Message: “How Long, O Job?: Do Not Let Lament Become Complaint” from Pastor Nathan Sundt

Job 32-33 1. Many things are neither just nor unjust; they are non-just. God has purposes that are not analyzed by the tool of “justice” (and so do you!). 2. Anger does not evaluate; it energizes. Elihu’s anger (mentioned 4 times in v2, 3, and 4!) is compared and contrasted with God’s own righteous anger in chapter 42. 3. Youthfulness calls for patience, not silence, in matters of wisdom. Because we are human (a developing lifespan), youth have reason for patience. Because we are human (a common Creator, the imago dei), youth have reason to speak up. 4. Find whatever angle lets you worship God. What makes Elihu’s speech different? -He identifies the ongoing tension in how Job “justified himself from God.” -He does not focus on Job’s entire defense but on Job’s potential excesses. -He emphasizes God’s character and grandeur. -He identifies some of life’s pains as God’s speech, rather than his retribution. Elihu’s basic proposition: (1) God pursues us (2) continually (3) to bring us back from the pit. 5. Consider if God is compelling you to come closer. Consider Elihu’s invitation: “Can you begin, Job, to consider these evils as something that draws you closer to God?”

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From Series: "Sunday Mornings"

These sermons were given at our 11am service on Sunday Mornings.