LESSON 928

JOB DECLARES FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST

Memory Verse "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall
stand on the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin
worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job
19:25,26)

Text: Job 18:1-21; 19: 1-29

The verbal exchanges of reasonings between Job and his friends, who
supposedly came to visit, commiserate and comfort him, became heated and
intense in the text as Bildad takes his turn to speak the second time. In his
limited understanding, he erroneously concludes that Job was suffering because
of his wickedness (Job 18:5; 21). But Job maintains his stand and refutes any
allegations of any misdeed or wrongdoing. Though great truths about God, the
righteous, the wicked, life here and hereafter were contained in Bildad's speech,
yet believers should not be rash in passing judgment on the afflicted and
suffering.

Question 1: Why should we depend on God for what to say to those who
hurt or need our comfort?

Answer: There is the need for believers to depend on God for what to say to
those who hurt or need our comfort because only Holy Spirit inspired words can
minister grace to the hearers( I.e those afflicted ( Ephesians 4:29; Colossians
4:6). More so. ad we depend on the Lord, He will make our words gracious (Luke
4:22); acceptable (Psalm 19:14) and soothing (Isaiah 50:4)

1. JUSXTAPOSITION OF THE PLIGHT OF THE WICKED WITH JOB'S

CONDITION
(Job 18:1-21; Psalm 73:1-22; Proverbs 1:24-32; Romans 1:29-32; Revelation
21:8)

Baffled by Job's acclaimed innocence and allegation of unjust treatment by his

friends Bildad deals slams Job with seven fold reproofs, Job 18:2-4 and thirty
fold doom of the wicked, verses 5-20. He charges Job with talkativeness,
obstinacy, contempt for friends, impatience and arrogance. Bildad's charges
were not approved by God.

Question 2. How should we attend:to our afflicted or hurting brethren?

Answer: In attending to our afflicted and hurting brethren we should go with
the spirit a judgmental spirit (Romans 14:4) nor with a " holier than thou"
attitude (Isaiah 65:5). Believers should cultivate the spirit of meekness and
humility while ministering to those who are bruised on the heavenly highway
(Galatians 6:1,2). We should speak comforting words( 2 Corinthians 7:6,7; 1
Thessalonians 4:18; 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:17)

Question 3: What truths do believers learn from Bildad's speech about the
wicked?

Answer: From Bildad's speech, we learn the following truths about the wicked
namely the universal fate or destiny of the wicked which will be catastrophic
and destructive Job 18:5-20; Psalm 73:: 1-27) .He suggests that the wicked
may enjoy some temporary light, peace, prosperity and freedom, they are short
lived. God designs them to lead them to repentance. Another glaring truth in
Bildad's discourse is that the wicked that remains obstinate and wilful in their
spiritual ignorance and evil shall perish (Proverbs 11:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:8;
Titus 1:16; Revelation 21:8)

2. JOB EXPOSES HIS FRIENDS' CRUELTY AND PLEADS FOR PITY

(Job 19:1-24; Romans 15: 1,2; 12:15; Galatians 6:1,2; James 1:27 )

Pained by the allegation of wickedness and forgetfulness of God levelled against

him and the hard words of Bildad, Job accuses his friends of cruelty.. Job rather
feels that his critical condition should have evoked pity from his friends in stead
of condemnation.

Question 4: Explain the pitiable condition of Job that preceded the

declaration of his faith in the resurrection of the just.

Answer: Before Job openly declared his faith in the resurrection of the just in
Job 19:25,26 , he was in a state of emotional trauma where he erroneously
attributed his plight to divine judgment. He felt abandoned by his family
members and acquaintances.(Job 19:15). But the promise of the Lord is that He
will not leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5,6)

3. JOB EXPRESSES BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST

(Job 19:25-29; Daniel 12:2; John 5:25-29; I Corinthians 15: 12-57; I
Thessalonians 4:13-16; Revelation 20: 4,6 ,12,13.

Job laments his devastation and alienation from relations and friends. As these
friends ,relatives, beneficiaries , wife and body failed him, his hope in the
resurrection of the just was rekindled. (Job 19:25-27)
Question 5: Explain the teachings of the Bible on the resurrection.

Answer: The uniform teaching of the Bible is that every individual who has ever
lived will be resurrected, some to honour and glory and others to everlasting
shame and contempt .Job 19:25-27; Psalm 71:20; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:3;
John 5: 28,29; 1 Corinthians 15:12-57; I Thessalonians 4: 13-16; Hebrews
6:1,2; Philipians 3:8-11; Revelation 20:4,6,23,13. It is pertinent to bear in mind
that the hope of the resurrection makes believers to persevere in faith and in the
Lord's service in spite of all odds.

Question 6: How can sinners and believers partake in the resurrection of

the just.

Answer: To partake in the resurrection of the just,

(a) sinners must repent of their sins and embrace Christ as their Lord and
Saviour (Acts 17:30,31)
(b) Believers must avoid erroneous teachings and teachers,(Romans
16:17), pray and watch, (I Peter 4:7); feed on God's undiluted truths (Job 23:12,
Matthew 4:4) and obey them (John 13:17). In addition, they must abide in
fellowship with the children of God( Hebrews 10:25), continue to overcome
temptations (I Corinthians 10:13; I John 4:4); endure trials (Matthew 24:12,13)
and live in holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
It is instructive to note that the sure hope of the resurrection of the just brought
comfort to Job in his affliction and should be a source of comfort to us today.