April 16, 2024

Integrity.

Job 27

Lucas Estevez
Tuesday's Devo

April 16, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 16, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 16, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 16, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 27:2-5

"As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
as long as my breath is in me,
and the spirit of God is in my nostrils,
my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit.
Far be it from me to say that you are right;
till I die I will not put away my integrity from me."

Job 27

Job Continues: I Will Maintain My Integrity

1 And Job again took up his discourse, and said:

2  “As God lives, who has taken away my right,
    and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
3  as long as my breath is in me,
    and the spirit of God is in my nostrils,
4  my lips will not speak falsehood,
    and my tongue will not utter deceit.
5  Far be it from me to say that you are right;
    till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
6  I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go;
    my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.

7  Let my enemy be as the wicked,
    and let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.
8  For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off,
    when God takes away his life?
9  Will God hear his cry
    when distress comes upon him?
10  Will he take delight in the Almighty?
    Will he call upon God at all times?
11  I will teach you concerning the hand of God;
    what is with the Almighty I will not conceal.
12  Behold, all of you have seen it yourselves;
    why then have you become altogether vain?

13  This is the portion of a wicked man with God,
    and the heritage that oppressors receive from the Almighty:
14  If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword,
    and his descendants have not enough bread.
15  Those who survive him the pestilence buries,
    and his widows do not weep.
16  Though he heap up silver like dust,
    and pile up clothing like clay,
17  he may pile it up, but the righteous will wear it,
    and the innocent will divide the silver.
18  He builds his house like a moth's,
    like a booth that a watchman makes.
19  He goes to bed rich, but will do so no more;
    he opens his eyes, and his wealth is gone.
20  Terrors overtake him like a flood;
    in the night a whirlwind carries him off.
21  The east wind lifts him up and he is gone;
    it sweeps him out of his place.
22  It 1 27:22 Or He (that is, God); also verse 23 hurls at him without pity;
    he flees from its 2 27:22 Or his; also verse 23 power in headlong flight.
23  It claps its hands at him
    and hisses at him from its place.

Footnotes

[1] 27:22 Or He (that is, God); also verse 23
[2] 27:22 Or his; also verse 23
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Study Notes

Job 27:6 By saying that he will hold fast to his integrity, Job echoes the Lord’s description of him in the prologue (2:3).

Study Notes

Job 27:7–8 If Job is right to maintain his integrity (see vv. 2–6), then his adversaries should be considered as the wicked and unrighteous. There is no hope for the wicked when God cuts him off.

Study Notes

Job 27:11 Eliphaz claimed to speak for God in correcting Job (see 22:26–27). Job in turn declared that he received revelation from God that he could not deny (6:10). Now, he says that he will not conceal the thoughts of the Almighty.

Study Notes

Job 27:13 If Job’s integrity is actually what is true with God, then Job’s friends ought to consider whether they are the ones who stand in danger of the judgment that they have described.

S3:073 Job 27

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Job 27

In literature, the "Rule of Three" is a common literary device used to help the audience remember. Jesus often used this in His parables, presenting two similar aspects and a unique third (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 10:25-37). Similarly, the author of Job presents two obvious trials and one not-so-obvious trial. Ultimately, will Job keep his integrity if:

  1. His family and possessions are taken away? (Job 1)
  2. His health deteriorates? (Job 2)
  3. Everyone turns against him? (Job 3-31)

In this third test, Job's friend is deceived by a suspicious spirit (Job 4:12-21) and accuses Job of hidden sin and wickedness. He exhorts Job to repent so that his material goods and friendships may be restored. However, if Job yields to his friend's deception and confesses his integrity as sin, Satan wins.

Chapter 27 is the climax of the entire book as Job gives his final verdict. "As God lives" in Job 27:2 is classic vow language that stakes God’s life on the truthfulness of His words. This is figurative, of course, but shows the profundity of Job's conviction, which powerfully culminates in Job 27:4-5: "my lips will not speak falsehood . . . . till I die I will not put away my integrity from me." The test is passed. God 3, Satan 0. 

Job and his friends understood that the wicked get punished. The question remains, though: Why was Job experiencing this suffering? Was Job secretly wicked? The fruit a godless person reaps is judgment, constant uncertainty, hopelessness, and impending doom (Job 27:13-23). Job will unpack in the following chapters why that does not accurately describe him.

The difference in perspective between God and us creates ambiguity for us, since justice is not rendered how or when we desire. Sin does not always bring immediate punishment and doing good does not guarantee blessings and comfort in this life; otherwise, Christianity would also be a works-based religion. God is at work even when we can't see it, but we can be assured that He is for us (Romans 8:28) and His timing is perfect and just. Our only obligation is to be faithful, regardless of whether we lose family, possessions, health, or friends. Let us hold fast to righteousness!

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. Go back to the three-part question at the end of the first paragraph. Replace Job's name with your own. Which area(s) strikes a chord the most?

2. Are there ways you are choosing conformity over integrity in your social circles?

3. If Satan could shake up your integrity by stealing, killing, or destroying one aspect of your life, what would he attack?

4. What steps are you taking to grow now in order to not be in danger when trials come?

Respond to Today's Passage

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MS

Michael Scaman

Bildad spoke for 6 verses, Job will now go on for 6 chapters. Job continued, and continued, and continued, on and on and on. He even curses his wicked opposition in verse 7 witout giving names. Did his friends feel like maybe he left 'my enemies' ambiguous enough to include them? Job's friends will officially call it quits in chapter 32. Even the legal mindsat the ACLJ and ACLU are a little out of their league on this one. Friend of the Court Brief regarding Job 27 Submitted as if by but not really by: Jay Sekulow, Esq. American Center for Law and Justice Statement of Interest The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) submits this friend of the court brief in the matter of Job's appeal to the Supreme Court of Divine Justice. While Job is not wrong to 'hold fast to is integrity". we will atill ask for mercy. Job has admittd his limitations one we might emphasise is he does not see the big picture. One limitation in Job's view and his friend's views is that they are unaware God calls Job 'My servant' and 'there is no one like him'. Argument Presumption of Innocence: Job, the appellant in this case, has consistently maintained his innocence and integrity despite facing unimaginable suffering. The principle of presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice in human courts, does not apply in the divine court as God is omnicient. There is, however the matter of a good concience. Humility and Judgment: While Job's defense of his integrity is commendable, it is essential to approach his arguments with humility and caution. The human understanding of divine justice is limited and handicapped by the fall, and the complexities of suffering cannot always be neatly explained or attributed to specific acts of righteousness or wrongdoing. Spiritual Growth through Adversity: Job's ordeal serves as a profound testament to the resilience of faith in the face of adversity. Rather than viewing suffering solely as a punishment, it can be seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth, character development, and a deeper reliance on God's grace. Conclusion In conclusion, the American Center for Law and Justice respectfully asks the judge to show mercy. We advocate for a compassionate interpretation of Job's arguments, recognizing his limitations, sufferings, the complexity of his circumstances and the profound theological questions they raise. Job clings to his rights. He may do better to cling to God. And whatever the verdict this is a court with no appeal. And never curse your opposition in court. Respectfully submitted, as if by but not really by Jay Sekulow, Esq. American Center for Law and Justice We might also find statements in the media from the ACLU similar to the following if they were around :: The ACLU finds Job's arguments to be compelling and worthy of consideration. In this case we are loathe to admit that this may be outside the limits of the ACLJ. We do find sympathy with Job, namely: We stand for dissent and critique: Job's willingness to challenge existing power structures and question societal norms resonates with the ACLU's commitment to defending individuals' rights to express dissenting viewpoints. Job exemplifies the importance of robust debate. We stand for defense of rights: Job's assertions of his rights being violated and his concerns about infringements on his freedoms align with the ACLU's mission of defending civil liberties. Perhaps he is trying to convince himself and is unconvinced of the arguments of his friends. But where do we go from here? We stand for calls for justice: Job's impassioned pleas for justice and fairness in the face of suffering or adversity resonate deeply with the ACLU's dedication to promoting justice and equality. Job should not be harrassed by his friends. In summary, the ACLU views Job's arguments as compelling because they embody principles of dissent, defense of rights, and calls for justice that are central to their mission of defending civil liberties and promoting justice and equality for all. That said, we seem,to have run up against some limits in this matter, not the least of which being an opponent who is invisible and larger than the universe. But is He even an opponent since he said "My servant Job"?
GJ

greg jones

Lucas great dive this morning. This resonated with me. “Chapter 27 is the climax of the entire book as Job gives his final verdict. "As God lives" in Job 27:2 is classic vow language that stakes God’s lifeon the truthfulness of His words. This is figurative, of course, but shows the profundity of Job's conviction, which powerfully culminates in Job 27:4-5: "my lips will not speak falsehood . . . . till I die I will not put away my integrity from me." The test is passed. God 3, Satan 0.” A standard overview of Job is usually stated as something like, “the book of Job explains why God allows good people to experience bad things.” In the end why Job suffered isn’t going to be explained to him. And here in the climatic middle, this is about Job maintaining his truth. It’s about not caving into the peer pressure of the spokesmen for his culture. "my lips will not speak falsehood . . . . till I die I will not put away my integrity from me." You go Job. But in this life count on others to try and take your integrity from you. To take away your voice. If, here in the climax of your book your lips do speak falsehood, if, you go along with your crowd they will return your integrity to you…but obviously you already know this.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, Lucas! Poor Job. He totally gets that the wicked are punished, but it sure feels like he's being punished when he wasn't wicked. He KNOWS he was blameless and upright, and *we* know it too because of Job 1. But the puzzle pieces don't fit. What a reminder that we are only given a single piece of the puzzle of life, and there is no way to see the big picture as God does. We don't even see how our piece fits into the surrounding pieces. We have to trust the One who sees the entire picture on the box top. We have to trust that there IS a picture on the box top. We have to trust.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. “For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off,
 when God takes away his life?” If God isn’t supporting everyone in His usual ways, I would be scared. 2. I choose integrity because I want the best for myself and others. 3. My integrity. 4. From listening to sermons, from studying the Bible, and from applying what I learn from God in daily life, I have resources to handle trials when they occur. Lucas - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made an excellent point in saying, “The difference in perspective between God and us creates ambiguity for us”. We should remember to be ourselves with God, not overanalyzing anything or making it too hard.