Commentary on Job 31-37
Chuck Smith explores Job's final defense of his righteousness and integrity amidst suffering, highlighting the struggle to understand God's justice.
In this expository sermon, Chuck Smith delves into the profound dialogues of Job chapters 31 through 37, focusing on Job's defense of his righteousness amidst suffering. Smith carefully unpacks Job's appeals to God's justice and the struggle to maintain faith during trials. Listeners are guided through the theological themes of integrity, divine justice, and perseverance in faith.
Text
Shall we turn in our Bibles to the book of Job, chapter 31.
Job has pretty well talked down all of his friends. Bildad has had his last word and Job is still responding, and has been responding, actually, just generally now to his friends. This last discourse of Job is his longest discourse, and he goes on and on with it. And we have been studying the final response of Job to his friends. His next responses will be to God. But Job is talking about his own righteousness, his own goodness, that which he has done. He said,
I made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? and strange punishment to the doers of iniquity? Doth he not see my ways, and count all my steps? If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot has hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know my integrity. If my step hath turned out of the way, and my heart walked after my eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to my hands; Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out. If my heart hath been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbor\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Job's final discourse to his friends
- Defense of personal righteousness
- Appeal to God's justice and integrity
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II
- Examination of Job's covenant with his eyes
- Consequences of wickedness and iniquity
- Job's confidence in divine oversight
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III
- Job's willingness to accept punishment if guilty
- Reflection on moral failures and accountability
- Preparation for response to God
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IV
- Transition from addressing friends to God
- Themes of suffering and faith
- Understanding God's sovereignty
Key Quotes
“I made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” — Chuck Smith
“Doth he not see my ways, and count all my steps?” — Chuck Smith
“Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know my integrity.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Maintain personal integrity even when facing unjust suffering.
- Trust in God's justice and sovereignty despite unanswered questions.
- Reflect on your faith during trials and seek to deepen your relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Job's discourse in chapters 31-37?
Job focuses on defending his righteousness and integrity while grappling with the reasons for his suffering.
How does Job view God's justice?
Job believes God is just and attentive to human actions, weighing them fairly.
Why does Job mention a covenant with his eyes?
He emphasizes his moral discipline and commitment to purity.
What can we learn about faith from Job's response to suffering?
Faith involves trusting God's sovereignty even when circumstances are difficult to understand.
How does this sermon help in personal trials?
It encourages believers to maintain integrity and trust in God's justice during hardships.