I. Introduction:
A. Getting to Know Job's Wife.
1. She was married to a good and godly man.
2. She had borne him 10 children.
3. She and Job had reared their family for the Lord.
4. She tends to be remembered for only one thing that she said.
B. Let's Not Judge Her Too Harshly.
1. She is known for telling Job to "Curse God and die".
2. What she said was not good, but we need to consider her suffering along with her husband.
3. This is the reaction of a distraught woman, what she said was not like her.
C. Job's Understanding Answer: "As One of the Foolish Women "
We are all guilty of talking foolishly at times aren't we?
II. Body:
A. It Is Foolish to Claim Any Excuse for Not Being Faithful.
1. "Dost thou still retain thine integrity?'
2. She thought Job had good reason to rebel.
a. His property, children and wealth were gone.
b. His health was gone.
c. What excuses have we given for why we do not serve the Lord?
3. Our responsibility is not removed in view of our suffering and our suffering should be viewed in light of Christ's suffering:
a. Can my sacrifice compare to His?
b. Can my persecution compare to His?
4. Job proved he did not serve God for gain, what about us?
B. It Is Foolish to Think That God Has No Further Use for Us.
1. The call to end it all does not come from God! What is wrong with Dr. Kevorkian's philosophy?
a. Suicide breaks God's commandment! "Thou shalt not kill." cf Ex. 20:13
b. Suicide doesn't end it all! "It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment." cf Heb. 9:27
c. Not for the lost man or for the Christian!
2. What's the use? Just give up!
3. Despair and depression are Satan's tools!
4. God wants to use you for His glory!
a. Do you think that you're too old?
b. Do you think that you're too shy?
c. What is it that is causing you to think foolishly about your service to God?
5. God used suffering Job as an example of patience.
6. His faith still challenges suffering people.
C It Is Foolish to Forget the Goodness of God When Trouble Comes.
1. Job's wise reply (v. 10)
2. No passing pain can compare to His goodness.
3. Consider how good He has been to us.
a. His love, providing salvation.
b. His daily provision and protection.
c. His promises for the future.
4. Never question in the dark what God gave you in the light!
a. Satan will try to get us to forget that God cares for us and loves us
b. He will cause us to even question our faith if we allow him to.
III. Conclusion:
A. The Devil Will Tempt with Foolish Questions.
1. He will try to drive us to foolish conclusions.
2. He will urge us to foolish actions.
B. Remember Who You Are!
1. Job knew he had a living Redeemer.(19:25)
2. He knew the future was bright in spite of his suffering.
3. We can rest our future in the wounded hands of Christ.
C. Do you know Christ as your Redeemer today?
1. You can trust Him this morning!
2. Come and receive Christ as your personal Savior and Redeemer today!