A Pure and Simple Devotion: Following Job’s Example
- Brother Vincent
Notes from Brother Vincent's Teaching
Introduction to Spiritual Proximity
The teaching emphasizes the importance of being close to God, godly individuals, and the Word of God, drawing from a youth meeting discussion about the Israelites' distance from these elements. Young people were encouraged to reflect on their own proximity to God, godly men and women, and Scripture. Gratitude is expressed for teachers who deliver the Word accurately, without bias or desire for fame, driven by a burden to draw people closer to God.
The Role of Bible Teachers
Effective Bible teachers expose the truth of Scripture, as exemplified by Jesus, whose teaching caused the disciples’ hearts to glow and opened their spiritual eyes. However, merely receiving teaching is insufficient; individuals must personally engage with the Word of God. Reading and remembering Scripture is a basic level of learning, comparable to recalling factual knowledge like the capitals of countries. Deeper engagement involves understanding the context, characters, and purpose of the text, followed by applying it to one’s personal life.
Applying the Word for Transformation
The application of Scripture should lead to repentance and change. James 1:21 highlights the need to receive the implanted Word with humility, putting aside filthiness and wickedness, as it is able to save souls. The purpose of engaging with the Word is to deliver the soul from darkness, worldly desires, lust, and fleshly tendencies. Simply reading or understanding without transformation is purposeless. Leviticus 10:11 underscores the role of priests in teaching the law to help people discern between holy and unholy, righteous and unrighteous, clean and unclean, enabling them to cling to what is good.
Proximity to God and His Word
Attending meetings or being close to Bible teachers is not enough; true closeness to God and His Word is essential to experience His glory. The prayer for mountains to be brought low and valleys filled reflects a desire for obstacles to be removed so God’s glory can be revealed. Old Testament saints like Abraham, Moses, and John the Baptist serve as examples. Abraham is the father of faith (Romans 5, Hebrews), Moses excelled in meekness (Numbers 12:3), and John the Baptist demonstrated humility by declaring his unworthiness even to untie Jesus’ sandal (John 1:27).
Humility in Service
An example from Ethiopia illustrates humility in service, where orphaned children polish shoes to earn a living, performing their work with dignity and thoroughness. Similarly, John the Baptist’s humility is evident in his statement of unworthiness to perform even the lowest task for Jesus, likening himself to a slave who removes sandal laces. This reflects a profound recognition of Christ’s greatness and his own lowliness.
Lessons from Job
Job, an Old Testament saint with New Covenant characteristics, provides valuable lessons. In Job 31, he made a covenant with his eyes not to lust, demonstrating purity in thought and action. This practice can bring significant blessings to one’s life. Additionally, Job’s concern for his children is evident in his prayers and sacrifices after their celebrations, seeking forgiveness for potential sins they may have committed (Job 1:5). Parents are encouraged to pray for their children, especially after events like school celebrations, claiming promises like Acts 2:39 and Joel 2:28 for their anointing and spiritual growth.
Job’s Desire to Please God
In Job 23:11, Job expresses a commitment to live according to God’s ways without turning aside. Job 29:2-4 reflects his longing for the days when he felt God’s presence, care, and blessing, with his children around him. Similarly, Jesus lived a life pleasing to God, as affirmed after His baptism when a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus fulfilled righteousness through submission to authority, obedience to parents, and a deep engagement with Scripture.
Obedience and the Holy Spirit
Obedience to God attracts the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:32 states that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God, as seen in Peter’s boldness to preach despite threats. Jesus’ desire to fulfill all righteousness led to the Spirit’s descent upon Him (Matthew 3:15-16). John 8:29 reveals Jesus’ constant effort to please the Father, ensuring the Father’s presence with Him. This required denying His own will, a cross He bore to maintain divine fellowship.
Following in God’s Footsteps
Job’s commitment to follow God’s exact footsteps without turning aside (Job 23:11) mirrors Jesus’ example in 1 Peter 2:22-23, where He committed no sin, spoke no deceit, and entrusted Himself to God when reviled. Jesus’ interaction with Judas illustrates this, as He sought to protect Judas from betrayal by declaring His identity to the authorities (John 18:3-5). Committing oneself to God, rather than cursing others, preserves a pure heart, as seen in Jesus’ refusal to harbor bitterness.
Loving the Word More Than Food
Job 23:12 highlights Job’s love for God’s Word above his daily food, contrasting with Eve’s preference for forbidden fruit over God’s command (Genesis 3:6). Jesus exemplified this love, likely prioritizing Scripture over physical needs, as seen in His engagement with rabbis at the temple from a young age (Luke 2:46-47). Believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Word, meditating on it and applying it daily, perhaps by noting key verses for reflection.
Living in the Light
Job’s resolve not to be overpowered by darkness (Job 23:7, 24:13) reflects a commitment to live as a child of light (1 John 1:7). He welcomed strangers and avoided evil, ensuring darkness did not silence him (Job 31:32, 38:15). A simple and pure devotion to Christ, free from hidden agendas or duplicity, is essential. This devotion involves pleasing God, following His ways, prioritizing His Word, fearing Him, and resisting darkness.
Practical Applications
To maintain a pure heart, believers should pray for those who wrong them, as Jesus taught (Matthew 5:44). Correction from others, such as spouses or elders, should be received humbly, recognizing it as God’s discipline for growth (Hebrews 12:11). Obedience to God’s commands, even through suffering, is non-negotiable, as Jesus demonstrated (Hebrews 5:8). Delayed or partial obedience is disobedience, akin to witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23).
Discernment in Obedience
While children are to obey parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1), discernment is needed to avoid harmful advice, such as a mother-in-law’s counsel that divides a family. Polite refusal, grounded in Scripture, maintains respect while prioritizing God’s will. Sunday school teachers bear a responsibility to teach only biblical truths to avoid confusion or misrepresentation.
Conclusion
The teaching calls for a life of devotion marked by pleasing God, following His footsteps, loving His Word, fearing Him, and resisting darkness. Through prayer and engagement with Scripture, believers can transform their lives to reflect a pure and simple devotion to Christ, free from deception or distraction.
Bible References:
- James 1:21
- Leviticus 10:11
- Romans 5
- Hebrews (various chapters)
- Numbers 12:3
- John 1:27
- Job 31
- Job 1:5
- Acts 2:39
- Joel 2:28
- Job 23:11
- Job 29:2-4
- Matthew 3:17
- Acts 5:32
- John 8:29
- 1 Peter 2:22-23
- John 18:3-5
- Job 23:12
- Genesis 3:6
- Luke 2:46-47
- 1 John 1:7
- Job 23:7
- Job 24:13
- Job 31:32
- Job 38:15
- Matthew 5:44
- Hebrews 12:11
- 1 Samuel 15:23
- Ephesians 6:1
Job’s Stand: Valuing Conscience Over Condemnation
Introduction to Job’s Response to Reproach
The teaching focuses on Job’s response to insults and accusations, highlighting his godly character and fear of God. Despite being reproached ten times by his three friends, Job remained steadfast, prioritizing his conscience over external criticism.
Enduring Insults with Godly Perspective
Job 19:3 records that Job’s friends insulted or reproached him ten times, and he kept a careful count of these instances. However, he declared that their insults did not matter to him. This reflects a godly perspective where the opinions of others hold little weight compared to one’s standing before God. Those who fear God can endure reproach without being shaken, trusting in divine vindication.
Wearing Accusations as a Crown
In Job 31:35-36, Job expresses a bold stance toward accusations, stating he would carry his adversary’s indictment on his shoulder and bind it to himself like a crown. This imagery conveys confidence in his integrity and fear of God, rendering false accusations powerless. Even if others wrote emails, sent messages, or made public accusations—such as false sexual harassment claims against righteous individuals—Job’s response was to treat them as a badge of honor, unshaken by their attempts to defame him.
Personal Example: I recall traveling to Chennai from my hometown, seated in a three-person seat on a bus, with a young woman on one side and an older woman on the other. As a man of God, I was mindful to ensure my conscience remained clear, avoiding any inappropriate gaze or action during the four-hour journey.
Prioritizing a Clear Conscience
Job 27:6 emphasizes that what truly mattered to Job was maintaining a conscience free from reproach throughout his life. Rather than being swayed by his friends’ jealousy-driven accusations, he focused on ensuring his heart did not condemn him. A godly person’s primary concern is to live in a way that their conscience remains unblemished, regardless of external criticism.
Application for Believers
Believers are encouraged to adopt Job’s perspective by prioritizing a clear conscience over human opinions. The conscience should not reproach for actions like lustful gazes or inappropriate behavior. By fearing God, one can remain unshaken by false accusations or slander, trusting that God sees the heart and will vindicate the righteous.
Conclusion
Job’s life teaches the importance of enduring reproach with a godly perspective, wearing accusations as a crown, and prioritizing a clear conscience. By fearing God, believers can remain steadfast in the face of criticism, ensuring their heart remains pure and their devotion to God unwavering.
Bible References:
- Job 19:3
- Job 31:35-36
- Job 27:6
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