8/23 Bankrupt- The Story of Job, Job 33-37

Job 32.1-5

• This guy has been sitting there waiting to pounce. He thought that those who were older would be wiser, but he sees that this is not quite the case.

Now he turns his attention to Job

• 33.1-11 He acknowledges that he is not better than Job, that they are one in the same
• 33.12-18 He points out that God is there and will be with Job. Basically he is noting that Job is not suffering because of sin, but he is sinning because of his suffering.
• 33.19-33 Elihu tries his best to give an answer for what is going on. While it is wiser than anything the friends said, it still isn’t the fullest answer. This is why I hate Oprah, Dr. Phil, and shows like that. Man’s advice can help, but it can NEVER answer all the questions that we have!!! Only God can. Can you imagine how great the church would be if we sought God’s answers to our problems and questions as much as we watch Oprah, read bestselling books and talk to pastors?

In chapter 34 Elihu notes that the friends did have small nuggets of truth in their speeches to Job, but they were buried under the layers of false assumptions and conclusions.

• We might have a wealth of bible knowledge and life experiences, but we must make sure our conclusions are consistent with all of God’s Word, not just part of it.

Job 35.1-37.24

• Elihu concluded his speech with the tremendous truth that faith in God is far more important than Job’s desire for an explanation for his suffering. Do you believe this?

Application

• What are your thoughts on what we went through today?
• Do you agree with Elihu’s advice? Is there anything wrong with what he said?