Unit 1 LESSON 5

June 29, 2025

Study Text: Job 23:1-17; 27:1-6

             Central Truth: Believers should seek to live with integrity.

KEY VERSE: Job 27:3-4 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit (KJV).

As long as I live, while have breath from God, my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Have you ever been falsely accused? What can you say to defend yourself when someone simply doesn't believe you? Hold up five fingers. Put down one finger for each real and true friend you have. If you have no fingers left up, you are Truley blessed! This was just a lighthearted activity, but there are times when you could be genuinely questioned about certain behaviors. This lesson, we're going to look at how Job responded to his friend's accusations.

PART 1- Job Searches for God

An Honest Man's Plea        Job 23:1-7

Job tried to explain to his friends that he was not merely uncomfortable, but he was in unbearable pain (Job 23:1-2). Pushing past his friends' opinions, he now pursued an audience with God himself (verse 3-7). Job explained how he would lay out his case before God. He had faith in God's fairness and in his own ability to make a solid case before Him.

Discuss? Have toy ever felt as if you need to plead your case before God?

Hidden from Sight                      Job 23:8-9

Job felt as though God was completely hidden from him (Job 23:8-9). Because we know the events that took place in the heavenly court (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7), we understand that Job's faith is being tested. All Job knew was, he could not find God. believers sometimes still feel alone, as Job did. These times can be useful. The sixteenth-century monk John of the Cross argued that going through dark nights of the soul when it feels as though God isn't answering gives us the opportunity to intentionally let go of other things and embrace Him. God can use these moments to draw us into even closer relationship with Him.

 Discuss?  Have you ever felt isolated from God? If so, what did you do?

Part 2-- Job Defends His Integrity

Job's Self-Confidence                        Job 23:10-12

To this point, Job had not directly refuted his friends' accusations--a pattern that continues in Job 23:10-12. Job insisted he was pure and obedient to God's commands. Job deepened his claim of innocence by saying he would come out as pure as gold if God were to put him to the test (verse 10). Remember, Job did not realize he was already in the middle of a test Job claimed he had not turned aside from following God's ways (verse 11) --but his words probably felt as though they fell on deaf ears. Many believers deal with similar criticisms when they go through hard times. But we can stand firm, believing confidently that Jesus will lead us to victory (John 16:33).

DISCUSS? Has someone ever criticized you during a difficult time, suggesting that it must be your fault? How did you react?

                An Oath of Resolve           Job 27:1-6

Chapter 27 records Job invoking the highest legal claim in his society: a vow in the name of the living God (verse 2). Even though Job felt God had mistreated him by making him suffer, Job knew he could appeal to no higher authority, Job vowed he would speak no evil and no lies (verses 3-4). This does not mean Job was claiming he would never tell a lie for the rest of his life; instead, he was saying that admitting guilt or confessing uncommitted sins would be uttering falsehood, accepting or agreeing with his friends' claims against him was something Job would never do 9verses5-6). Job's vow revealed his resolute belief that, despite his current circumstances, God is ultimately just and would absolve him of any wrongdoing.

DISCUSS? How desperate do you think Job must have been to make this vow.?

      Part 3- Job Acknowledges God's Power

When Fear and Confidence Collide      Job 23:13-14

Although nearly everything else had been taken from Job, he clung tightly to his integrity. He desperately wanted to stand before God, but looking deeper into God's character, Job saw something that began to terrify him. God is not only just, but He is also sovereign (Job 23:13). Although Job wholly believed himself innocent, God collided with his reverence and fear of God's sovereignty. In Scripture, we see God pouring out both mercy and wrath. Keeping a proper perspective of who God is will help us remember and obey His words.

Discuss?  What characteristics of God create a sense of fear in you?

The Fear of the Lord                  Job 23:15-17

Job described himself as being overcome with terror of God's presence--to the point it had made him sick (Job 23:16). His realization of God's power had humbled Job. He was appealing to the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present Creator. Some Chistian's view God only as a kind loving Father who wants the best for them. We have been given access to God through the sacrifice of Jesus. Not only can we find forgiveness for our sins, but we can also bring requests before the very throne that Job was afraid to approach (Hebrews 4:16). Like Job, we should remember that our God is the eternal Judge. The resulting reverence can lead to wisdom that guides us into righteous living (Job 28:28).

Discuss? How does the fear of the Lord affect how you live?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Living in a fallen world means suffering is inevitable for us and the people we love. These tests can shake us to the core and make us question our deepest beliefs. But we must be resolved to hold to our faith in Jesus. We must stand on God's word, lean on fellow believers, and depend on the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us through each difficult season so we can live in integrity.

LIVING IT OUT

Look for opportunities to support people in your church who are struggling and welcome their support when you are struggling.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

              Monday: Rules for Just Judgment. Deu. 16:18-20

              Tuesday: Prayer for Divine Justice. Psalm 7:3-9

                                   Wednesday:  God's Requirements for His People. Micah 6:6-8

            Thursday: True Discipleship. Matthew 7:21-23 

                   Friday. Integrity through the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-18

     Saturday: Live Honorably. 1 Peter 2:11-17

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 4. Jun. Jul. Aug 2025