“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10 ESV
i’m always reminded of this verse. i pray that i’m only seeking the approval of God.
i love that Job’s focus was still on God. He still believed. he knows that his redeemer lives. through everything Job was going through he responded with ““But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.”
Job 19:25 NLT
Lord help me to respond this way when i’m facing trials. help me Lord to remember that you are with me.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; – Galatians 1:15-16
Today the sermon at the church I attend was titled When Everything Seems Insane. The world seems so far from God just like Paul was in the beginning. In the end Paul blessed the Lord, Sought the Lord, Feared the Lord, and Trusted the Lord. May we all find favor in the Lord like Paul when things seem insane.
From Galatians, verses 1, 10, 15, 16 all mesh together to tell us that no matter what we have done, our background or who we think we are, if/when God calls us from our sin to tell of His great love through our story, we do not need approval of people or to consult anyone! God calling us is all we need as confirmation! Now Go and Tell!
Job 19:25 was such a powerful verse of me despite the way job’s life was he still had this divine certainty that god is alive and guiding us in the midst of our situations
I agree, Mae! It reminds me that I need to concern myself with God’s work and not worrying about how others perceive me. Letting go of trying to uphold an image.
I feel like I sort of connect with Job. When lots of things are going wrong for me I think “Why? Why is God doing this to me, and no one else?” I also feel sympathy for Job, because he basically lost everything!! I haven’t lost anything, so to see what he is going through it really puts my silly, little problems into perspective. Anyone else feel this way?
Absolutely… and it is very humbling to realize how small my problems that I am often so whiny and utterly downcast about truly are- when Job truly lost everything and remained steadfast. I seem to pick up new details each time I read his story.
Yes, 100%. Today’s reading especially got to me. It wasn’t that long ago that I felt so far gone and so out of God’s reach, simply forsaken and forgotten. I really did so much of it to myself so I didn’t feel I deserved sympathy. The power of His redeeming love!! But like you said I feel complete sympathy for Job because he did basically lose everything in what seems like a snap of a finger.
Paul is a great example of a heart changed by the Lord and how God uses everyone in his plan. It is beautiful how Paul shares his story with people of Syria and Cilicia, and they praised God because of him and his story.
I know my Redeemer lives is such a beautiful proclamation.
10Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
I have been enjoying finding connections between the Old Testament and New Testament reading. Today the opening of Galatians about trusting no other Gospel stood out to me. Just as Job had to sift through what others told him to find the truth, the same is true. Our foundation is not the words or opinions of others, but the Word of God. His Truth is our Hope!
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me”
Praise God that this is our testimony. The Father has set us apart before birth and has called us by His grace alone to see the Son at a time that pleases Him. What a beautiful reminder of the doctrines of grace.
Wow! How did I not know that Job said “I know that my Redeemer lives”. In spite of everything he’s focus was on God. I too want to be as focused on eternity as Job was.
25For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
26And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
Papa, thank you that we have the promise of eternity. My mind is tired and my body is weak, but you are my hope, my promise and my joy
25I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
I really felt convicted by the Job reading today. I think my family must see me sometimes like Job sees his friends… God has given me a husband and a child to love and both of them struggle daily. From my perspective it often seems like they should be able to “rise above” their challenges more than they do and sadly I’m like Bildad the Shuhite letting them know it with my words. God is just recently making me aware through His Word how destructive this is and how I need to make some changes in how I approach loving my family. I am not sure I know how…
Hi brightgirl! I just wanted to reply to your comment and say that I can relate… far too often, I expect my husband to be perfect in every situation. If he doesn’t do what I think is “godly” I let him know how I feel through my words and actions. It is a daily battle for me. I don’t really have any advice except I have found that it helps to intentionally pray for my husband and his struggles daily.
Thank you Lisa Ann, I’m smiling to hear the encouragement you have through Christ! He is alive and he cares about you :-) he loves all of us and He loves you Lisa Ann :-)
Wow I have so much insight from reading Job and Paul. In my years of depression and physical pain I did not understand the why’s I was not a bad person or huge sinner but I did not have relationship with Christ. I believed in God I know most of the stories but I did not get renewal of his word and love by daily reading or go to church. All that changed when I was on forced out my home and then had to start downsizing for an apartment. I started reading christian books and the bible. Then I walked into my church and it just all the sudden started to click and that presences those feelings of love, the smiles and welcoming just almost knocked me over. I was so thirsty and hungry that I read the Bible in three months but that’s what I did I read it and struggled. I love this plan and then reading everyone’s views or comments. It helps us beginner’s I’m in my infancy of understanding so thank you I’m so greatful that I took Open your Bible bible study and was lead to this extension or app. Thank you Father and my Savior Jesus Christ for leading me to more extended family. Amen
I love that though Job doesn’t understand, he confesses his faith in God’s sovereignty and ability to redeem. Then in he very last chapter of Job, he fulfills this statement, saying that his eyes have seen him. He is floored by God’s holiness, humbling himself and God lifting, restoring, and honoring him.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!” Job 19:25-27
“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6
I’ve read this passage multiple times in the past and I’m seeing new things each time I come to it again. I think it’s interesting that Paul’s conversion was a 3 year process before he ever told anyone. Then, just by the fact that he didn’t persecute the church anymore, verse 23-24 says people glorified Christ because of this. I love this contrast and power in the way God’s word and testimony of Paul’s life brings life and change!
I’m gaining such a deeper appreciation for the Old Testament as each book reveals how much more we need Jesus and there really is no plan B for our salvation. Reading Job is like the embodiment of the Law proving that even when a man righteously obeys it all, striving and good works still fall short and cannot save us or satisfy our deepest need in our darkest moments-we need love, grace and a mediator to carry our burdens (Jesus). Job could not good work or obey the law his way back to all he had lost. And man, how revealing this is to the times I in knowledge of grace through Jesus, still strive to redeem myself through my own efforts? Wake up call.
I love Paul’s explanation of how God transforms him into a Christian in Galations: 15 “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” This truth is very comforting. To know that God destined me to be His child, that He called me, that He sent His Son to die for me, and that He gives me a part to play in His story…all for His praise and glory!
It sounds like this verse is talking about Satan to me: 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
17:11 & 12 Job had it really bad. I am facing a very difficult period and these verses here if Job, amidst his pain and sorrow can say , “in the face of darkness light is near!” We can have that same confidence. In Psalms 34:19 it says the ways of the righteous are afflicted BUT the Lord delivers him from them ALL!!!
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
These passages are so wonderful!!! On Friday I learned about how we, as Christians, no longer follow the law ( like the Ten Commandments and other laws we create for ourselves) because the law only condemns, it shows us what we would never be able to do perfectly. And Jesus followed the law perfectly and died for us so we not longer have to live through the law, but through him! His spirit guides us in a christian life more than the law does. When I read James and job, this lesson came to fruition. James literally lived by the Jewish law, but only when he stopped living by the law and started living by Jesus did he really live how God intended. And Job reminds his friends over and over that their words sound wise but they are just like laws. They relate to Job through these ideas about sins and wisdom, so they miss the real job that is sitting in front of them. They miss that he needs their love, not their dry words. How awesome that God frees us from the law because of GRACE!
I agree but as Christians we still need to obey the 10 commandments! Jesus explains in detail how to do this in Matthew in the sermon on the mount, and said himself he came to fulfil the law not abolish it! But he did so in such a beautifully simple way that had been missing ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself-on all these hang the laws’ .
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
God’s Word is LIVING and ACTIVE! This so easily could be written to present-day Christians/believers. Slightly convicting.
It’s interesting to me that Paul talks about how he learned to know God (v16-17). He didn’t go read books. Or talk to lots of people. Basically he disappeared for 3 years. He learned about God FROM God. He learned to know God by being with God. Not distracted. Just him and God. Sometimes I wonder if this is how we should all learn to know God … but it’s so different from how we think. If I want to know what God says about ___, I look for a book. I try to find someone else’s research/opinion. Instead of going directly to the source.
Great points! And yes, there is a “self-help” book each corner I turn… It is quite annoying actually! I was just thinking today how long Job was in this depressing period. Thx for the “3” year notation. I will have to do more research.
Job 19:25. In the midst of his pain and sorrow. In the darkness of his night, Job sees a speck of light, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, & at the last He will take His stand on the earth”. His hope was in God!
Not from men or man but by Jesus Christ + God the Father // “When I was a young man I thought Paul was making too much of his call. I did not understand his purpose. I did not then realize the importance of the ministry…We exalt our calling, not to gain glory among men, or money, or satisfaction, or favor, but because people need to be assured that the words we speak are the words of God. This is not sinful pride. It is holy pride.” -Martin Luther — love Galatians!
Job 21:19 Someone just said at Passion 2015 Houston today—do we invite pity or invite fight. We must wrestle well with God in this extraordinary suffering. Extraordinary graces.. Persevere, Job! Our Redeemer lives. And the real question is: Am I alive?
My Redeemer lives! Wow this really spoke to me this morning. Job speaks from the heart and despite everything that happened to him he spoke that someone in heaven, a friend, will fight on his behalf.
Gal 1:15 “But even before is was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace”– what an awesome truth. As Beth Moore says, God knew everything I did and would do and still he called out my name. <3 Such unfailing love and vast grace! Grace upon grace!!! (Throwback to our study of John)
I was rereading the passage and saw this “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!”… Ummm, yes Job, safe to say your words were recorded!
These two verses spoke to me, yet again, about Job’s hope and attitude during adversity. Job 17: 11-12 My days have passed, my plans are shattered.
Yet the desires of my heart
turn night into day;
in the face of the darkness light is near.
And Paul, in Gal 1:10 “Am I trying to win the approval of human beings or of God.” Again, so beautifully tied to Job as he goes talks with his friends and does not back down with his faith and love for the Lord, despite their criticism.
I find it sad that people easily pass-by what others are enduring. I mean Job lost everything, 10 kids, everything he owned, his health deteriorated & the only thing left was his mind, his thought process…yet, his friends were targeting that too! I realize also that Job kept on arguing with his friends, defending himself. Why? How often do we do this losing sight to whatever issues we are going through, that it is between me & God. And a friend doesn’t need to ~beat~ this sin point to another, to death! We shouldn’t play this ping-pong game of defense…a waste of time & energy. Job could have summed up everything with just this sentence “if it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone”…
I think that Job’s friends had good intentions, unfortunately they were misguided in their application. Job was declared blameless in the sight of men by God but his friends were not privy to that information and like so many of us do they searched and searched for a reason, a definitive action that caused the calamity. I have laughed more than a couple of times at how each friend has started off relatively kind but when the sins they bring up don’t fit they become increasingly indignant and even more insistent that they are in the right . More than anything I have been challenged to not be “that” friend. I admire their loyalty to Job but that my heart might be humble and my words be soft.
I like your take on it. I dislike his friends right now, but have to consider your take on the “loyal” aspect, and maybe end up giving them some “grace”!
I love Job! This book is just saturated in the glory of God and just how majestic our Lord is! Seeing the suffering of Job- oh how I can relate- really brings humility and the magnitude of us and God, and what it means to have Christ in a beautiful new perspective. Job realized that no one could intercede for him, yet he hoped. He realized that God brought good, but also allows trouble, yet he praised. He stood steadfast in his praise to God, yet (and rightly so) lamented over the day he was born. How often do I throw a pity party for myself and forget the God who sustains my very breath? I doubt, I grumble and I complain when God doesn’t work to MY agenda. Job and James have really sunk in. I’ve realized and repented of my sin- praise God for His mercy and forgiveness! And the Holy Spirit!!!
10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.
11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not based on human thought. 12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ. – Galatians 1: 10-12
Oh if I could write this on my eyeballs. Galatians is such an edifying book!
It occurred to me this morning (perhaps bc we finished John not too long ago!) how much we know because of the Holy Spirit. The disciples were pretty clueless (no offense guys, without the benefit of hindsight Id probably be right there with you!), even when Jesus Was RIGHT THERE with them, right? Peter denied him, Thomas needed proof… But after the Holy Spirit was sent (can’t wait to read Acts!) look at how much wisdom is revealed to James & Paul !! It is a proof in and of itself how powerful the Holy Spirit is… I never thought of it this way before! the Holy Spirit spoke to me this morning I guess! ;)
Annie this is a great insight! Many times while reading John I thought the same thing about his disciples and how I’m sure I would have responded the same ways they did. Thank you for the reminder that the Holy Spirit is so prevalent throughout the narrative and in our own lives. How humbling to read the OT before Jesus and then the NT when this was all completely new (and quite revolutionary) information to them. This has definitely helped me stop and realize how much of my entire life I have taken for granted direct access to God and revelation through the Holy Spirit. Great thoughts for me to meditate on!
I love that Paul had followed all of the laws with such vigor until the fulfillment thereof came and changed everything. At that point, no human understanding mattered because he was now undeniably changed and unquestionably sent. If let, the deafening opinion and criticism of others may have derailed Paul from accomplishing what he was charged to do. Instead, he took heed to the only voice that mattered — the one that commanded both the armies of heaven and the hearts of all men.
Courtney, this is a great question. I had honestly never thought about it before so I looked it up. There were no notes in my study Bible so I broke out The New Matthew Henry Commentary. It says that in vs 10-24 he is supporting his claim of being an apostle of Christ. This is what it specifically said about verse 20. “Because this account is important to establish his claim to this position, he makes a solemn oath (v. 20). Although this will not justify us in making solemn oath appeals to God on every occasion, it shows that in significant matters doing so may sometimes be not only lawful but also our duty. He had no communication with “the churches of Christ in Judea”; they had not even “seen his face” -he was not known to them personally. But the mere report of this radical change in him both filled them with joy and excited them to praise God.”
So, yes, it looks like Paul was using a form of swearing in this verse, but it was an approved form. Hope this helps.
“The man who formerly persecuted us, is now preaching the Gospel”
Paul is such a testament of how radically a life can change by believing in the one true Gospel!
There are so many things that are talked about in our culture today. I hear so many things referred to as “this is my bible”…. Holding up a magazine or whatnot.
When Paul talks about how these people have started believing in a different gospel. How true is that in my life today? Do I believe the gospel of what others tell me, or am I standing firm in the true Gospel? It was definitely a humbling thought.
Lindsay your thoughts really resinate with me because I definitely think it is easy to get caught up in what others are teaching us and what the world is teaching us instead of what God and His word is teaching us. I know I definitely need to be on the alert for myself to not get confused about what the true gospel is in my life.
It has made me cry or nearly to read Job this month – it is so comforting to know that someone else has thought my thoughts and felt what I feel, and is still yet blameless before God.
What a relief. I can’t believe I’ve never read Job before.
“25 I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
28 “If you say, ‘How we will hound him,
since the root of the trouble lies in him, ’
29 you should fear the sword yourselves;
for wrath will bring punishment by the sword,
and then you will know that there is judgment. ”
To say this – “I know that my Redeemer lives” in the midst of all Job is experiencing – both suffering and misguided advice – is truly amazing. A man of faith whom we often overlook as a confusing book in the Word. And see the following verse? “And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God”. This man truly understood the Resurrection and the Life!
I am so much more encouraged by reading Job than I thought I would be!
Agree! It’s amazing how strong his faith is even with all that he’s going through, and I just find it wonderful how true his words are concerning Jesus.
Ebby I also chuckled internally when Job’s friend says, “17 The memory of him perishes from the earth; he has no name in the land.” HA! Here we are reading about Job on our iPhones literally thousands of years later. Love it.
We made it a month lady. Excited to see God work through the word in my life
A full month! I’ve never gone this long reading the Bible. Some amazing things have happened this month. Looking forward to reading more
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10 ESV
i’m always reminded of this verse. i pray that i’m only seeking the approval of God.
i love that Job’s focus was still on God. He still believed. he knows that his redeemer lives. through everything Job was going through he responded with ““But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.”
Job 19:25 NLT
Lord help me to respond this way when i’m facing trials. help me Lord to remember that you are with me.
5 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. – Job 18:5
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
The faith of Job is so inspiring!
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; – Galatians 1:15-16
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I love how the ones who Paul used to persecute accepted him once he turned to Christ and praised God for His salvation!
love this!
Beautiful prayer!
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My Redeemer lives! Love seeing it in both Job’s witness and Paul’s testimony today.
Amen!
Today the sermon at the church I attend was titled When Everything Seems Insane. The world seems so far from God just like Paul was in the beginning. In the end Paul blessed the Lord, Sought the Lord, Feared the Lord, and Trusted the Lord. May we all find favor in the Lord like Paul when things seem insane.
And yes, I know my Redeemer lives!
From Galatians, verses 1, 10, 15, 16 all mesh together to tell us that no matter what we have done, our background or who we think we are, if/when God calls us from our sin to tell of His great love through our story, we do not need approval of people or to consult anyone! God calling us is all we need as confirmation! Now Go and Tell!
Job 19:25 was such a powerful verse of me despite the way job’s life was he still had this divine certainty that god is alive and guiding us in the midst of our situations
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Amen!!!
25For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
I agree, Mae! It reminds me that I need to concern myself with God’s work and not worrying about how others perceive me. Letting go of trying to uphold an image.
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?” (1:10)…really makes me think of what my priorities are and what they should be
So amazing!
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I have severe health problems, and today’s verses of Job have been so comforting… Thanks be to God!
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I feel like I sort of connect with Job. When lots of things are going wrong for me I think “Why? Why is God doing this to me, and no one else?” I also feel sympathy for Job, because he basically lost everything!! I haven’t lost anything, so to see what he is going through it really puts my silly, little problems into perspective. Anyone else feel this way?
Yes- all the time! It is humbling.
Absolutely… and it is very humbling to realize how small my problems that I am often so whiny and utterly downcast about truly are- when Job truly lost everything and remained steadfast. I seem to pick up new details each time I read his story.
Yes, 100%. Today’s reading especially got to me. It wasn’t that long ago that I felt so far gone and so out of God’s reach, simply forsaken and forgotten. I really did so much of it to myself so I didn’t feel I deserved sympathy. The power of His redeeming love!! But like you said I feel complete sympathy for Job because he did basically lose everything in what seems like a snap of a finger.
I feel the same way!!
Paul is a great example of a heart changed by the Lord and how God uses everyone in his plan. It is beautiful how Paul shares his story with people of Syria and Cilicia, and they praised God because of him and his story.
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I know my Redeemer lives is such a beautiful proclamation.
10Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
I have been enjoying finding connections between the Old Testament and New Testament reading. Today the opening of Galatians about trusting no other Gospel stood out to me. Just as Job had to sift through what others told him to find the truth, the same is true. Our foundation is not the words or opinions of others, but the Word of God. His Truth is our Hope!
“my Redeemer lives” gives me hope -ellie
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me”
Praise God that this is our testimony. The Father has set us apart before birth and has called us by His grace alone to see the Son at a time that pleases Him. What a beautiful reminder of the doctrines of grace.
I know my Redeemer lives! What an amazing promise from the Father! Jesus lives. He’s with us today!
What a great message to repeat every day in every situation, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”
Jesus is our righteousness…such good news for us and others.
Wow! How did I not know that Job said “I know that my Redeemer lives”. In spite of everything he’s focus was on God. I too want to be as focused on eternity as Job was.
This really struck me too — I highlighted it and plan to refer to it again and again!
25For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
26And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
Papa, thank you that we have the promise of eternity. My mind is tired and my body is weak, but you are my hope, my promise and my joy
Love verse 25! So thankful for a Redeemer that Lives!
Galatians1:10
25I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
What a way to start the day!!
I really felt convicted by the Job reading today. I think my family must see me sometimes like Job sees his friends… God has given me a husband and a child to love and both of them struggle daily. From my perspective it often seems like they should be able to “rise above” their challenges more than they do and sadly I’m like Bildad the Shuhite letting them know it with my words. God is just recently making me aware through His Word how destructive this is and how I need to make some changes in how I approach loving my family. I am not sure I know how…
Hi brightgirl! I just wanted to reply to your comment and say that I can relate… far too often, I expect my husband to be perfect in every situation. If he doesn’t do what I think is “godly” I let him know how I feel through my words and actions. It is a daily battle for me. I don’t really have any advice except I have found that it helps to intentionally pray for my husband and his struggles daily.
Thank you Lisa Ann, I’m smiling to hear the encouragement you have through Christ! He is alive and he cares about you :-) he loves all of us and He loves you Lisa Ann :-)
Wow I have so much insight from reading Job and Paul. In my years of depression and physical pain I did not understand the why’s I was not a bad person or huge sinner but I did not have relationship with Christ. I believed in God I know most of the stories but I did not get renewal of his word and love by daily reading or go to church. All that changed when I was on forced out my home and then had to start downsizing for an apartment. I started reading christian books and the bible. Then I walked into my church and it just all the sudden started to click and that presences those feelings of love, the smiles and welcoming just almost knocked me over. I was so thirsty and hungry that I read the Bible in three months but that’s what I did I read it and struggled. I love this plan and then reading everyone’s views or comments. It helps us beginner’s I’m in my infancy of understanding so thank you I’m so greatful that I took Open your Bible bible study and was lead to this extension or app. Thank you Father and my Savior Jesus Christ for leading me to more extended family. Amen
Wow… That’s incredible. So grateful you shared this! Thank you. Such hope.
I love that though Job doesn’t understand, he confesses his faith in God’s sovereignty and ability to redeem. Then in he very last chapter of Job, he fulfills this statement, saying that his eyes have seen him. He is floored by God’s holiness, humbling himself and God lifting, restoring, and honoring him.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!” Job 19:25-27
“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6
If nothing else, all this suffering has given Job more of God.
Yes!! that stood out to me, too!! ♥♥
I’ve read this passage multiple times in the past and I’m seeing new things each time I come to it again. I think it’s interesting that Paul’s conversion was a 3 year process before he ever told anyone. Then, just by the fact that he didn’t persecute the church anymore, verse 23-24 says people glorified Christ because of this. I love this contrast and power in the way God’s word and testimony of Paul’s life brings life and change!
Kristen you hit it in the nose. Amen.
I’m gaining such a deeper appreciation for the Old Testament as each book reveals how much more we need Jesus and there really is no plan B for our salvation. Reading Job is like the embodiment of the Law proving that even when a man righteously obeys it all, striving and good works still fall short and cannot save us or satisfy our deepest need in our darkest moments-we need love, grace and a mediator to carry our burdens (Jesus). Job could not good work or obey the law his way back to all he had lost. And man, how revealing this is to the times I in knowledge of grace through Jesus, still strive to redeem myself through my own efforts? Wake up call.
Comments much appreciated!!
I love Paul’s explanation of how God transforms him into a Christian in Galations: 15 “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” This truth is very comforting. To know that God destined me to be His child, that He called me, that He sent His Son to die for me, and that He gives me a part to play in His story…all for His praise and glory!
Amazing. God is my Hope
It sounds like this verse is talking about Satan to me: 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
I think he’s using hyperbole to say no matter who it is, do not receive it.
17:11 & 12 Job had it really bad. I am facing a very difficult period and these verses here if Job, amidst his pain and sorrow can say , “in the face of darkness light is near!” We can have that same confidence. In Psalms 34:19 it says the ways of the righteous are afflicted BUT the Lord delivers him from them ALL!!!
Love that verse!
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Love this verse so much. ❤️
Me too :)
These passages are so wonderful!!! On Friday I learned about how we, as Christians, no longer follow the law ( like the Ten Commandments and other laws we create for ourselves) because the law only condemns, it shows us what we would never be able to do perfectly. And Jesus followed the law perfectly and died for us so we not longer have to live through the law, but through him! His spirit guides us in a christian life more than the law does. When I read James and job, this lesson came to fruition. James literally lived by the Jewish law, but only when he stopped living by the law and started living by Jesus did he really live how God intended. And Job reminds his friends over and over that their words sound wise but they are just like laws. They relate to Job through these ideas about sins and wisdom, so they miss the real job that is sitting in front of them. They miss that he needs their love, not their dry words. How awesome that God frees us from the law because of GRACE!
I agree but as Christians we still need to obey the 10 commandments! Jesus explains in detail how to do this in Matthew in the sermon on the mount, and said himself he came to fulfil the law not abolish it! But he did so in such a beautifully simple way that had been missing ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself-on all these hang the laws’ .
And still today…our redeemer lives.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
God’s Word is LIVING and ACTIVE! This so easily could be written to present-day Christians/believers. Slightly convicting.
Someone said once the Bible was written for the future, therefore applicable to every day issues now…
It’s interesting to me that Paul talks about how he learned to know God (v16-17). He didn’t go read books. Or talk to lots of people. Basically he disappeared for 3 years. He learned about God FROM God. He learned to know God by being with God. Not distracted. Just him and God. Sometimes I wonder if this is how we should all learn to know God … but it’s so different from how we think. If I want to know what God says about ___, I look for a book. I try to find someone else’s research/opinion. Instead of going directly to the source.
Great points! And yes, there is a “self-help” book each corner I turn… It is quite annoying actually! I was just thinking today how long Job was in this depressing period. Thx for the “3” year notation. I will have to do more research.
Hey Moni, I think she was talking about Paul, not Job!
Thanks for pointing that out! That is exactly what I do, find someone else’s point of view to form my own instead of waiting to hear from God.
Job 19:25. In the midst of his pain and sorrow. In the darkness of his night, Job sees a speck of light, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, & at the last He will take His stand on the earth”. His hope was in God!
Amen!!!
Not from men or man but by Jesus Christ + God the Father // “When I was a young man I thought Paul was making too much of his call. I did not understand his purpose. I did not then realize the importance of the ministry…We exalt our calling, not to gain glory among men, or money, or satisfaction, or favor, but because people need to be assured that the words we speak are the words of God. This is not sinful pride. It is holy pride.” -Martin Luther — love Galatians!
Job 21:19 Someone just said at Passion 2015 Houston today—do we invite pity or invite fight. We must wrestle well with God in this extraordinary suffering. Extraordinary graces.. Persevere, Job! Our Redeemer lives. And the real question is: Am I alive?
I’m so excited to read Galatians as well!
My Redeemer lives! Wow this really spoke to me this morning. Job speaks from the heart and despite everything that happened to him he spoke that someone in heaven, a friend, will fight on his behalf.
Gal 1:15 “But even before is was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace”– what an awesome truth. As Beth Moore says, God knew everything I did and would do and still he called out my name. <3 Such unfailing love and vast grace! Grace upon grace!!! (Throwback to our study of John)
I was rereading the passage and saw this “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!”… Ummm, yes Job, safe to say your words were recorded!
Haha I thought the same thing!
I was thinking the same thing too!!
These two verses spoke to me, yet again, about Job’s hope and attitude during adversity. Job 17: 11-12 My days have passed, my plans are shattered.
Yet the desires of my heart
turn night into day;
in the face of the darkness light is near.
And Paul, in Gal 1:10 “Am I trying to win the approval of human beings or of God.” Again, so beautifully tied to Job as he goes talks with his friends and does not back down with his faith and love for the Lord, despite their criticism.
Loving this study and sharing it with all of you!
Leah, the whole time during the reading today, I kept singing “whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”
I love how Job gives his grief back to God. Our God presides over everything and bore all our grief and sin.
I find it sad that people easily pass-by what others are enduring. I mean Job lost everything, 10 kids, everything he owned, his health deteriorated & the only thing left was his mind, his thought process…yet, his friends were targeting that too! I realize also that Job kept on arguing with his friends, defending himself. Why? How often do we do this losing sight to whatever issues we are going through, that it is between me & God. And a friend doesn’t need to ~beat~ this sin point to another, to death! We shouldn’t play this ping-pong game of defense…a waste of time & energy. Job could have summed up everything with just this sentence “if it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone”…
I think that Job’s friends had good intentions, unfortunately they were misguided in their application. Job was declared blameless in the sight of men by God but his friends were not privy to that information and like so many of us do they searched and searched for a reason, a definitive action that caused the calamity. I have laughed more than a couple of times at how each friend has started off relatively kind but when the sins they bring up don’t fit they become increasingly indignant and even more insistent that they are in the right . More than anything I have been challenged to not be “that” friend. I admire their loyalty to Job but that my heart might be humble and my words be soft.
I like your take on it. I dislike his friends right now, but have to consider your take on the “loyal” aspect, and maybe end up giving them some “grace”!
I love Job! This book is just saturated in the glory of God and just how majestic our Lord is! Seeing the suffering of Job- oh how I can relate- really brings humility and the magnitude of us and God, and what it means to have Christ in a beautiful new perspective. Job realized that no one could intercede for him, yet he hoped. He realized that God brought good, but also allows trouble, yet he praised. He stood steadfast in his praise to God, yet (and rightly so) lamented over the day he was born. How often do I throw a pity party for myself and forget the God who sustains my very breath? I doubt, I grumble and I complain when God doesn’t work to MY agenda. Job and James have really sunk in. I’ve realized and repented of my sin- praise God for His mercy and forgiveness! And the Holy Spirit!!!
10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.
11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not based on human thought. 12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ. – Galatians 1: 10-12
Oh if I could write this on my eyeballs. Galatians is such an edifying book!
It occurred to me this morning (perhaps bc we finished John not too long ago!) how much we know because of the Holy Spirit. The disciples were pretty clueless (no offense guys, without the benefit of hindsight Id probably be right there with you!), even when Jesus Was RIGHT THERE with them, right? Peter denied him, Thomas needed proof… But after the Holy Spirit was sent (can’t wait to read Acts!) look at how much wisdom is revealed to James & Paul !! It is a proof in and of itself how powerful the Holy Spirit is… I never thought of it this way before! the Holy Spirit spoke to me this morning I guess! ;)
Annie this is a great insight! Many times while reading John I thought the same thing about his disciples and how I’m sure I would have responded the same ways they did. Thank you for the reminder that the Holy Spirit is so prevalent throughout the narrative and in our own lives. How humbling to read the OT before Jesus and then the NT when this was all completely new (and quite revolutionary) information to them. This has definitely helped me stop and realize how much of my entire life I have taken for granted direct access to God and revelation through the Holy Spirit. Great thoughts for me to meditate on!
I love that Paul had followed all of the laws with such vigor until the fulfillment thereof came and changed everything. At that point, no human understanding mattered because he was now undeniably changed and unquestionably sent. If let, the deafening opinion and criticism of others may have derailed Paul from accomplishing what he was charged to do. Instead, he took heed to the only voice that mattered — the one that commanded both the armies of heaven and the hearts of all men.
Yes! Beautifully said. Thanks for sharing.
When Paul says “I assure you before God” isn’t that a form of swearing? Does anyone take it differently?
Courtney, this is a great question. I had honestly never thought about it before so I looked it up. There were no notes in my study Bible so I broke out The New Matthew Henry Commentary. It says that in vs 10-24 he is supporting his claim of being an apostle of Christ. This is what it specifically said about verse 20. “Because this account is important to establish his claim to this position, he makes a solemn oath (v. 20). Although this will not justify us in making solemn oath appeals to God on every occasion, it shows that in significant matters doing so may sometimes be not only lawful but also our duty. He had no communication with “the churches of Christ in Judea”; they had not even “seen his face” -he was not known to them personally. But the mere report of this radical change in him both filled them with joy and excited them to praise God.”
So, yes, it looks like Paul was using a form of swearing in this verse, but it was an approved form. Hope this helps.
Thank you for this Pam!! That makes sense and I really appreciate you taking the time to share!
“The man who formerly persecuted us, is now preaching the Gospel”
Paul is such a testament of how radically a life can change by believing in the one true Gospel!
There are so many things that are talked about in our culture today. I hear so many things referred to as “this is my bible”…. Holding up a magazine or whatnot.
When Paul talks about how these people have started believing in a different gospel. How true is that in my life today? Do I believe the gospel of what others tell me, or am I standing firm in the true Gospel? It was definitely a humbling thought.
That is a great question and definitely humbling to consider. Thanks for sharing this!
Lindsay your thoughts really resinate with me because I definitely think it is easy to get caught up in what others are teaching us and what the world is teaching us instead of what God and His word is teaching us. I know I definitely need to be on the alert for myself to not get confused about what the true gospel is in my life.
It has made me cry or nearly to read Job this month – it is so comforting to know that someone else has thought my thoughts and felt what I feel, and is still yet blameless before God.
What a relief. I can’t believe I’ve never read Job before.
Lauren, it seems that personal struggles open our eyes differently. Reading God’s word does indeed bring “relief” or at least should. Great point!
Me too..it’s been incredible!
“25 I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
28 “If you say, ‘How we will hound him,
since the root of the trouble lies in him, ’
29 you should fear the sword yourselves;
for wrath will bring punishment by the sword,
and then you will know that there is judgment. ”
To say this – “I know that my Redeemer lives” in the midst of all Job is experiencing – both suffering and misguided advice – is truly amazing. A man of faith whom we often overlook as a confusing book in the Word. And see the following verse? “And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God”. This man truly understood the Resurrection and the Life!
I am so much more encouraged by reading Job than I thought I would be!
Praise God!
Yes! Such a good word.
So true!! That verse was so awesome to read!
Agree! It’s amazing how strong his faith is even with all that he’s going through, and I just find it wonderful how true his words are concerning Jesus.
6 “God has made me a byword to everyone…”
I couldn’t help but giggle a little at the irony of this. I mean, who hasn’t heard the saying, “the patience of Job” ?
Ebby I also chuckled internally when Job’s friend says, “17 The memory of him perishes from the earth; he has no name in the land.” HA! Here we are reading about Job on our iPhones literally thousands of years later. Love it.