The Book of Job

The Question of the Ages—Why?

The ULTIMATE Test of Integrity

Job 2:7 (NIV) – [7] So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. [8] Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. [9] His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die! [10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1. Satan has the power to inflict people with sickness and disease.

a. We know from other places in Scripture that Satan in the source of some sickness and disease.

b. Sometimes, there is a connection between sickness and sin.

c. Through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, we have the promise of divine healing.

d. We are to pray for sick people to be healed.

e. Sometimes sickness is the result of Satan, sometimes sin, and other times just the result of living in a fallen world.

f. Ultimately, all sickness and disease will be done away with forever in heaven.

2. Health problems will truly test our integrity.

a. Job was struck with a terrible disease.

b. It can be difficult to maintain your integrity when you are severely suffering from such pain and sickness.

3. Marriage will test our integrity.

a. The trials of life will test a marriage relationship.

b. Job’s wife commands him to just curse God and die.

c. Her statement is very revealing about her own relationship and belief about God.

Job 1:11 (NIV) – [11] But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely CURSE you to your face.”

Job 2:5 (NIV) – [5] But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely CURSE you to your face.”

Job 2:9 (NIV) – [9] His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? CURSE God and die!”

d. Job’s wife reacts out of her own pain.

e. When Job needed his wife the most, she is not able to be there for him.

Job 19:17 (NLT) – [17] My breath is repulsive to my wife. I am rejected by my own family.

f. Now Job felt totally alone.

4. Our integrity is tested in how much we are willing to accept from God.

a. Job’s faith is absolutely amazing; he is willing to accept both good and bad from God.

b. Job has incredible faith in God, though his view of God may be a little distorted.

5. The ULTIMATE test of integrity is that when all is said and done, we have not sinned.