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Call to worship: Psalm 119:105-112

Text: Job 22-24

Sermon Outline:

1. Eliphaz's last ditch dig at Job, 22:1-30.

2. Job's treasury unearthed, 23:1-24:25.

   • Job has treasured God's Word, 23:11-12.
   • The present benefits of that treasury in the dark of suffering.

     Job has light by which to see:

     • God as his Resting Place, 23:10, 13; 24:24.
     • God as his Burden-Bearer, 23:5-7.
     • God as his Spiritual Metallurgist or Soul-Refiner, 23:10.

Prepare

Questions to Consider:

1. In chapter 22, Eliphaz offers his final counsel. What two things has Eliphaz maintained throughout? See 4:8, 4:17-5:1. Do these themes return in this chapter?
2. 2. In 22:21-25, note a few things: in what context would Eliphaz's counsel be completely appropriate? Why not towards Job? Eliphaz exhorts something to which Job importantly responds in 23:12. What is it? Lastly, Eliphaz does better than his friends in this respect—it seems he listened some! If only it would alter his belief about Job. Read 22:25 and ask why I would say that. (Hint: what's been the reward of repentance prior? What is it now?)
3. In 23:11-12, Job responds to Eliphaz's exhortation in 22:22. I think it's the essential verse in Job's response because of what it inevitably grants Job in his time of suffering (see Ps 119:107). We cannot take our devotional life at present seriously enough if we mean to suffer well for Christ in the future. What does Job treasure? Is it your treasure? Why or why not?
4. I think Job, on account of his knowledge of God's words, recalls at least three broad things about God Himself. His treasury is as a lamp that alights God's face. What do you see about God in 23:10, 13-14, 24:24 (in light of 19:25-29)? What do you see about God in 23:5-7? What do you see about God in 23:10b? As needed, see headings above.
5. How do these sights of God in the dark help our souls in that dark?