Lessons from Job for 2026  (#3)

#1 … Whose name was Job … your name is of great importance and priority.

1. Job is one of the five great intercessors that God has highlighted (Ezek 14:14; Jer 15:1).
2. The Holy Spirit also highlighted Job again in the N.T. for enduring his trials (Jas 5:11).
3. A good name and loving favor is rather to be chosen than wealth (Prov 22:1; Eccl 7:1).
4. David behaved wisely, a great trait, so his name was exalted (I Sam 18:30; I Kgs 1:47).
5. Men and women named in Hebrews 11 earned a good report by faith action (Heb 11:2).

 

#2 … That man was perfect … why settle for anything less in a new year than perfection.

1. God appeared to Abram and called him, a contemporary of Job, to be perfect (Gen 17:1).
2. Recent sermons for an excellent spirit taught perfection by loving enemies (Matt 5:48).
3. A great prayer request is to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Col 4:12).
4. Patience – cheerfully enduring negative events – will lead to perfection (James 1:2-4).
5. Seven great promises are for perfecting holiness in the fear of God like Job (II Cor 7:11).

 

#3 … That man was upright … unbending integrity to do what is just, right, and honest.

1. The righteous Lord loveth righteousness; He favorably beholds the upright (Ps 11:7).
2. David was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity (Psalm 18:23).
3. Our prayer and efforts should be against dominion of presumptuous sins (Psalm 19:13).
4. We are to identify perfect men and upright men, for their future is peace (Psalm 37:37).
5. The family tree or descendants of the upright in general shall be blessed (Psalm 112:2).
6. The book of Proverbs has 15 verses about the upright that help to define this great goal.

 

#4 … One that feared God … reverential awe and respect of God to obey in all things.

1. Fear need not be separated from the love of God as Moses taught Israel (Deut 10:12).
2. The fear of the LORD hates evil: pride, arrogancy, evil way, forward mouth (Pr 8:13).
3. Solomon made fear of God the conclusion of life and whole duty of man (Ec 12:13-14).
4. David summarized it in a short verse, Stand in awe, and sin not: commune … (Ps 4:4).
5. The N.T. does not avoid the fear of God (Luke 12:4-5; Hebrews 12:28-29; II Cor 7:1).
6. You may need a trigger. How about, What would God think? or, What does God want?

 

#5 … One that eschewed evil … to carefully abstain from, avoid, shun, stay clear of sin.

1. Solomon wrote verses telling us to turn away from the path of sinners (Prov 4:14-15,27).
2. Peter described the condition of eschewing evil for God to hear and bless (I Peter 3:11).
3. To have this character trait of Job, we must avoid even opportunities to sin (Rom 13:14).
4. Jesus taught to cut off hands or pluck out eyes to avoid sinning (Matt 5:29-30; 18:8-9).
5. Paul kept his body under and brought it into subjection to avoid failure (I Cor 9:27).

 

#6 … Greatest of all the men of the east … a large family and success did not alter Job.

1. It is an evil shame when God’s blessings relax conviction (Deut 32:15; 31:20; Hos 13:6).
2. God warned that the love of money corrupts (Ps 62:10; Pr 23:4-5; I Tim 6:6-11,17-19).
3. Jesus warned about the heart danger of riches (Mark 8:36-37; 10:23; Luke 12:15-21).
4. The goodness of God, benevolent kindness, should lead you to repentance (Rom 2:4).
5. You cannot measure God’s approval of your life by circumstances; beware (Ec 9:1-3).

 

#7 … His sons feasted every one his day … birthdays were allowed by Job but risky.

1. We understand these as birthdays and do not reject them with pagan holidays like JWs.
2. However, we also know that levity or partying may easily lead to sin (Rom 13:13-14).
3. A recent study of the Herods showed how a birthday cost John his life (Mark 6:21-28).
4. We should arm ourselves like Jesus did to avoid fleshly sins by partying (I Peter 4:1-5).
5. This kind of caution and conscientiousness is the exceptional character that God loved.

 

#8 … Job sanctified his sons and offered sacrifices … in case they had lightly sinned.

1. We see two actions – first to exhort to repentance and sobriety (Ex 19:10-15; Josh 7:13).
2. The second action was to offer burnt offerings – all burned up – for each one of them.
3. He did this by zeal to rise early in the morning, as Abraham had with Isaac (Gen 22:3).
4. Job did not know if his sons had sinned in their hearts, but he covered any possible sins.
5. This incredible degree and measure of holiness is something he did constantly for them.
6. It is something we ought to do for ourselves first and then for children (Ps 139:23-24).
7. Job looked far beyond a large family as a blessing to see responsibility for many souls.

 

#9 … Angels report to God and Satan came also … they can do nothing outside His rule.

1. God asked Satan what he had been up to, and the devil answered the question from God.
2. We know that now they all report to Jesus our Lord (Eph 1:20-22; I Pet 3:22; Heb 1:4).
3. Observe that Satan was then as now like a roaring lion stalking the earth (I Peter 5:8-9).
4. Cast out of heaven at Jesus’ ascension, the devil is angry knowing the time (Rev 12:12).
5. This diabolical enemy will flee if you resist (James 4:7; Eph 4:27; 6:10-17; II Cor 2:11).

 

#10 … Hast thou considered my servant Job? … God boasted of Job’s superb character.

1. What a wonderful thing to read! Does God have reason to boast of you in such a way?
2. God knew Satan was aware of Job, and the LORD detailed Job’s character to the devil.
3. We know this privilege of Satan ended with Jesus in heaven (Rev 12:10; Rom 8:31-37).
4. By faithfulness to Christ doctrine of the apostles, we have greater power (I John 4:1-6).
5. Let us live in such a way that devils roaming the earth do not see us as easy to devour.

 

#11 … There is none like him in the earth … God ranked Job as the best man on earth.

1. We are graded in school and have performance reviews on jobs, but this is God ranking.
2. Job was God’s favorite on earth not by things out of his control but things in his control.
3. You already read what made the difference – perfect, upright, feared, eschewed, family.
4. When we meet God in His word, like at this moment, why not aspire to be like Job?
5. When we read about David being the man after God’s own heart, we should desire it.
6. Others: Enoch (walked with God), Abraham (friend), Joseph (faithful), Moses (meek), Daniel (committed), Mary Magdalene (devoted), Paul (zeal), Timothy (kingdom man).

 

#12 … Doth Job fear God for nought? … we must not have any motive other than God.

1. Fair-weather friends, a twisted result of human nature, only stick in good times (Prov 14:20; 19:4,7), and Satan knew then and knows now there are fair-weather Christians.
2. God rewards for loving Him, but loving Him and godliness is enough (Ps 37:4; 84:11).
3. We must not do anything for the Lord to be seen of men as Jesus taught (Matt 6:2,5,16).
4. We never want family, friends, or social benefits of a church to ever encroach on Christ.
5. We never want to be like the belly worshippers that wanted free food (John 6:24-29).
6. Both poverty and prosperity ruin men, so let us be wise like Agur’s prayer (Pr 30:7-9).

 

#13 … Hast not thou made an hedge about him? … a thing we have and can pray for.

1. Satan knew God had a hedge (fence or wall) of protection and prosperity around Job.
2. Our great God can so protect and prosper that all assets are safe, blessed, and increased.
3. God’s hedge of blessing is for the good, like Joseph … God was with him (Gen 39:2-3).
4. If God were to graciously grant us a hedge, we want it like Job’s – Satan knowing it.
5. If our Father can so shield us from a foe like Satan, mere men (or women) are nothing.
6. We often pray for this blessing – a hedge by the Lord against Satan, enemies, the world.
7. But God also has other purposes and reasons to try the righteous, so be prepared for it.

 

#14 … But put forth thine hand now … God rules the devil so fully it is God’s own hand.

1. The devil is a fearful enemy, but only so far, for our Father entirely rules His activities.
2. God’s sovereignty over Satan himself is described as a puppet (Job 1:11-12,21; 2:3-6).
3. Nothing happens in the world that our holy God has not Himself purposed to permit.
4. Sovereignty is sometimes mocked as a hand in a glove, like a puppet, but here it is such!
5. Satan could touch assets but not Job … he could touch Job but not kill (Job 1:12; 2:6).
6. All limits are determined by God, and Satan can no more violate them than can an ant.
7. Yet we know this as well, devils and men will be held accountable for any sinful actions.
8. The world’s worst event was determined by God, but yet sin charged (Acts 2:23; 4:28).

 

#15 … He will curse thee to thy face … we must never be like the devil or Job’s wife.

1. The devil falsely assumed that Job’s fear and love of God was only by God’s blessings.
2. Job’s wife foolishly reasoned (likely by the devil) that without prosperity God is bad.
3. We must not be guilty of fearing and loving God only in good times, but also in the bad.
4. It is a terrible and wicked shame when Christians blame God or turn atheist for events.
5. Never entertain even the slightest negative thought against God no matter what happens.
6. You deserve far worse; it is God’s mercy toward you that has allowed any joy or peace.
7. False teachers presume that gain is godliness, missing contentment (I Timothy 6:3-12).

 

#16 … So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD … we see afar off by faith!

1. Our God is omnipresent, filling heaven and earth and is everywhere (Jer 23:24; Pr 15:3).
2. Yet He has a place where He is worshipped more directly by beings limited spatially.
3. By faith we can boldly enter the holiest in heaven by the new and living way – Jesus; the Holy Spirit assists our prayers, and angels in heaven enhance them with incense.
4. Jesus comforted His apostles that His departure was to prepare for them (John 14:1-3).
5. We must not forget that things we cannot see are weightier and eternal (II Cor 4:17-18).
6. Have no fear being distant from God, for He is in you (Jn 14:17,23; I Jn 4:15; Rev 3:20).

 

#17 … And there was a day … Satan used God’s liberty to layer bad news to crush Job.

1. The repetitive battering by very bad news would crush most men, as Satan well knew.
2. Look at the effect on his wife, which we believe was likely enhanced by Satan (Job 2:9).
3. We say there is only one Job due to this total destruction, but less bad news can crush.
4. God did not owe Job perpetual tranquility – he feared bad news (Job 3:25; Ec 2:17-26).
5. Job initially survived this blast of bad news like David wrote (Ps 112:7-8; Pr 3:25-26).
6. He practiced the inspired advice of Isaiah about keeping his mind at peace (Is 26:3-4).

 

#18 … Sabeans, fire, Chaldeans, storms are all under God … He rules heaven and earth.

1. The four sources of destruction here were all far greater than Job’s power to resist them.
2. Combined they involve depraved human hearts, works of nature, and direct act of God.
3. While his health and wife were saved, all else had been destroyed except messengers.
4. Yet not a sparrow falls without God’s perfect oversight and providence (Mat 10:28-31).
5. Let it be known – there was no cause in Job (Job 2:3) – it was God’s choice to try him, which makes the blaming accusations of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar very bad indeed.
6. Can you take the loss of all assets, all things dear, and loss of all children, persons dear?
7. Death will take them all from you, or you from them; you should prepare now in heart.

 

#19 … Response – worship … Job did what mourners did, but he worshipped his God.

1. It is acceptable to God to mourn great loss, as did saints in both testaments, but in faith.
2. He declared the facts of reality and truth of life that he arrived with nothing (I Tim 6:7).
3. He declared the facts of reality and truth of life that he would take nothing (I Tim 6:7).
4. He explained that anything he had previously possessed was by the providence of God.
5. He submitted to the sovereignty of God to take away anything previously given to him.
6. He exalted and blessed this great God for only good without any sin at all (Deut 32:4).
7. Job did not sin by accusing God foolishly for being cruel or unjust (Job 1:22; 2:10).
8. He had no sin in his heart or mind, feelings or thoughts, and he kept his tongue upright.

 

#20 … Holdeth fast his integrity … the real test of character is by pressure a hard way.

1. Integrity = Unimpaired moral state; free from moral corruption; innocence, sinlessness.
2. In spite of the temptation to blame the God of providence, Job worshipped without sin.
3. In spite of the loss of all, Job was yet perfect, upright, fearing, and eschewing as before.
4. He committed not to change and to maintain integrity and righteousness (Job 27:1-6).
5. David also appealed to his integrity before God, which means you can (Psalm 26:1,11).
6. If you faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small, especially in faith (Prov 24:10).

 

#21 … Thou movedst me to destroy him without cause … never judge by feeble sense.

1. These words are further commendation of Job’s steadfast integrity in spite of great loss.
2. There was no fault or reason in Job as Satan claimed and God knew deserving the trials.
3. Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar missed it to the anger of Elihu and of God (Job 32:3; 42:7-10).
4. They, likely under the influence of the devil, falsely accused Job of secret wickedness.
5. The apostles fell into this error – to judge negative circumstances for sin (John 9:1-3).
6. Some of God’s favorites are never recognized by men e.g. David and Jesus by siblings.
7. The song, God Moves in a Mysterious Way, explains, Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.
8. What might we call those three? Cruel? Self-righteous? Uncharitable? Mean-spirited? Presumptuous? Remember such fitting names when you attempt to play divine judge.

 

#22 … Touch his bone and his flesh … bad health, bodily pain, fear of death move men.

1. The devil first tried Job’s assets and family, and then he turned to Job’s beloved body.
2. Paul by inspiration declared that no man ever yet hated his own flesh (Eph 5:28-29).
3. Bodily pain, loss of ability, bed confinement, itching, and other results are debilitating.
4. We assume the sore boils over his body were as extreme as trials in the previous chapter.
5. Your body is cursed with sin, and you should want it planted to be free for the new one.
6. Lazarus, though greatly afflicted, was far better off than the rich man basking in luxury.
7. We are blessed when allowed to see a faithful and contented spirit with physical trials.
8. Learn early you will die, your body will fail; you want it planted, so exalt spirit over it.

 

#23 … Then said his wife unto him … a very hard test is a spouse turning against you.

1. It is likely Satan influenced Job’s wife, for he would have married better or taught her.
2. Using the wife is what he did in Eden, and Paul used it to warn Corinth (II Cor 11:1-2).
3. When the Bible says two are better than one, a supportive wife is an incredible blessing.
4. From Manoah to Elkanah to Zacharias, men were supported well by excellent wives.
5. It is the husband’s job and role to correct and teach his wife, as Job did here (Job 2:10).
6. For women to learn spiritual things, the ordinary way is by a husband (I Cor 14:34-35).
7. Therefore, in a new year there can be commitments of husband-wife learning scripture.

 

#24 … When Job’s three friends heard of all this evil … the miserable comforters came.

1. Obvious even to us, friends doing or telling us wrong things affects more than enemies.
2. Quiet for seven days and nights, they soon resorted to painfully slandering his character.
3. They, likely under the influence of the devil, falsely accused Job of secret wickedness.
4. God does what He wants to men, and He did not invite you (Deut 29:29; Job 33:12-13).
5. The three were very wrong to the great anger of Elihu and of God (Job 32:3; 42:7-10).
6. A self-righteous error is to think yourself wise enough to assign chastening for sin.
7. Israel thought it of Jesus … we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
8. How do you know afflictions are not for good men – God’s glory; our perfection … here.
9. David knew the righteous have many afflictions but God would save from all (Ps 34:19)
10. Considering afflicted lives, who were worse off than David and Paul – God’s favorites.