Sermon - AudioJob 32-34 - Audio
Job 32-34 Daily Reading
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Daily Insights: "Took a fearless and searching moral inventory of ourselves." Step 4
As we recover and grow in Christ it is important for each of us to take a fearless and searching moral inventory. Often like Job's friends we are more skilled at taking the inventory of other people than focusing on our own short comings. God never tells us to take the inventory of our friends. It may be important to listen and ask probing questions, but we should never act like we have God given insight into the difficulties and trials others may experience.
1) Chapter 32 - When Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had nothing more to say, Elihu became the fourth person to speak to Job. This was the first and only time he spoke. Apparently he was a bystander and much younger than the others, but he introduced a new viewpoint. While Job's three friends said he was suffering from a past sin, Elihu said Job's suffering would not go away until he realized his present sin.
2) Chapter 33 - Elihu's point was that God had spoken again and again. He spoke in dreams and visions, through suffering, and by mediating angels. Job already knew that. Elihu accused Job of not listening to God, which was not true.
3) Chapter 34 - God doesn't sin and is never unjust, Elihu claimed. Throughout this book, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu all have elements of truth in their speeches. Unfortunately, the nuggets of truth are buried under layers of false assumptions and conclusions. Although we might have a wealth of Bible knowledge and life experiences, we must make sure our conclusions are consistent with all of God's Word, not just parts of it.
5 comments:
The use of the word 'inventory' in the 4th step is very insightful. I once worked for a company that required all of it's employees to be a part of counting inventory once a year. When I look at the list of the moral inventory that I own, it is painful but as I do it, it will change the list. sc
At what point do we trust what others are saying about God verses doing only what we feel God is telling us. Does God or does He not use others to speak to us? How do we discern what way to follow? Job has all these people who are telling him what seems like good advice, how did he know to not listen to them?
Anonymous 1,
The comparison to a physical inventory really is a great one. We may believe that we have "x" amount of something or that "x" exists, but until we actually dig down deep and look at the facts...we will never really know the truth.
I've found it particularly helpful to have other Christians that I trust around me who know me and will speak into the list as I find things out. I think there are some dangers in doing this alone. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies by being too hard on ourselves, or too lazy for that matter. Also, we are only get one viewpoint, our own. Involve the people you trust into this process, and I think it will help you discern what is currently truth in your life.
We got to dig up the junk!
Anonymous 2,
What I find important when any advice or discernment is given to me:
1. As far as I know does the person speaking to me have a good relationship with God? Do I trust this person enough to speak into my life? Is this person speaking out of love for me or condemnation?
2. Most Important - Does it contradict the Bible? I have received a lot of "good advice" over the years that ended up not being biblical or "godly advice." However, if we don't have a good knowledge of God's Word and aren't surrounded by people who know it well, "good advice" is impossible to discern from "godly advice."
3. Prayer - Ask God whether or not the advice you have been given is from Him. Sometimes we do not receive because we don't ask. Ask His Spirit to search your heart and reveal the truth. Again, I would still do this in community.
Much of it goes back to community. As a church body we are to help one another discern and understand bad advice, good advice, and godly advice.
Anonymous #2 raises a great issue. It can be especially challenging when we not only get bad adivce from our friends, but we could belong to a 'sick' religious community that adds even more pain and confusion.
There are several things we can do to discern what God is telling us. We start with scripture, and I mean all of scripture, not just texts taken in isolation or out of context. We need to be especially aware of our own theological hobby horses that can lead to a pre-dermined conclusion. It is also important to seek the leading of the Holy Spirit in our quiet time. We also need the imput of trusted friends, pastors, and counselors. The added benefit of doing a moral inventory and then sharing it with another person can help check our motives and perspective. It is crucial that we learn to discern the Lord's voice and make decisions in the context of christian community.
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