The friends of Job - Part 1
We must be very careful when attempting to help fellow believers who are suffering. Our well-meaning intentions could possibly have adverse effects by bringing discouragement. Job’s friends were unwittingly used by Satan to try and discourage him. If we are not careful, we can make the same FALSE ASSUMPTIONS.
Job 4:7-11
1. Godly people don’t suffer.
“Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?”
2. ALL Suffering is evidence of sinful actions.
“Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity,
and sow wickedness, reap the same.”
3. ALL Suffering is always connected with God’s judgment.
“By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.”
4. ALL Suffering is evidence of pride.
“The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.
The old lion perisheth for lack of prey,
and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.”
LESSON - We must remember that bad things happened to the just and unjust because we both live in a sin-fallen world. Eccl. 9:2 “All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.” Because we serve a God of mercy, while we are under this age of grace God desires for troubles to draw the just and unjust closer to Him. Mt. 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
If you ever struggle with anything, RUN to Him!
~Mike