Heart of the problem… (2 points)

• 1^st – Answering Eliphaz – Chapter 6 
  • REMINDER: Hebrew POETRY…
    • Hebrew POETRY does not attempt to RHYME words – it is not based on similar sounds…
    • Hebrew POETRY is formed by the COMPARING or CONTRASTING ideas…
    • An idea will be stated – then a number of verses will be dedicated to COMPARING it…
    • OR we will see the idea CONTRASTED – a RHYME of COMPARING or CONTRASTING ideas!
  • 1^st – JUSTIFYING rash words… vs. 1-3
    • Then Job answered… vs. 1
      • Job RESPONDS to the ACCUSATION of Eliphaz…
      • The SECOND section of Job – Chapters 3-37 – the Wisdom of Men…
      • Is broken up into FOUR rounds of debate – THREE between Job and his THREE friends…
      • After each FRIEND gives their OPINION – Job will respond and defend himself!
      • Then a final FOURTH section when a young man named Elihu gives his opinion…
      • After which God will give His TRUTH – which is the THIRD and final section of the Book!
    • Oh – that my GREIF were fully weighed… vs. 2-3
      • GREIF – from the VERB [כָּעַס] – meaning to be ANGRY…
      • All the TERRORS that had happened to Job – FILLED him with raging ANGER…
      • If someone were to put it on the SCALES and WEIGH it…
      • It would be heavier than the sand of the sea!
      • The point Job is making is he has been CRUSHED under the weight of his SORROW!
      • The loss of his WEALTH – HEALTH – and most especially his CHILDREN!
      • There are NO limits to what God will allow to get our attention…
      • The question is are we willing to fall on Him – admit our need – and be BROKEN…
      • Or do we insist on going our own way – He falls on us – and we are CRUSHED!
      • Luke 20:18 – “Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder…”
    • Therefore my words have been RASH [impulsive]…
      • Job JUSTIFIES his comments – Job 3 – by saying they were a reaction to his suffering…
      • While his PAIN is certainly understandable – our suffering does not excuse our WORDS!
      • Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth…”
      • If we have to JUSTIFY something – more than likely – we should NOT have said it…
      • It is easy to RATIONALIZE harsh words said in a moment of angry or hurt…
      • But that does not EXCUSE us – we should GUARD our LIPS!
      • Psalm 141:3 – “Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.” (NLT)
  • 2^nd – The RIGHT to complain… vs. 4-7
    • The Almighty has struck me down with his arrows – their POISON infects my SPIRIT… vs. 4
      • We now come to the HEART of the problem – Job blamed God for what happened…
      • The ALMIGHTY [שַׁדַּי] – a generic name for God that expresses His ultimate POWER…
      • Struck Job with his ARROWS – taking away his WEALTH – HEALTH – and FAMILY…
      • Infecting his SPIRIT [literally dirking it up] with POISON [wrath]!
      • Job was ANGRY with God – because of what had happened to Him!
      • And he believed he had the RIGHT to be ANGRY!
    • Do I not have the RIGHT to complain [NLT] … vs. 5
      • Donkeys bray when they find no grass – and oxen bellow when they have no food… vs. 6
      • People complain about unsalted food – [who eats] the tasteless [purslane] … vs. 7
      • My appetite disappears [piel] when I look at it – I gag at the thought of eating it! [NLT]
      • Purslane [not egg yolk] – is a tasteless vegetable – we would say SALAD…
      • You have to admire the passion with which Job despised SALAD [gag]!
      • If donkeys and oxen can COMPLAIN when they have no FOOD…
      • Or if people can COMPLAIN because their food does not taste good…
      • How much more did Job have a RIGHT to COMPLAIN about his life being destroyed!
      • When BAD things happen in life – it can be easy to want to BLAME God…
      • He is after all – ALMIGHTY – He could have provided / kept us safe…
      • Therefore EVERYTHING that happens to us – we CAN blame Him for allowing!
      • BUT by blaming God – we are saying God made a MISTAKE…
      • It means we think we are SMARTER – and know BETTER than He does!
      • The better response is to come and ask God – WHY He allowed it…
      • We may not UNDERSTAND why BAD things were allowed to happen…
      • But we believe by FAITH – everything God does in our lives is for our GOOD!
      • Romans 8:28 – “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.”
  • 3^rd – No more STRENGTH… vs. 8-13
    • Oh – that I might have my request – God would GRANT me the thing I LONG for… vs. 8-9
      • That it would PLEASE God to crush me [piel] – He would LOOSE His hand and CUT me off!
      • The thought is – God FINISH the job – COMPLETE what you started…
      • God had taken EVERYTHING else from Job – why not take his LIFE as well…
      • Do NOT hold back – let loose your hand and CUT [piel] me off – KILL me!
    • At least I can take comfort [jussive] in this – despite the pain…
      • I have not denied [piel] the WORDS of the Holy One [NLT] … vs. 10
      • Job assumed because he had not SAID anything contrary God – he was INNOCENT…
      • But it is NOT just about WORDS and ACTIONS – I Samuel 16:7
      • It is ALSO about what is in our HEART – that is where SIN begins!
    • What strength do I have [left] that I should hope… vs. 11
      • What is my end that I should prolong my life…
      • Is my strength the strength [made from] of stones – or is my flesh [from] bronze… vs. 12
      • We are to be wise as a SERPENT [satan] – but gentle as a DOVE [Spirit] – Matthew 10:16
      • I had a good friend once add – being a CHRISTIAN also means having the skin of a RHINO…
      • Because we are going to go through trials – and need THICK [bronze] skin!
    • No – I am utterly helpless – without any chance of success [NLT] … vs. 13
      • Job had NOTHING left to give – there is ONLY so much one man can SUFFER…
      • He was not made of STONE – his skin was not as think as BRONZE…
      • He was DEVASTATED – and had no HOPE for a better tomorrow – and just wanted to DIE!
      • When we try to be STRONG – when we try to depend in OUR power – we will FAIL…
      • But it is in our FAILURE we look up – and find true POWER…
      • When we realize we are WEAK – we learn to depend on the POWER of God…
      • There are ONLY two resources in life we can draw from to live for God…
      • We can depend on OUR strength to TRY and make us HOLY…
      • Or we can depend of the strength of GOD – that WILL make us HOLY!
      • II Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient… for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
  • 4^th – UNFAITHFUL friends… vs. 14-30
    • To an afflicted friend – show PITY and FEAR the Lord – do NOT forsake him… vs. 14
      • Job expected his FRIENDS to give him COMFORT – not ACCUSATIONS… vs. 15-20
      • He likens them to a seasonal STREAM – where one hopes to get WATER [be refreshed]!
      • In the SPRING the STREAM overflows its banks from snow melt…
      • Meaning it provides LOTS of water – in cooler months – when it is NOT needed…
      • But when the summer comes – when it gets REALLY hot…
      • The STREAM dries up – there is no WATER when it is needed most…
      • The traveling caravans stop by – hoping for WATER – and die of thirst!
      • They are disappointed because they were confident – come and are confused… vs. 20
      • It is easy to SAY – just let me know what you NEED…
      • But when the NEED comes – who is ACTUALLY there to HELP…
      • People often have the BEST intentions – but they are not DEPENDABLE – all are sinners…
      • They are clouds that promise rain – but have NO water – Jude 1:12
      • Which is why we do not try and be the answer people need – we point them to Jesus!
    • You are nothing – you see TERROR and are AFRAID… vs. 21-23
      • Not ONLY were the friends of Job NOT helpful – they were AFRAID…
      • They were AFRAID Job might ask for HELP from them – ask for MONEY…
      • But Job NEVER asked them for ANYTHING – not for MONEY or HELP!
      • There may have been ANOTHER reason why the THREE friends were AFRAID…
      • If this happened to Job – it could also happen to them!
    • Teach me [imperative] – and I will hold my tongue… vs. 24
      • Cause me to understand [imperative] where I have [sinned]!
      • RIGHT words have POWER – but what does YOUR argument prove… vs. 25
      • You intend to REBUKE – but your speeches are like the [empty] WIND… vs. 26
      • Now therefore – LOOK at me [presumably the friends had turned away in protest] … vs. 28 
      • I would NEVER lie to your face!
      • Stop assuming my guilt [imperative] – for I have done no wrong [NLT] … vs. 29-30
      • Is there iniquity on my tongue – I can taste the difference between right and wrong!
      • Was Job innocent – NO – he did NOT sin with his actions or words…
      • But there was an issue in his heart – but ONLY God could change that…
      • We tend to get into a lot of trouble thinking we can somehow FIX people…
      • And if we try to – more than likely all we will end up doing is upsetting them…
      • RIGHT words DO have POWER – the POWER is in pointing people to the WORD!
      • II Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
• 2^nd – Answering God – Chapter 7
  • 1^st – Life is HARD… vs. 1-5
    • Having given his ANSWER to Eliphaz – Job turns his attention back to God…
      • Knowing he had NOT sinned – as Eliphaz had accused him of…
      • He is looking for answers as to WHY all this happened to Him!
    • Is there not a time of hard service for man on earth… vs. 1-2
      • His days [are] also like the days of [worker] – like a servant who EARNESTLY desires shade…
      • And like a hired man who EAGERLY [piel] looks for his wage!
      • If you have ever worked in the CAMPO – you know what it means to PANT for shade…
      • ANYONE who has every worked – knows what it means to eagerly DESIRE their salary!
      • In the same way Job was EAGERLY waiting for his SUFFERING to END!
    • I have been allotted MONTHS of futility – wearisome nights have been appointed to me… vs. 3-5
      • When I lie down I say – when shall I arise and the night be ended – tossing till dawn!
      • Job could NOT escape his SUFFERING even in SLEEP…
      • For MONTHS [time frame] he had been tossing and turning all NIGHT…
      • Unable to SLEEP because of his PHYSICAL pain!
      • My body is covered with maggots and scabs – my skin breaks open – oozing with pus! [NLT] 
      • A graphic picture that reveals just how MUCH and how LONG Job had been sick!
      • During a heart checkup a number of years ago – the doctor told me I was going to DIE…
      • Not because of my heart – that was healthy – but SOMETHING was going to get me!
      • Life is HARD – these bodies we live get OLD – and start to wear out…
      • If we live LONG enough – we will look forward to the day when we get to trade them in!
      • II Corinthians 5:1 – “We know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heaven.”
  • 2^nd – Life is SHORT… vs. 6-10
    • My days are swifter than a weavers shuttle – and are spent without HOPE… 6-7
      • Remember [imperative] that my life is a breath! My eye will never again see good!
      • LIFE is HARD – but Job also notes LIFE is SHORT…
      • And the best years were BEHIND him – he would never seem GOOD again before his death!
      • Interesting that Job uses a weavers [needle] to express the shortness of LIFE…
      • EVEN a small RUG – 3m x 4m – takes over FIVE months for a weaver to make!
      • But the closer you get to completion – the faster the NEEDLE seems to move!
      • When we were YOUNG time seemed to move at a VERY slow pace – days seemed like years…
      • As we get OLD time seems to SPEED up – years seems like days!
    • You see me now – but not for long – you will look for me – but I will be gone… vs. 8-10
      • As the cloud disappears – so he who goes down to the grave [שְׁאוֹל] does not come up…
      • He shall never return to his house – nor shall his place know him anymore!
      • LIFE is SHORT – like a cloud – we are here today and gone tomorrow…
      • And we ONLY get once chance – when we DIE – there is no coming back – Hebrews 9:27
      • Time is the MOST precious and limited resource we are given in this life…
      • We do not know how much time God has given us here on this earth…
      • The question is what we are going to do with the time God has given us!
      • Ephesians 5:16 – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
  • 3^rd – WHY me… vs. 11-16
    • Every part of Job cried out to God… vs. 11
      • I will not restrain my mouth [BODY] I will speak in the anguish of my SPIRIT …
      • I will complain in the bitterness of my soul [MIND]!
      • There is nothing wrong with crying out to God in despair…
      • We cannot fool God – we can say we are OK – but He sees the heart…
      • Better to be honest with the Lord – talk to Him when we are hurting!
      • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
    • Why did THIS happen… vs. 12-16
      • Am I a great WHALE [תַּנִּין] in the sea – that You set a guard over me… vs. 12
      • In other words – are you HUNTING me like some great prize catch!
      • When I say – my bed will comfort me – my couch will ease my complaint… vs. 13-14
      • Then You scare me with dreams – and terrify me with visions…
      • The Lord would NOT give Job any REST – even his DREAMS were terrifying!
      • To be fair – that may NOT have come from the Lord…
      • When we go through tragedy – our mind will often relive those moments in our DREAMS!
      • I would rather be strangled – rather die than suffer like this… [NLT] vs. 15-16
      • I hate my life and do not want to go on living – leave me ALONE for my few remaining days!
  • 4th – WHAT is my SIN… vs. 17-21
    • WHAT is man… vs. 17-18
      • What is MAN – that You should exalt him – that You should set Your heart on him…
      • That You should visit him every morning – and TEST him every moment!
      • MAN – [אֱנוֹשׁ] – the generic word for MANKIND…
      • Interestingly is comes from the root VERB meaning – INCURABLE or WICKED…
      • EXALT [piel] – to intensely magnify – to FOCUS on…
      • So much so – God visits us EVERY morning – TESTS us EVERY moment!
      • The answer to this is POWERFUL – look at where the LORD invests His time…
      • He MAGNIFIES us – HE comes to VISIT us daily – TESTS us every MOMENT…
      • Wherever your treasures are – there will your heart be also – Luke 12:34
      • What are we [MEN] to God – we are the MOST important thing to His HEART!
      • Psalm 139:17 – “How precious are your thoughts about me… they cannot be numbered!”
    • WHAT have I done… vs. 19-20
      • How long – will You not look away from me – and let me alone till I swallow my saliva…
      • We might say – at least let me catch my BREATH!
      • From one devastation to the NEXT – my WIFE says curse your God and die…
      • Then my so-called FRIENDS – try and accuse me of HIDDEN sin!
      • Have I sinned? What have I done to You – O watcher of men?
      • Why have You set me as Your target – so that I am a burden to [You]?
      • When people make accusation against us – it is EASY to dismiss them…
      • And they very well may be WRONG – especially if they are judging our MOTIVES…
      • But maybe they are RIGHT – perhaps there is something we have overlooked…
      • It never hurts to ask – WHAT HAVE I DONE – reflect on our words / actions!
      • II Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you.”
    • WHY not pardon… vs. 21
      • Why not just FORGIVE my sin – and take away my guilt?
      • For soon I will lie down in the dust and die – when you look for me – I will be gone!
      • Many people will NOT find forgiveness – because they do NOT ask…
      • When we are willing to ask – WHAT HAVE I DONE – we find there is forgiveness!

I John 1:9 – “If we CONFESS our sins, He is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins…”