You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
Job 31:35-36
35 Oh that [nathan] one would hear [shama`] me! behold, my desire [tav]
is, that the Almighty [Shadday] would answer [`anah] me, and that mine adversary ['iysh] [riyb] had written [kathab] a book [cepher].
36 Surely I would take [nasa'] it upon my shoulder [shakem],
and bind [`anad] it as a crown [`atarah] to me. KJV-Interlinear
35 'Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has
written, 36 Surely I would carry it on
my shoulder; I would bind it to myself
like a crown. NASB
In legal terminology, the stage is set. Job is the accused. Satan, who is the adversary of history, has presented
his accusations, his indictment, his written pleadings (book), way back in
chapter one.
Jobs three friends represent the many human viewpoint,
interpretations, of the world. All of
which follow the pattern of, and compliment the original accusations, of Satan.
Truth will sort out all of the facts of the case. God is truth.
He will hear all arguments, and He will decide the matter.
All charges, allegations, indictments, claims,
accusations against Job are now turned to an ornament of honor, of which Job
will wear proudly around his neck for all of humanity, for all of the viewing
public to see.
Suffering comes in three forms.
First, there is suffering due to the rejection of
Christ. That is the worst form and it is
permanent.
Second, there is suffering for discipline. This applies to believers who do not advance
in their spiritual life. This suffering
is intended to get their attention and serves as an encouragement, and a
warning, for them to get with their spiritual life.
The third form of suffering is suffering for blessing. This applies to believers who are advancing
in their spiritual life. This suffering
serves to accelerate their spiritual growth, and serves as a strengthening
catalyst for their faith.
All suffering, when one is advancing in their
spiritual life, serves as an honor, a crown, a tribute, a credit to their
character in faith.
Whenever anyone experiences suffering, and then if out
of Gods will (out of fellowship, haven't been advancing, etc.), and then if
they respond through faith (confession, resume or begin their spiritual
studies, etc.), then all suffering turns to blessing, and the cursing changes from
dishonor to honor.
The suffering may not end immediately. It may go on for years. But the transformation within your soul is
far more important than any transformation viewed by the public.
Now is the time to post a prayer.
End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
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