Aug. 17 Job 5-8

Aug. 17

Job 5-8

Job 5:1 "Call now; is there any who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

Job 5:2 For resentment kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple.

Job 5:3 I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his habitation.

Job 5:4 His children are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate. Neither is there any to deliver them,

Job 5:5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance.

Job 5:6 For affliction doesn't come forth from the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground;

Job 5:7 but man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

Job 5:8 "But as for me, I would seek God. I would commit my cause to God,

Job 5:9 who does great things that can't be fathomed, marvelous things without number;

Job 5:10 who gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields;

Job 5:11 so that he sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety.

Job 5:12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands can't perform their enterprise.

Job 5:13 He takes the wise in their own craftiness; the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong.

Job 5:14 They meet with darkness in the day time, and grope at noonday as in the night.

Job 5:15 But he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty.

Job 5:16 So the poor has hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.

Job 5:17 "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects. Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

Job 5:18 For he wounds, and binds up. He injures, and his hands make whole.

Job 5:19 He will deliver you in six troubles; yes, in seven there shall no evil touch you.

Job 5:20 In famine he will redeem you from death; in war, from the power of the sword.

Job 5:21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes.

Job 5:22 At destruction and famine you shall laugh, neither shall you be afraid of the animals of the earth.

Job 5:23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field. The animals of the field shall be at peace with you.

Job 5:24 You shall know that your tent is in peace. You shall visit your fold, and shall miss nothing.

Job 5:25 You shall know also that your seed shall be great, Your offspring as the grass of the earth.

Job 5:26 You shall come to your grave in a full age, like a shock of grain comes in its season.

Job 5:27 Look this, we have searched it, so it is. Hear it, and know it for your good."

Job 6:1 Then Job answered,

Job 6:2 "Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!

Job 6:3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash.

Job 6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.

Job 6:5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?

Job 6:6 Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

Job 6:7 My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.

Job 6:8 "Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for,

Job 6:9 even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

Job 6:10 Be it still my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn't spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

Job 6:11 What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?

Job 6:12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?

Job 6:13 Isn't it that I have no help in me, That wisdom is driven quite from me?

Job 6:14 "To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Job 6:15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;

Job 6:16 Which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself.

Job 6:17 In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

Job 6:18 The caravans that travel beside them turn aside. They go up into the waste, and perish.

Job 6:19 The caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them.

Job 6:20 They were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded.

Job 6:21 For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.

Job 6:22 Did I say, 'Give to me?' or, 'Offer a present for me from your substance?'

Job 6:23 or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?'

Job 6:24 "Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

Job 6:25 How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?

Job 6:26 Do you intend to reprove words, seeing that the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?

Job 6:27 Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.

Job 6:28 Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I shall not lie to your face.

Job 6:29 Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.

Job 6:30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Can't my taste discern mischievous things?

Job 7:1 "Isn't a man forced to labor on earth? Aren't his days like the days of a hired hand?

Job 7:2 As a servant who earnestly desires the shadow, as a hireling who looks for his wages,

Job 7:3 so am I made to possess months of misery, wearisome nights are appointed to me.

Job 7:4 When I lie down, I say, 'When shall I arise, and the night be gone?' I toss and turn until the dawning of the day.

Job 7:5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust. My skin closes up, and breaks out afresh.

Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

Job 7:7 Oh remember that my life is a breath. My eye shall no more see good.

Job 7:8 The eye of him who sees me shall see me no more. Your eyes shall be on me, but I shall not be.

Job 7:9 As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so he who goes down to Sheol shall come up no more.

Job 7:10 He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.

Job 7:11 "Therefore I will not keep silent. I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 7:12 Am I a sea, or a sea monster, that you put a guard over me?

Job 7:13 When I say, 'My bed shall comfort me. My couch shall ease my complaint;'

Job 7:14 then you scare me with dreams, and terrify me through visions:

Job 7:15 so that my soul chooses strangling, death rather than my bones.

Job 7:16 I loathe my life. I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.

Job 7:17 What is man, that you should magnify him, that you should set your mind on him,

Job 7:18 that you should visit him every morning, and test him every moment?

Job 7:19 How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone until I swallow down my spittle?

Job 7:20 If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of men? Why have you set me as a mark for you, so that I am a burden to myself?

Job 7:21 Why do you not pardon my disobedience, and take away my iniquity? For now shall I lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I shall not be."

Job 8:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

Job 8:2 "How long will you speak these things? Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?

Job 8:3 Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness?

Job 8:4 If your children have sinned against him, He has delivered them into the hand of their disobedience.

Job 8:5 If you want to seek God diligently, make your supplication to the Almighty.

Job 8:6 If you were pure and upright, surely now he would awaken for you, and make the habitation of your righteousness prosperous.

Job 8:7 Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase.

Job 8:8 "Please inquire of past generations. Find out about the learning of their fathers.

Job 8:9 (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.)

Job 8:10 Shall they not teach you, tell you, and utter words out of their heart?

Job 8:11 "Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water?

Job 8:12 While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, it withers before any other reed.

Job 8:13 So are the paths of all who forget God. The hope of the godless man shall perish,

Job 8:14 Whose confidence shall break apart, Whose trust is a spider's web.

Job 8:15 He shall lean on his house, but it shall not stand. He shall cling to it, but it shall not endure.

Job 8:16 He is green before the sun. His shoots go forth over his garden.

Job 8:17 His roots are wrapped around the rock pile. He sees the place of stones.

Job 8:18 If he is destroyed from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, 'I have not seen you.'

Job 8:19 Behold, this is the joy of his way: out of the earth, others shall spring.

Job 8:20 "Behold, God will not cast away a blameless man, neither will he uphold the evildoers.

Job 8:21 He will still fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting.

Job 8:22 Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame. The tent of the wicked shall be no more."

Aug. 17, 18 Acts 27

Aug. 17, 18

Acts 27

Act 27:1 When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.

Act 27:2 Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Act 27:3 The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.

Act 27:4 Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Act 27:5 When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

Act 27:6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board.

Act 27:7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.

Act 27:8 With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

Act 27:9 When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them,

Act 27:10 and said to them, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."

Act 27:11 But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul.

Act 27:12 Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking northeast and southeast.

Act 27:13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.

Act 27:14 But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon.

Act 27:15 When the ship was caught, and couldn't face the wind, we gave way to it, and were driven along.

Act 27:16 Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.

Act 27:17 After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along.

Act 27:18 As we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard.

Act 27:19 On the third day, they threw out the ship's tackle with their own hands.

Act 27:20 When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.

Act 27:21 When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.

Act 27:22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

Act 27:23 For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve,

Act 27:24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

Act 27:25 Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.

Act 27:26 But we must run aground on a certain island."

Act 27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land.

Act 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms.

Act 27:29 Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.

Act 27:30 As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,

Act 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these stay in the ship, you can't be saved."

Act 27:32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.

Act 27:33 While the day was coming on, Paul begged them all to take some food, saying, "This day is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing.

Act 27:34 Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads."

Act 27:35 When he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it, and began to eat.

Act 27:36 Then they all cheered up, and they also took food.

Act 27:37 In all, we were two hundred seventy-six souls on the ship.

Act 27:38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Act 27:39 When it was day, they didn't recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.

Act 27:40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.

Act 27:41 But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.

Act 27:42 The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape.

Act 27:43 But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land;

Act 27:44 and the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So it happened that they all escaped safely to the land.

"THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS" Chapter One by Mark Copeland

                    "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                              Chapter One

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To appreciate why the Philippians were a source of great joy to Paul

2) To learn from Paul's attitude concerning persecution, death, and the
   purpose of life

SUMMARY

Paul begins his epistle with his customary salutation followed by an
expression of thanksgiving and prayer.  The church at Philippi had been
a source of great joy to Paul by virtue of their fellowship with him in
the proclamation of the gospel.  Confident that God will complete the 
work He began in them, Paul prays that their spiritual growth will 
continue (1-11).

His circumstances at Rome have actually been for the furtherance of the
gospel, despite imprisonment and opposition by false brethren.  He is 
confident that everything will turn out alright, and that he will even 
come to them again.  It is not without mixed feelings, however, for he 
is torn between a desire to be with Christ and a realization that to 
remain in the flesh is more needful for them (12-26).

At the moment, his desire is that whether absent or present he may hear
they are conducting themselves worthy of the gospel, by standing fast 
in one spirit and one mind for the gospel and not disturbed by any 
adversaries.  They should take comfort in knowing that, like Paul, they
have been granted the honor not only to believe in Christ, but also to 
suffer for His sake (27-30).

OUTLINE

I. INTRODUCTION (1-11)

   A. SALUTATION (1-2)
      1. From Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ (1a)
      2. To the saints in Christ Jesus who in Philippi, with the 
         bishops and deacons (1b)
      3. Grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ (2)

   B. PAUL'S THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (3-11)
      1. His thanksgiving for them (3-8)
         a. That every thought, every request in their behalf, is one
            of joy (3-4)
         b. For their fellowship in the gospel from the very first day
            (5)
         c. He is confident that God will complete the work begun in
            them, for they have shared with him in his chains and the
            proclamation of the gospel (6-7)
         d. God is his witness to how much he longs for them with the
            love of Jesus (8)
      2. His prayer for them (9-11)
         a. That their love abound in knowledge and all discernment (9)
         b. That they approve the things that are excellent (10a)
         c. That they be sincere and without offense till Christ 
            returns (10b)
         d. That they be filled with the fruits of righteousness (11)
            1) Made possible by Jesus Christ (11a)
            2) To the glory and praise of God (11b)

II. THE SITUATION IN ROME (11-26)

   A. PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND OPPOSITION (12-18)
      1. Imprisonment has actually created opportunities to spread the
         gospel (12-14)
         a. Things have turned out to the furtherance of the gospel, 
            for even among the palace guard it is evident his chains
            are in Christ (12-13)
         b. His example has emboldened others to speak without fear
            (14)
      2. Even opposition has provided opportunity for Christ to be
         preached (15-18)
         a. While some preach Christ out of love and good will, others
            do so with envy and strife, hoping to make things harder
            for Paul (15-17)
         b. Yet Paul rejoices that in every way Christ is preached (18)

   B. PAUL'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE (19-26)
      1. He knows all will turn out well for his salvation (19-20)
         a. Through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit (19)
         b. He is confident that no matter what happens, Christ will be
            magnified (20)
      2. Whether he lives or dies, it will be a blessing (21-23)
         a. To live is Christ, to die is gain (21)
         b. To live will mean fruitful labor, but to depart and be with
            Christ will be far better for him personally (22-23)
      3. Knowing their need of him at the present, he is confident of
         coming to them once again (24-26)

III. EXHORTATION TO STAND FAST (27-30)

   A. STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL (27)
      1. He pleads that their conduct be worthy of the gospel (27a)
      2. So that whether present or absent, he may hear that they are
         standing fast in one spirit, united in their efforts for the
         faith of the gospel (27b)

   B. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED BY YOUR ADVERSARIES (28-30)
      1. For such confidence is not a sign of perdition, but of 
         salvation from God (28)
      2. They have been granted not only to believe in Jesus, but also
         to suffer for Him even as he does (29-30)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Introduction (1-11)
   - The situation in Rome (12-26)
   - Exhortation to stand fast (27-30)

2) Who joins Paul in addressing this epistle?  To whom is it sent? (1)
   - Timothy
   - The saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi, with the bishops and 
     deacons

3) For what is Paul thankful concerning the Philippians? (5)
   - For their fellowship in the gospel

4) What is Paul confident of concerning the Philippians? (6)
   - That God will complete the work begun in them until the day of
     Jesus Christ

5) Upon what basis did Paul have this confidence concerning the
   Philippians? (7)
   - Their participiation with Paul in both his chains and in the 
     proclamation of the gospel

6) What four things did Paul pray for in behalf of the Philippians?
   (9-11)
   - That their love might abound in knowledge and discernment
   - That they might approve the things that are excellent
   - That they might be sincere and without offense till the day of
     Christ
   - That they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness which
     are by Jesus Christ

7) What was the effect of Paul's imprisonment? (12)
   - It actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel

8) What was Paul's attitude about those preaching Christ out of envy 
   and strife, trying to do him  harm? (15-18)
   - Christ was still being preached, and in that Paul rejoiced

9) What was Paul's earnest desire and expectation that he could do with
   all boldness? (20)
   - To magnify Christ in his body, whether by life or by death

10) What was Paul's attitude toward life and death? (21)
   - To live is Christ, and to die is gain

11) Between what two things was Paul hard pressed? (23-24)
   - A desire to depart and be with Christ
   - A realization that to remain in the flesh was more needful for
     them

12) What sort of conduct did Paul consider worthy of the gospel of
    Christ? (27)
   - Standing fast in one spirit, with one mind stringing together for
     the faith of the gospel

13) What had been granted to the Philippians on behalf of Christ? (29)
   - Not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake

Power, love and humility.... SUPER!!!

When I was 12, I loved comic books, I just couldn't get enough of them.  I spent every nickel I had on them and would spend far too much time reading and re-reading them.  My favorite was Superman, hands down!!!!! There was just something so very special about a being with all that power, ability and desire to do the "right thing" for his fellow man and yet chose to live as Clark Kent.  Then I grew up and discovered girls and and have not bought another comic book since.  But, I have always been interested in the concept of a "superman" and have seen every movie, some of them multiple times.  The unique picture above conveys the message of Jesus as "superman" and I like it!!!!  This passage from the book of the Gospel of John has always held this particular image of Jesus for me and I hope you get it as well!!!

John, chapter 13

 1 Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,  3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God,  4 arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”

  7 Jesus answered him, "“You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.”"

  8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”

Jesus answered him, "“If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”"

  9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

  10 Jesus said to him, "“Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.”"  11 For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said,"“You are not all clean.”"  12 So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "“Do you know what I have done to you?  13 You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am.  14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.  16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him.  17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.  18 I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’  19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he.  20 Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me.”"

  21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified,"“Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”"

  22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke.  23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus’ breast.  24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.”

  25 He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast, asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

  26 Jesus therefore answered, "“It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.”" So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.  27 After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him.

Then Jesus said to him, "“What you do, do quickly.”"

  28 Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him.  29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, “Buy what things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.  30 Therefore, having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.

  31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "“Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.  32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately.  33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come,’ so now I tell you.  34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another.  35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”"

Power and abilities are best utilized in serving others and not your own interests and desires. Jesus exhibits this beyond our wildest imagination!!!  Imagine having the power of God and yet be willing to suffer and die for your creation because you love them???  To me, this is truly a super man; the essence of all that is good and something to be imitated.  Well, here is where reality gets right in your face: I do not have and never will have the power of God!!!  However, I can imitate the heart of God by just doing what he told me to do in verse 34!!!! That is as super as I will ever get and it will just have to be good enough.  The more I think about this passage of Scripture, the more real it becomes to me and I hope it will for you as well!!!  There is however, something I don't understand and that is the secondary picture superimposed on the large S in the picture above.  If someone finds an answer; please let me know, that would be super... you can leave a comment at the appropriate place on the blog.  Thanks!!!!!

Aug. 16 Job 1-4

Aug. 16

Job 1-4

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from evil.

Job 1:2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.

Job 1:3 His possessions also were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the children of the east.

Job 1:4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

Job 1:5 It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Job did so continually.

Job 1:6 Now it happened on the day when the God's sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them.

Job 1:7 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

Job 1:8 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil."

Job 1:9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing?

Job 1:10 Haven't you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

Job 1:11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will renounce you to your face."

Job 1:12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don't put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.

Job 1:13 It fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

Job 1:14 that there came a messenger to Job, and said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them,

Job 1:15 and the Sabeans attacked, and took them away. Yes, they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

Job 1:16 While he was still speaking, there also came another, and said, "The fire of God has fallen from the sky, and has burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

Job 1:17 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "The Chaldeans made three bands, and swept down on the camels, and have taken them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you."

Job 1:18 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

Job 1:19 and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men, and they are dead. I alone have escaped to tell you."

Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped.

Job 1:21 He said, "Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh."

Job 1:22 In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.

Job 2:1 Again it happened on the day when the God's sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh.

Job 2:2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

Job 2:3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause."

Job 2:4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.

Job 2:5 But put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face."

Job 2:6 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life."

Job 2:7 So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head.

Job 2:8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes.

Job 2:9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die."

Job 2:10 But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job didn't sin with his lips.

Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.

Job 2:12 When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn't recognize him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky.

Job 2:13 So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

Job 3:1 After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed the day of his birth.

Job 3:2 Job answered:

Job 3:3 "Let the day perish in which I was born, the night which said, 'There is a boy conceived.'

Job 3:4 Let that day be darkness. Don't let God from above seek for it, neither let the light shine on it.

Job 3:5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let all that makes black the day terrify it.

Job 3:6 As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months.

Job 3:7 Behold, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come therein.

Job 3:8 Let them curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan.

Job 3:9 Let the stars of its twilight be dark. Let it look for light, but have none, neither let it see the eyelids of the morning,

Job 3:10 because it didn't shut up the doors of my mother's womb, nor did it hide trouble from my eyes.

Job 3:11 "Why didn't I die from the womb? Why didn't I give up the spirit when my mother bore me?

Job 3:12 Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breast, that I should suck?

Job 3:13 For now should I have lain down and been quiet. I should have slept, then I would have been at rest,

Job 3:14 with kings and counselors of the earth, who built up waste places for themselves;

Job 3:15 or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver:

Job 3:16 or as a hidden untimely birth I had not been, as infants who never saw light.

Job 3:17 There the wicked cease from troubling. There the weary are at rest.

Job 3:18 There the prisoners are at ease together. They don't hear the voice of the taskmaster.

Job 3:19 The small and the great are there. The servant is free from his master.

Job 3:20 "Why is light given to him who is in misery, life to the bitter in soul,

Job 3:21 Who long for death, but it doesn't come; and dig for it more than for hidden treasures,

Job 3:22 who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?

Job 3:23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, whom God has hedged in?

Job 3:24 For my sighing comes before I eat. My groanings are poured out like water.

Job 3:25 For the thing which I fear comes on me, That which I am afraid of comes to me.

Job 3:26 I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; but trouble comes."

Job 4:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Job 4:2 "If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?

Job 4:3 Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.

Job 4:4 Your words have supported him who was falling, You have made firm the feeble knees.

Job 4:5 But now it is come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled.

Job 4:6 Isn't your piety your confidence? Isn't the integrity of your ways your hope?

Job 4:7 "Remember, now, whoever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off?

Job 4:8 According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity, and sow trouble, reap the same.

Job 4:9 By the breath of God they perish. By the blast of his anger are they consumed.

Job 4:10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

Job 4:11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey. The cubs of the lioness are scattered abroad.

Job 4:12 "Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it.

Job 4:13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men,

Job 4:14 fear came on me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake.

Job 4:15 Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up.

Job 4:16 It stood still, but I couldn't discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,

Job 4:17 'Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker?

Job 4:18 Behold, he puts no trust in his servants. He charges his angels with error.

Job 4:19 How much more, those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth!

Job 4:20 Between morning and evening they are destroyed. They perish forever without any regarding it.

Job 4:21 Isn't their tent cord plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.'

"THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS" Introduction by Mark Copeland

                    "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                              Introduction

AUTHOR:  The apostle Paul (1:1), joined in his salutation by Timothy.
Personal references by the author (1:12-14; 2:19-24; 3:4-7; 4:15-16)
are certainly consistent with what we know of Paul from other New
Testament sources.  Paul's authorship of this letter is also supported
by the testimony of early "church fathers" such as Polycarp and
Irenaeus.

THE CITY OF PHILIPPI:  Named after Philip of Macedonia, the father of
Alexander the Great, it was a major city of Macedonia on the road from
Rome to Asia known as the Egnatian Way.  It was the site of a famous
battle in 42 B.C. in which Antony and Octavius defeated Brutus and
Cassius.  In 30 B.C., Octavian made the town a Roman colony where
retired soldiers could live and enjoy the full privileges of Roman
citizenship (to which Paul may have alluded in 3:20).

THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI:  During his second missionary journey (49-52
A.D.), Paul and his traveling companions (Timothy and Silas) were 
making their way across Asia Minor (Turkey) when Paul received a vision
at Troas.  In the vision, a man of Macedonia pleaded, "Come over to 
Macedonia and help us."  Perceiving that the Lord was calling them to 
go to Macedonia, they sailed from Troas (Luke having joined them) and 
eventually arrived at Philippi (Ac 16:6-12).

With the conversion of Lydia (Ac 16:13-15) and the Philippian jailor
(Ac 16:25-34), the church was established at Philippi.  The lack of a 
synagogue seems to indicate that Jews were not prevalent and so the 
church may have consisted primarily of Gentiles.  From the conversion 
of Lydia and references in the epistle itself (4:2-3), it is evident 
that a number of women played a role in the growth of the church.

When it became necessary for Paul to leave, Luke seems to have stayed
at Philippi (based upon careful observations of personal pronouns; 
e.g., "we, they", cf. Ac 16:12; 17:1).  As Paul left Macedonia, the 
church at Philippi became a significant source of support (4:15-16; 2
Col 11:9).

Paul visited the church at Philippi again on his third missionary
journey (Ac 20:3,6).

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING:  Philippians is one of Paul's four "prison
epistles" (1:7,13,17; cf. Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon).  The 
general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's 
imprisonment at Rome (cf. Ac 28:16,30-31).  If such is truly the case, 
then Paul wrote Philippians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome.

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE:  The church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul
in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus (4:10,18).  Paul uses this occasion
not only to thank them, but to comfort them concerning his situation as
a prisoner for Jesus Christ (1:12-14).  He also writes of his plans to 
send Timothy soon (2:19-24), and why he considered it necessary to send
Epaphroditus back to them (2:25-30).  There may have also been a
problem at Philippi involving two women, for Paul has a few words to 
say concerning them (4:2-3).

THEME OF THE EPISTLE:  Throughout this short and rather personal
epistle, one keynote resounds again and again.  That keynote is joy.  
Five times the word "joy" (Grk., chara) is found (1:4,25; 2:2,29; 4:1),
and the verb "to rejoice" (Grk., chairein) occurs eleven times (twice 
in 1:18; 2:17,18; 4:4; once in 2:28; 3:1; 4:10).  For this reason, the 
epistle to the Philippians has often been called Paul's "hymn of joy" 
in which the theme is:  "Rejoice in the Lord!"

KEY VERSE:  Philippians 4:4

       "Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!"

OUTLINE:

INTRODUCTION (1:1-11)
   1. Salutation (1-2)
   2. Thanksgiving and prayer (3-11)

I. THE SITUATION IN ROME (1:12-26)

   A. PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND OPPOSITION (1:12-18)
      1. Imprisonment has actually created opportunities to spread the
         gospel (1:12-14)
      2. Even opposition has provided opportunity for Christ to be 
         preached (1:15-18)

   B. PAUL'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE (1:19-26)
      1. By their prayers and the provision of the Holy Spirit, he 
         knows all will turn out well for his salvation (1:19-20)
      2. Whether he lives or dies, it will be a blessing (1:21-23)
      3. Knowing their need of him at the present, he is confident of
         coming to them once again (1:24-26)

II. EXHORTATION TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL (1:27-2:18)

   A. STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT (1:27-30)
      1. Strive together for the faith of the gospel (1:27)
      2. Do not be terrified by your adversaries (1:28-30)

   B. BE OF ONE MIND BY FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST (2:1-11)
      1. Make Paul's joy complete by being like-minded, having the same
         love (2:1-2)
      2. In humility, look out for the interests of others (2:3-4)
      3. Follow the example of Christ's humility (2:5-11)

   C. SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD (2:12-18)
      1. By working out their own salvation, for it is God who is at 
         work in them (2:12-13)
      2. As children of God, blameless and harmless (2:14-16)
      3. Consider Paul's imprisonment as a reason to rejoice (2:17-18)

III. PLANS INVOLVING TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS (2:19-30)

   A. TO SEND TIMOTHY SOON (2:19-24)
      1. Paul plans to send him shortly (2:19)
      2. Commendation of Timothy (2:20-22)
      3. Timothy to come soon, hopefully followed by Paul himself 
         (2:23-24)

   B. TO SEND EPAPHRODITUS AT ONCE (2:25-30)
      1. Why Paul felt it necessary to send Epaphroditus (2:25-28)
      2. Receive him in the Lord with all gladness (2:29-30)

IV. WARNINGS AGAINST JUDAISM AND ANTINOMIANISM (3:1-21)

   A. AGAINST JUDAISM (3:1-11)
      1. Rejoice in the Lord, bewaring of those who place confidence in
         the flesh (3:1-3)
      2. If anyone had reason to boast in the flesh, it would have been
         Paul (3:4-6)
      3. But he gave it all up, that he might know Christ and the power
         of His resurrection (3:7-11)

   B. AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM (3:12-21)
      1. Paul's attitude of pressing on to perfection (3:12-14)
      2. An exhortation for them to have the same mind (3:15-17)
      3. A warning against those who serve their own desires (3:18-19)
      4. A reminder of our true citizenship, and the hope it entails
         (3:20-21)

V. EXHORTATIONS TO UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE (4:1-9)

   A. AN APPEAL TO EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE (4:1-3)
      1. Prefaced with an exhortation to stand fast in the Lord (4:1)
      2. A plea for them to be of one mind, assisted by others (4:2-3)

   B. EXHORTATION CONCERNING JOY AND PEACE (4:4-9)
      1. Rejoice in the Lord always, and be gentle to all (4:4-5)
      2. Through prayer, let the peace of God guard your hearts from
         anxiety (4:6-7)
      3. Meditate upon things worthy of virtue and praise, and follow
         Paul's example (4:8-9)

VI. THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY (4:10-19)

   A. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF JOY TO PAUL (10-14)
      1. Paul rejoiced when they were able to care for him again (4:10)
      2. Not that he really had need, for he had learned contentment
         (4:11-13)
      3. But they have done well to share in his distress (4:14)

   B. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF BLESSING FOR THEMSELVES (15-19)
      1. A brief history of their giving to Paul (4:15-16)
      2. Their giving abounds to their own account, viewed as an 
         acceptable sacrifice to God, who will supply all their need
         (4:17-19)

CONCLUSION (4:20-23)
   1. Praise to God (4:20)
   2. Greetings from those with Paul, even those of Caesar's household
      (4:21-22)
   3. Final benediction (4:23)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) On which missionary journey was the church at Philippi established?
   - Paul's second missionary journey

2) Where can we read about the beginning of the church at Philippi?
   - Ac 16:11-40

3) Who seems to have stayed at Philippi after Paul left? (cf. "we, 
   they", Ac 16:12; 17:1)
   - Luke

4) From where and when did Paul write Philippians?
   - From Rome, sometime around 61-63 A.D.

5) What three other epistles were written about this time?  What are
   the four epistles sometimes called?
   - Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon
   - The "prison epistles"

6) What prompted the writing of Philippians? (cf. Php 4:10,18)
   - A gift from the church at Philippi by the hands of Epaphroditus

7) From Acts 16 and Philippians 4, who were some of the members of the
   church at Philippi?
   - Lydia, the jailor, Euodia, Syntyche, Clement, Epaphroditus

8) What is the theme running throughout this epistle?  Which verse
   stands out as the key verse?
   - Rejoice in the Lord!
   - Php 4:4

9) List the six main sections of this epistle as given in the above
   outline
   - The situation in Rome
   - Exhortation to behavior worthy of the gospel
   - Plans involving Timothy and Epaphroditus
   - Warnings against Judaism and antinomianism
   - Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace
   - Thanksgiving for their generosity