The truth, and nothing but the truth

The truth, and nothing but the truth

Theme: Confronting worldly wisdom.

Scripture: Job 13:1-28

A1 Outline

B1 Job tells his friends (?) to shut up Job 13:1-5

B2 Job tells his friends (?) their speeches are stupid Job 13:6-13

B3 Job tells God to stop hurting me Job 13:14-28

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Is Job angry?

• C1 In general how does a person's anger differ from God's anger?
• D1 Person's anger
• E1 With passion
• E2 Seeks punishment and revenge
• E3 Often based on perceptions rather than truth
• E4 Based on personal offenses whether right or wrong
• E5 we are to set aside our anger (1 Timothy 2:8, Ephesians 4:26)
• D2 God's anger
• E1 With passion (Revelation 19:15)
• E2 Seeks repentance and reconciliation until repeatedly rejected then seeks punishment and revenge (Romans 1:18, Romans 2:5, Romans 12:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:9)
• E3 Based on truth (Colossians 3:6)
• E4 Based on a standard--God's standard (Romans 2:8)
• C2 Would we be angry? Consider all that has happened. Job doesn't know all the background of why these things happened. Job's friends keep assuming that Job has committed horrible, vile sins and needs to repent.

B2 What is truth?

• C1 Philosophically there are many theories. Consider this chart.
• C2 Basically truth is reality.
• D1 Examples
• E1 Financial issues. When people deal with money issues whether taxes or buying and selling, they want exactness.
• E2 Pain management. When people are in pain as after surgery or in an accident, they are facing reality and want pain control. Reality wins.
• D2 People often put faith in something or someone so strongly that when their chosen does something evil or stupid, they still believe what he/she says. Often they also become defenders and will harangue others, bullying them into correctness (as they see it). Most often this is seen in politics and to a little lesser way in "spiritual" leaders.
• D3 Reality. What is reality?
• E1 Groups and people make presentations promoting their view(s).
• E2 They present this as reality.
• E3 Often it is selective.
• E4 It is usually called fraud.
• D4 Everyone should be a little skeptical.
• D5 No one should have blind faith.
• D6 Christians need to have and practice a reasonable faith. Instead of just believing because someone makes claims, we need to find evidence that is most reasonable. Sources: Cold Case Christianity, Who moved the stone?,
• C3 Give some examples of truth.

B3 What is wisdom?

• C1 Some definitions
• D1 Knowledge--knowing facts as in 1+1=2
• D2 Understand--knowing why 1+1=2. $+$=$$
• D3 Wisdom--knowing facts, understanding why, then how to apply it.
• C2 Worldly wisdom (wisdom, James 3:15)
• D1 If we adopt the definition that wisdom is knowledge plus understanding, then using this according to a person's own standard.
• D2 Example--Today's politicians
• C3 Godly wisdom (wisdom from above, James 3:17)
• D1 If we adopt the definition that wisdom is knowledge plus understanding, then using this according to God's standard.
• D2 Example--The Lord Jesus (John 7:46, Luke 20:27-40).
• C4 Give some examples of worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.

B4 Job's 3 friends gave Job reasons for his calamity. The main idea they had was, "You have sinned. God is punishing you. You need to confess your sin and ask God for forgiveness." Was this an example of worldly or godly wisdom? Support your answer.

B5 Because of the difficulties with his 3 friends, Job then wishes to take his case to God. Is this wise?

B6 Job's friends spoke many words. Were these words inspired by God? Does inspiration mean all words in the Bible are the words of God? (No, it does guarantee that the words recorded are 100% accurate).

B7 What kind of wisdom is best for all? (Godly wisdom).

B8 How do we apply godly wisdom for...

• C1 Being falsely accused?
• C2 Slandered?
• C3 Libeled?
• C4 Insulted and reviled?
• C5 Screaming in our face?
• C6 Threats of violence if we continue to believe, teach, and preach as we do?
• C7 Loss of family due to sickness or accident?
• C8 Financial loss?
• C9 Threats of divorce for ourselves or others?
• C10 Church members who drift into doctrinal or lifestyle errors?

B9 Where do we find wisdom? (In prayer, Bible reading, Bible study, godly counsel, and faith in God).

B10 How do we know God's wisdom in circumstances? We can know God's will by...

• C1 The Scriptures that tell us we MUST do something.
• C2 The Scriptures that tell us we MUST NOT do something.
• C3 Principles to do or not to do.
• C4 Examples/illustrations of those who did or did not do something and what happened.
• C5 What examples might we give on
• D1 Who should I marry?
• D2 Should I buy this house?
• D3 Should I take this job?
• D4 Should I quit this job?
• D5 Should I retire?
• D6 Should I go to college or not, and where should I go?
• D7 Should I be a pastor, missionary, etc.?

B11 How do we know someone's advice, beliefs, or anything someone tells us is true?

B12 Was it right for Job to take his complaint and judicial case to God?

B13 Job 13:1-5, what was Job's main argument against his friends? (He knew as much as they did. He was not stupid).

B14 Job 13:6-13, what was Job's accusing his friends of? (lying about the reason for his suffering and his character).

B15 Job 13:14-28

• C1 Job 13:14-18, what is Job saying? ("I've lost all hope, so I'm going to make my appeal directly to God").
• C2 Job 13:19-21, what is Job saying to God? ("Are you going to come and accuse me? Secondly, please stop hurting me).
• C3 Job 13:22-23, what is Job saying to God here? ("What have I done wrong? What is my sin)?
• C4 Job 13:24-25, what is Job saying to God? ("I'm don't understand why you are treating me like an enemy)?
• C5 Job 13:26-28, now what is Job saying? ("I know that I'm a sinner. I sinned in my youth. Now, I am rotting away).

B16 Do we believe that God is the source of truth?

B17 Why do people turn to worldly wisdom instead of godly wisdom?

Why Is This Happening?

Why Is This Happening?

Theme: When God doesn't make sense.

Scripture: Job 19:1-27

A1 Outline--Job's reply to Bildad

B1 Questions why his friends hate him so. Job 19:1-7

B2 Questions why God has does this to him. Job 19:8-22

B3 States that someday God will come and help him, even raise him from the dead. Job 19:23-29

A2 Notes and Questions

B1 Job 19 is Job's response to Bildad's words in Job 18 (Summary given below)

• C1 Why are you so angry with us? Do you think we are stupid?
• C2 You are wicked. Wicked people are eventually caught, just like wild animals are.
• C3 God punishes these very wicked people with death, and people want to forget about them.

B2 Job 19 summary

• C1 Why are you insulting me?
• C2 You think you are better than me.
• C3 Can't you see that God has done this?
• C4 God has taken everything from me, even hope.
• D1 My family hates me.
• D2 My friends and relatives have deserted me.
• D3 My servants treat me like a stranger.
• D4 My wife thinks I stink.
• D5 Children despise and laugh at me.
• D6 My closest friends have turned against me.
• D7 My skin just hangs on my body.
• C5 Why don't you have pity on me? You are my closest friends.
• C6 God is in heaven and will come to my defense.
• C7 Even if I die, God will raise me up some day.
• C8 God is judge, not you miserable people.

B3 Did Job understand why these things were happening?

B4 Do we understand why everything happens to us?

B5 What are we to do in times like that?

B6 Can cheering up someone be wrong?

B7 What do we say to someone who is going through suffering?

• C1 Listen to them.
• C2 Don't make a rash judgment.
• C3 Stay silent.
• C4 Try to understand the situation.
• C5 If we don't know the cause, don't assume one.
• C6 A number of Psalms express the pain of a situation.
• C7 Consider this list from Nave's Topical Bible

AFFLICTIONS

Psalm 3; 4; 5; 7; 11; 13; 16; 17; 22; 26; 27; 28; 31; 35; 41; 42; 43; 44; 54; 55; 56; 57; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 69; 70; 71; 74; 77; 79; 80; 83; 84; 86; 88; 89; 94; 102; 109; 120; 123; 129; 137; 140; 141; 142; 143

DIDACTIC

Psalm 1; 5; 7; 9; 10; 11; 12; 14; 15; 17; 24; 25; 32; 34; 36; 37; 39; 49; 50; 52; 53; 58; 73; 75; 82; 84; 90; 91; 92; 94; 101; 112; 119; 121; 125; 127; 128; 131; 133

HISTORICAL

Psalm 78; 105; 106

IMPRECATORY

Psalm 5:10; Psalm 6:10; Psalm 9:20; Psalm 10:2; Psalm 10:15; Psalm 25:3; Psalm 28:4; Psalm 31:17; Psalm 31:18; Psalm 35:4; Psalm 35:8; Psalm 35:26; Psalm 40:14; Psalm 40:15; Psalm 54:5; Psalm 55:9; Psalm 55:15; Psalm 56:7; Psalm 58:7; Psalm 59:5; Psalm 59:11; Psalm 59:15; Psalm 68:1; Psalm 68:2; Psalm 69:23; Psalm 69:24; Psalm 69:27; Psalm 69:28; Psalm 70:2; Psalm 70:3; Psalm 71:13; Psalm 79:10; Psalm 79:12; Psalm 83:13-17; Psalm 94:2; Psalm 109:7; Psalm 109:9-20; Psalm 109:28; Psalm 109:29; Psalm 119:78; Psalm 119:84; Psalm 129:5; Psalm 140:9; Psalm 140:10; Psalm 143:12; Psalm 144:6

INTERCESSIONAL

Psalm 20; 67; 122; 132; 144

MESSIANIC

Psalm 2:1-12; Psalm 16:7-11; Psalm 67:1-7; Psalm 68:28-35; Psalm 69:1-36; Psalm 72:1-19; Psalm 93:1-5; Psalm 96:1-13; Psalm 97:1-12; Psalm 98:1-9; Psalm 99:1-9; Psalm 110:1-7; Psalm 118:19-29

PENITENTIAL

Psalm 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143

PRAISE

For God's attributes

Psalm 8; 19; 24; 29; 33; 47; 50; 65; 66; 76; 77; 93; 95; 96; 97; 99; 104; 111; 113; 114; 115; 134; 139; 147; 148; 150

PROPHETIC

Psalm 2; 16; 22; 40; 45; 68; 69; 72; 87; 97; 110; 118

THANKSGIVING

Psalm 21; 46; 48; 65; 66; 68; 76; 81; 85; 98; 105; 124; 126; 129; 135; 136; 149

For God's goodness to good men

Psalm 23; 34; 36; 91; 100; 103; 107; 117; 121; 145; 146

For God's Mercies to Individuals

Psalm 9; 18; 30; 34; 40; 75; 103; 108; 116; 118; 138; 144

Source: Study Light

B8 Job 19:1-5

• C1 What is Job's main complaint against Bildad?
• C2 Can words torment?
• C3 Is this a form of verbal abuse?
• C4 What do we do when we face this?
• D1 The Lord Jesus--Luke 13:32, Luke 23:6-9, John 19:9-11, 1 Peter 2:23
• D2 Counsel from the Apostles--1 Peter 4:9, 1 Peter 4:12-16, 1 Peter 3:17,

B9 Job 19:6-12

• C1 Is it wrong to complain to God? See Psalm 73 and Jonah 4
• C2 Why are Job's friends in essence falsely accusing Job?

B10 Job 19:13-20

• C1 How do we help others when everyone has forsaken them? Read Psalm 22 and Mark 15:34 (Matthew 27:46).
• C2 Do bad things happen to "good" people?
• C3 Why do people blame God when everything becomes tragic?
• C4 What is some of the things we can do to help others when this happens?
• D1 Pray
• D2 Listen to that person. Stay quiet. Let them talk.
• D3 Do not say harmful things that we often think help but only makes matters worse.
• E1 "Things could be worse."
• E2 "You'll get over it."
• E3 "Stop pitying yourself."
• E4 "Get over it."
• E5 "You already have 3 children."
• E6 "You know you could have avoided this."
• D4 Say and do some things that are helpful.
• E1 "How are you doing. I really mean that." Now stop and listen intently.
• E2 "I really don't know what to say, but I can see your grief. Is there something I can do for you?"
• E3 Stop by in a few weeks. Bring something nice with you. Stay to chat.
• E4 "I sure do appreciate you loved one. I remember how she/he helped me with..."
• D5 What are some other things to say and do and things not to say or do?

B11 Job 19:21-22

• C1 How did Job's friends fail him?
• C2 What is Job asking his friends to do?

B12 Job 19:23-27

• C1 Was Job's request in verses 23 and 24 answered?
• C2 What is Job's hope? (Job 19:25-27)
• C3 Our resurrection
• D1 Here, Daniel 12:2-3, Daniel 12:13, Matthew 22:29-33, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, etc.
• D2 The resurrection is important see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
• D3 For explanations of the resurrection's importance see here and here

B13 Job 19:28-29, what is Job saying to his friends?

B14 Have you ever struggled with the feeling that God has abandoned you? What did you do? How can you use this experience to help others?

Daily Bible Study--1 John 1:8-10

Sins and Forgiveness

1 John 1:8-10

"If we claim that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we claim that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10, EMTV)

A1 Outline

B1 Conditional sentence 1. 1 John 1:8

C1 If

D1 We claim

D2 That we have no sin

C2 Main clause

D1 We are deceiving

E1 Ourselves

D2 The truth is

E1 Not

E2 In us

B2 Conditional sentence 2. 1 John 1:9

C1 If

D1 We confess

E1 Our sins

C2 Main clause

D1 He is

E1 Faithful

E2 Just

F1 To

G1 Forgive

H1 Us

H2 Our sins

G2 Cleanse

H1 Us

H2 From all unrighteousness

B3 Conditional sentence 3. 1 John 1:10

C1 If

D1 We claim

D2 That we have not sinned

C2 Main clause

D1 We make

E1 Him

E2 A liar

D2 His word

E1 Is

E2 Not

E3 In us

A2 Notes

B1 Three types of conditional sentences (Condition and result clauses. The condition clause starts with the word if. The main clause starts with the word then or equivalent).

C1 Types

D1 Possible (If it rains, the grass will become wet. If I stand in the rain, I will get wet. If I drink coffee at night, I stay awake).

D2 Not possible (If I were a king, I would not live here. If I were you, I would save that money).

D3 In the past (If it would have rained, the grass would have become wet. If she would have treated me like that, I would just walk away. If I had to do it all over again, things would be different).

C2 Usually start with the word if or have if in the sentence.

C3 For more information see here, here, or here.

B2 1 John 1:8 – First conditional. This is one of the tests in 1 John for us to know if we are a Christian. Do we acknowledge that we are sinners, do sin, and have sinned?

B3 1 John 1:9 – Second conditional. This is test two. Will we confess not only are we sinners but also our sins to God? If not, there is a problem.

B4 1 John 1:10 – Third conditional. This is the third test. A very serious issue confronts us. If we refuse to acknowledge that we are sinners, then our diagnosis is we are calling God a liar and His word is not in us. If this is our attitude, then we need to confess this sin to God.

A3 Questions

B1 Does 1 John 1:8 refer to a position of being sinless or referring to being caught in sin and proclaiming your innocence (when you are not innocent)?

B2 If we are deceived and the truth is not in us, does that mean we are not Christians? (No, it may be where we believe at that moment. If we continue and/or teach this about sin, it is obvious that we are a fake, a false convert. We must face the reality of our sinfulness and the forgiven in Christ).

B3 What is deception? How to we avoid being deceived?

B4 Since truth is so important to God, what are some ways we don't face, acknowledge, say, do, etc. the truth?

B5 Why is the truth so hard to admit?

B6 What is humbly accepting the fact that we do break God's law so difficult to acknowledge?

Daily Bible Study--1 John 1:5

1 John 1:5

"And this is the message which we have heard from Him and we announce to you, that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. " (1 John 1:5, EMTV)

A1 Outline

B1 This is

C1 The message

D1 We have heard

E1 from Him

D2 God is light

D3 God has

E1 No darkness in him at all

B2 We announce

C1 To you

A2 Notes

B1 Message

C1 The Greek word is ἐπαγγελία epaggelia

D1 Sometimes the word means an announcement. 1 John 1:5

D2 Usually it is used as a special announcement--a promise. Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, etc.

D3 A promise is a message about something in the future.

D4 A message, as used here, refers to something in the past.

C2 The message here is something that John and the other Apostles heard.

B2 Heard and announce

C1 John heard this teaching from the Lord Jesus. John 1:9 and John 8:12

C2 He writes about it, so that others will know, too.

C3 This message probably has been spoken of many times.

B3 You--the readers

B4 God--the God of the Bible

B5 Light

C1 Not the physical substance, photons

C2 Speaks

D1 Of His appearance 1 Timothy 6:16, Revelation 22:5

D2 Of His personal characteristics

E1 Truth John 8:12

E2 One that teaches truth Psalm 27:1, James 1:17

E3 Glory Isaiah 4:5, Acts 7:55, 2 Corinthians 3:7

E4 Holiness Ezekiel 28:25, Ephesians 4:24

E5 Perfection (no flaws)

B6 Darkness--the opposite of light

B7 In Him--God, that is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit

A3 Questions

B1 Are we to announce this message as well?

B2 How complete, perfect, is this light? ("...no darkness, at all").

B3 How should this affect a Christian's life?

B4 When God speaks of history, geography, science, human emotions, etc., is it true? How does this affect Genesis 1?

B5 What is the natural state of humanity? (See Matthew 6:23, John 3:19, John 12:46

Resurrection Song