HOW TO HANDLE TOUGH TIMES 4 THINGS JOB NEVER LOST Sermons Series (3 of 4) Job 19:25-27 June 26 - AM

Introduction We have seen how Job handled his pain and suffering We have seen what Job lost (last week) But, we must keep in mind what Job never lost Here are 4 things Job KEPT

1 - Personal Integrity Not “holier-than-thou” attitude He examined his life –He took an honest look at his actions –He found nothing bad –He found no major flaws No murder, adultery or other violation of God’s commands

1 - Personal Integrity Job 6:10b - For I have not concealed (denied) the words of the Holy One. Job 13:15 - Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.

1 - Personal Integrity Job 13:18 - See now, I have prepared my case, I know that I shall be vindicated. Job 23:12 - I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

1 - Personal Integrity Job 27:5-6 – 5 Far be it from me That I should say you are right; Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. 6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; My heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.

2 – Belief in God’s Ultimate and Final Righteousness Job 23:10 – But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

2 – Belief in God’s Ultimate and Final Righteousness Job 19:25-27 – 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, 27 Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

2 – Belief in God’s Ultimate and Final Righteousness My Redeemer lives I will live again After death – I will see God God will not be a stranger to me My heart yearns for eternity

2 – Belief in God’s Ultimate and Final Righteousness Job did not understand the present situation But he never lost faith in the ultimate and final righteousness of God Job never lost his belief that God is Good

3 – Belief in the Existence of God Job 19:25 - For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; When trouble comes – pain, distress, suffering - - Many lose faith in God

3 – Belief in the Existence of God Some say, “If there is a God –” Or “If God loves me –” Why is God doing this? (or allowing this to happen) If God is all-powerful – Why Tusnami? Fire? Earthquake? Flood?

3 – Belief in the Existence of God Psalm 14:1a – The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” Romans 1:20 - For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

4 – Fight with Satan Our battle is not with God Our war is against Satan Job lost some battles – but not the war We must “overcome”

4 – Fight with Satan All 7 letters – “to him that overcomes” Revelation 21:7Revelation 21:7 - He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.,

4 – Fight with Satan Revelation 12:11Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

4 – Fight with Satan Revelation 2:10Revelation 2:10 - Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Conclusion We must NEVER lose our:We must NEVER lose our: –Integrity –Belief in God’s righteousness –Faith in the existence of God –Fight with Satan