05] He speaks, about God. He prays. Folk come in, and see, to see him. He encourages them. And what Paul said, was this, that the gospel, was reaching, into the, these, particular situations, where these men lived, maybe there was, no other way, that they would hear, the gospel.
[26:27] Because, there were a group of men, that kept, very much to themselves. How are they, going to hear, the gospel? Paul had to be, put in prison. And Paul, was put in prison, to be a witness, to these men.
[26:44] Some, who probably, hadn't heard, the gospel. And he says, my imprisonment, the reason, for the chains, the reason, for me being, here, is now, being seen, amongst this, elite, band of men, that guard me.
[27:03] You see, the attitude, that he had, was to the glory, of God. Oh, it stirred up, some of the other, preachers, that were around. It stirred them up, so that they would go, and begin preaching, when they saw that, when they saw, what Paul was willing, to suffer.
[27:21] But it is the, attitude of Paul. And this, attitude, comes across, in the, in the life of Job. Instead of, cursing God, he is, praising God.
[27:37] But then, the second thing, you see about it, is this. It brought good, to his own soul. Here, is Job, blessing God, for what he has given.
[27:52] Again, going back to Paul, I believe it brought good, to his soul, to his soul, but it is clear, that it brought good, to the soul of others. And that's what you find here.
[28:05] He is blessing God, for what he has given him. I'm sure, Job would say, well, I didn't deserve, the least, of these blessings.
[28:20] But God, in mercy, reached down, and he blessed me. And here is, here is Job. And he is saying, I have all these thoughts, with regard to God.
[28:35] good thoughts, about God, the thoughts, that he had had, before. And for the, from the devil's point of view, instead of driving Job, away from God, Job has been driven, closer to God.
[28:56] here is a man, an ordinary man, a man of faith, a man of belief, and so on.
[29:08] A man, who faced, all that Satan, would throw at him, and stand fast, in his faith. The presence, and the power, of the Lord, was with him.
[29:24] And when you look again, at verse 22, this, is the spirit's, witness, of Job.
[29:35] In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God, with wrong. That's the Holy Spirit, that's saying that. That's the Lord God of heaven, who inspired these words, that is saying that.
[29:51] What is the Holy Spirit? Going to say, or is saying, about us? About our reactions, and so on.
[30:04] Sometimes we forget the words, grieve not, the Holy Spirit. And it is so easy to grieve, God the Holy Spirit, the one who has sealed us, the one who has blessed us, it's so easy, to grieve him.
[30:23] But Job did not sin, or charge God, with any wrong. What can we learn from, this particular, first chapter, especially, of Job?
[30:39] The first thing, that you must always, keep before you, is this. God, is in, control. God, is in control.
[30:52] I mentioned earlier, when we were through, in the wee room, something that I think about, often. The providence, of God. How wonderful, is the providence of God.
[31:07] How he orders things, nothing happening by chance, or by accident. The Lord, ordering things, for his glory, for our good.
[31:21] But another thing, that we learn is this, from time to time, we are going to be, under the attacks, of the enemy. He's not far away.
[31:33] And especially, when God, is blessing his people, the enemy isn't far away. And what I said, on Wednesday night, bears, bears, bears, to be repeated.
[31:48] When we, are disturbing, Satan, by our, spiritual movements, by our spiritual, you know, going on, spiritually with the Lord, it upsets, Satan.
[32:02] And he's on the attack. And as an individual, and as a congregation, as you, as you, are aware of the Lord, taking you forward, remember, Satan, will not, be pleased.
[32:18] And he can be, on the attack. But something else, that we learn is this, the importance, of our behavior, in our times, of trial.
[32:32] the importance, of our behavior. And surely, something else, that we learn is this, we give glory, to the Lord God, of heaven.
[32:47] We give glory, to him. And he is the one, who is going to take, maybe what we have said, in our trials, or the way we have, reacted in our trials.
[32:57] And he is going to take, these things, and by the power, of the spirit, he, will apply that, to the hearts, of others. We can be a blessing, to others.
[33:10] But the most important, thing is this, that we give, all the praise, all the honor, all the glory, to the Lord. And all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God, with any wrong.
[33:28] May the Lord bless, these thoughts, to our hearts.