Synopsis: During a lull in conversation, Elihu began his rebuke and instruction of Job and His three friends who were unable to agree with one another. Our best efforts are fruitless to change the minds of others, yet our great God is able to do this and more by His grace. God reveals through His word He allows pains and even sleepless nights to keep us from foolish deeds, sinful pride and ruin.

Verses in order of appearance:

Job 32:1-5

Romans 1:18-19

Proverbs 27:3

James 1:19-20

Job 32:6-9

Proverbs 4:7

Job 32:10-14

Proverbs 26:4-5

Job 32:15-22

1 Timothy 4:12

Matthew 12:36-37

Job 33:1-7

Job 33:8-13

Job 33:14-18

Job 33:19-22

Proverbs 27:5-6

James 4:7-10

Synopsis: In this letter, we see Paul requests Timothy to stay in Ephesus to provide stability to the church. Timothy seems to be timid as he is exhorted to stay in Ephesus to deal with people who were teaching incorrect ideas. He is to set order in the church and personally focus on the correct things. Paul's instructions were appropriate then, just as they are today and not just to a leader but to everyone.

Scriptures in order of appearance

Start in 1 Timothy Chapter 1

1 Timothy Chapter 1:3-4

Move to 1 Timothy Chapter 3

1 Timothy Chapter 3:16

Move to 1 Timothy Chapter 4

1-3

4-5

Acts 10:12-15

6

7-8

9-10

11-12

13-16

Luke wrote his account of the life of Jesus Christ so that Theophilus would have ‘certainty of those things in which you were instructed’ (Luk 1:4). In describing what Jesus did and taught, Luke shows both His divine nature and humanity. Learning about His character should cause us as His followers to consider how our lives reflect upon and glorify Jesus in this fallen world. In this passage from Luke chapter 9, Luke describes a number of events where Jesus is interacting with His disciples and with those in need. The pre-eminence of Jesus Christ to change people’s lives is evident through He alone having the authority and power to cast out a stubborn demon. Jesus also explains what living in the Kingdom of God involves which is in stark contrast to many human rules for earthly living. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and having our minds renewed according to His ways (Rom 12:1-2) requires submission to the true eternal King and enables us to truly honour and serve Him as citizens in His kingdom.

Verses in order of appearance:

Luke 9:37

Luke 9:38-40

1 Peter 5:6-7

Luke 9:41

Luke 9:42

Luke 9:43-45

Matthew 17:23

John 3:3

Luke 9:46-48

Romans 12:16

Luke 9:49-50

Romans 14:19

Luke 9:51-56

Romans 12:17-21

Luke 9:57-58

Luke 9:59-60

Luke 9:61-62

After defending himself from the false accusations of his friends, Job rested his case. He had a clear conscience that affirmed his righteous standing before God, yet his confidence in justifying himself would be proved wrong. Sinners are wise to humble ourselves before God and to seek Him in repentance, for only God can justify us by grace through faith.

Synopsis: Faced with the loss of respect of society, his health and fellowship with God, Job longed to return to better days, to a time months prior when he was in his prime. Though Job did not realise why God allowed him to suffer, it was according to the wise purposes of God who is merciful and compassionate. By faith in God we cast aside selfish fears and wait on He who brings divine renewal, strength and hope now and forever.

Verses in order of appearance:

Job 29:1-6

Job 29:7-17

Job 29:18-25

Job 30:1-8

Job 30:9-15

Deuteronomy 13:11

James 5:10-11

Job 30:16-23

Job 3:23-26

1 John 4:18

Romans 8:26

Isaiah 40:27-31

Christmas Day message

Job continued his impassioned response to his friends, confident he was correct where they had erred. After affirming God surely judges the wicked, Job turned his attention to the fear of the LORD who is the source of all wisdom and everlasting life. Job's wake up call was coming, and all who follow Jesus ought to wake to wisdom.

Job responded to Eliphaz and then to Bildad, having weathered their false accusations and, contrary to their assumptions, demonstrated great knowledge of the almighty God. The miraculous and marvelous works we witness are merely the edges of God's ways and when believers view ourselves in light of God's glory we are humbled and rejoice securely in His salvation.

Eliphaz prescribed repentance and returning to the LORD for Job, but Job never departed from the God he lost sight of. Job's confidence in his uprightness was overwhelmed by his fear of the almighty God who stands alone in power and glory. By faith in God Job endured the trials God prescribed for him, and faith in Jesus Christ is our prescription for eternal life through the Gospel.

Synopsis: In light of troubling circumstances, people can be quick to assign blame or say who is at fault. Job's friends claimed he was to blame for the trials he faced, and his interactions with Eliphaz illustrates the need for God's people to walk in love towards one another. We are to be blamed for our sin, but God is gracious through the Gospel to present us faultless before His presence with exceeding joy.

Verses in order of appearance:

Job 21:17-21

2 Kings 20:19

Deuteronomy 24:16

Job 21:22-26

Job 21:27-34

Job 22:1-3

1 Chronicles 29:17

Ezekiel 18:23

Job 22:4-11

Psalm 143:1-2

Luke 6:34-38

Job 22:12-20

Psalm 147:4-5

Ephesians 1:3-6

Jude 1:24-25