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Job and Self-Evaluation (Part One): Job's Character

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Job, as depicted in the narrative, stands as a man of exceptional character, described from the outset as blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil. These qualities are affirmed by God Himself, who regards Job as complete and straight, a paragon of absolute integrity. His righteousness is not merely superficial; he consistently did what he knew to be right, never wavering or succumbing to situational ethics. Job's devotion to God was wholehearted, and he outright rejected what was wrong, embodying wisdom and understanding in his approach to life by adhering to God's commands and wholly rejecting sin. God places Job among the most righteous, alongside Noah and Daniel, highlighting his high integrity and moral standing even centuries later. Despite facing extreme trials—losing his family and possessions, and later enduring painful boils—Job maintained his integrity. He fell to his knees in worship, blessing God's name even in devastation, demonstrating an intellectual understanding of God's sovereignty. He recognized that God's will reigns supreme, accepting both good and adversity as part of divine providence, and understood his place as a creature under the Creator's authority. Job's righteousness was genuine, not a facade, and he was not being punished for sin in the typical sense. Though not sinless, he was as righteous as a mortal man could be, continually seeking God's forgiveness and correction through sacrifices for himself and his family. His character held firm against the worst that satan could inflict, as God expressed confidence in Job, declaring him His servant and betting on his steadfastness. Even when isolated in faith, with his wife urging him to curse God and die, Job rejected such advice, affirming his belief in accepting both good and adversity from God. Throughout these tests, Job's integrity remained intact, setting the stage for deeper challenges and dialogues that would probe his understanding and perspective.

Job: Things Left Unsaid

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

In the book of Job, we encounter a man whose character is held up as exemplary by God Himself. Job is described in Job 1:1 as blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil. God reaffirms this in Job 1:8 and 2:3, declaring to satan, "Have You considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" This divine endorsement underscores Job's exceptional righteousness, portraying him as a pinnacle of human virtue. Job's righteousness extended beyond mere adherence to rules; he grasped the spirit of God's intent. In Job 31, he testifies to his integrity, denying falsehood or deceit, maintaining purity in his interactions, and showing compassion to the poor, the fatherless, and the widow. His life reflected justice, mercy, and a rejection of greed and materialism. Earlier, in Job 29, his actions align with pure and undefiled religion, demonstrating care for orphans and widows while keeping himself unspotted from the world. Remarkably, even satan, known as the accuser, brought no charge against Job when given the opportunity. In the dialogues of Job 1 and 2, satan does not point out any sin in Job but instead challenges God with hypotheticals, suggesting that Job's fear of God might falter under different circumstances. This silence from satan further highlights Job's blameless state, as no fault is laid before God despite satan's expertise in finding flaws. Though Job acknowledges past iniquities and sins, as seen in Job 13:26 and 14:16-17, God's testimony of his blamelessness and uprightness stands firm. Job's trial was not a judgment for sin or disobedience but served a different purpose under God's sovereign oversight. His character, shaped by God's work, remained exemplary, even as the trial revealed areas within him that needed refinement.

Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Two): Perspective

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Job stands as an exemplary figure of righteousness, described consistently as blameless and upright, meaning spiritually mature and straight. He is portrayed as among the most righteous men of the Old Testament, comparable to Noah and Daniel. God Himself confidently calls Job His servant, affirming that he fears God and shuns evil. Job has done everything God has asked of him, bearing the divine stamp of approval as a man with few flaws who walks closely with God. Though he admits to occasional sins and seeks forgiveness through sacrifices, Job is not characterized as a sinner but as a complete and righteous individual. In his suffering, Job's response reveals his deep desire to understand why he is afflicted. Unlike his friends, who assume his suffering stems from sin and urge him to repent, Job is not focused on defending himself against their accusations. Instead, he grapples with the purpose behind his trials, often speaking as if to himself, working through his confusion and frustration. His speeches are marked by emotional pleas directed at God, sometimes verging on the improper as he demands answers, expressing feelings of injustice and bewilderment. He questions why God seems silent and why he, having done all that was asked, receives evil instead of good. Yet, even in his distress, Job never accuses God of sin or maligns His character, maintaining a fundamental trust in God's justice and goodness. Job's frustration grows as he perceives a collapse in his relationship with God, fearing that God has withdrawn from him. This misconception fuels his torment, as he mourns the loss of God's favor, believing his life as a righteous man is over without the source of his righteousness. Despite his emotional outbursts and sometimes alarming questions, Job remains willing to endure the suffering God has allowed, seeking only to comprehend the divine purpose behind it. His persistent inquiry into the "why" of his situation underscores his integrity, even as he struggles with the vast distance between himself and God, longing for a direct answer that seems unattainable.

Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Three): Attitude

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Job had not achieved spiritual maturity, but had assumed the arrogant stance of attempting to debate the Creator on his own level.

Becoming Fearless

Sermon by Mark Schindler

When Job was afflicted with physical problems, he learned that God was using them to perfect him. Afflictions are intended to bind us together.

God's Good Work in Us

Sermon by John O. Reid

Despite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.

Reflections on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Lessons learned from COVID, as well as possible reasons God allowed or caused the pandemic to sweep through the church and wreak havoc on Feast observance.

The Back Door

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

Satan knows how to exploit the vulnerabilities of carnal nature for his purposes. Satan's tireless efforts to hack the human mind steal valuable time.

The Path to Magnificence

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We have not been uninformed about the enemy's tactics, nor about our capacity to endure. God will never forsake us, and we should never forsake one another.

Jesus Christ's Trial (Part Four)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God will not reveal His precious truth to idle curiosity, as was the case with the self-indulgent Herod Antipas, seeking entertainment rather than truth.

Conscience (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A conscience can only function according to what it knows, and will automatically adjust in the way it is exercised. Conscience follows conduct.

Do Not Judge: What Does it Mean?

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The caution not to judge is more accurately rendered, 'do not condemn' rather than to evaluate according to their fruits. We risk condemning ourselves.