E-pistle for January 23, 2015
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e-pistle
FreeWay Foundation January 26, 2015 Dr. Curt Scarborough
God doesn't need me! I need him!
(Job 35:1-16)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on some key verses in this chapter
1. "Look to the heavens and see; and behold the clouds – they are
higher than you," v. 5.
2. "If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He
receive from your hand?" v. 7.
3. "Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night?" v. 10.
4. "God will not listen to empty talk, nor will the Almighty regard it," v. 13.
II. Meditation: on the truths of Elihu's words to Job
1. Elihu condemns Job's alleged self-righteousness (v. 2) by pointing out that
the mere clouds in the sky are higher than Job . . . how much higher,
therefore, must the Creator of the clouds be than Job!
2. Elihu asserts that Job's alleged sins accomplish nothing against God (v. 6),
and that his good works of righteousness are unworthy gifts to be presented
to Almighty God.
3. In the midst of scolding Job for his alleged mistreatment of the poor and
needy, Elihu speaks of the compassionate and comforting God "Who gives
songs in the night," v. 10.
4. Elihu says that God will not listen to nor regard Job's empty talk.
(Elihu's words are true, but they do not necessarily apply to Job).
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications of these truths
1. God's thoughts, deeds, and purposes are beyond man's comprehension;
only by God's divine revelation can man have any insight into His ways,
Isaiah 55:8-11; I Corinthians 2:1-16.
2. Although God allows His servants to participate in His divine purpose, He
shall fulfill His will with or without us . . . "When you have done all these
things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants.
We have done what was our duty to do,'" Luke 17:10.
3. "The Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the
night His song shall be with me," Psalm 42:8.
(See also Psalm 77:6, Isaiah 30:29, and Acts 16:25.)
4. "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have
Hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear," Isaiah 59:2.
(See also Proverbs 15:29, Isaiah 1:15, Jeremiah 11:11, and Micah 3:4.)
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Be open to receive God's revelations of Himself and of His will and ways.
2. Recognize that God really does NOT need me or my good works, but that I
really DO need God in everything.
3. Sing the joyous songs of God from my heart, even during the dark nights
of my soul.
4. Repent and confess my sins, so that the channel will be open for God to hear
my prayers and to send me His blessings.
Faith and/or works
(James 2:14-26)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on faith without works
1. Mere profession of faith (saying you have it) is not profitable, vv. 14, 16.
2. Mere confession that one has faith cannot save that person, vv. 14, 24.
3. Mere mouthing of pious platitudes and good wishes does not benefit
either the speaker or the one in need, vv. 15-16.
4. Mere profession (or confession) of faith, by itself (without an inward
change which produces an outward expression of good works) is dead,
just as the body without the spirit is dead, vv. 17, 20, 26.
II. Meditation: on identifying "TRUE" faith
1. True faith results in good works, v. 18.
2. True faith is proven by good works, v. 18.
3. True faith involves more than mere intellectual assent . . . the demons
believe in God, and tremble, v. 19.
4. True faith always operates in conjunction with good works, and good works
Reveal that the faith is perfect . . . spiritually alive and growing.
NOTE: James' illustration of true faith: Abraham and Rahab, vv. 21-25.
III. Revelation: on the principles of faith and works
1. It is impossible to show (verify; prove) one's faith without some sort of visible
Activity (works) v. 18.
2. Good works done to honor and glorify the Lord, therefore, are visible evidence
Of one's inner genuine faith, v. 18.
3. Abraham's faith was proven when he obeyed God and started to sacrifice
Isaac; Abraham believed God could resurrect Isaac (Hebrews 11:17-19); this
faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
True saving faith believes in God's resurrection power, His ability to bring
dead persons, dreams, hopes, and aspirations back to life, Romans 10:9.
4. Persons who have true faith, resulting in obedient good works, are called
"friends of God," v. 23. See John 15:14.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Make sure that my confession of faith is more than mere lip-service . . . that
it produces God-honoring good works.
2. Grow daily in faith . . . which itself is one of God's gifts, Ephesians 2:8.
3. Serve God faithfully by obeying His word . . . thereby demonstrating the sincerity
and genuineness of my faith.
4. Rejoice in my special relationship as a "Friend of God."
Faith without works is hypocrisy; works without faith also is hypocrisy!
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