GRACE & TRUTH: Unjust Suffering and God’s Mercy

Jan. 5, 2025

Pastor Steve Poole 

TEXT – Job 9

1. How did we get to Job?

· Job likely lived between Noah and Abraham.

· In a chronological reading of the Bible, this is in the middle of Genesis.

· Job belongs to the poetic books.

2. Who was Job?

·  A farmer in the Middle East

·  Successful and Wealthy

·  Righteous

3. Friend Logic: If God is good/just, then suffering is a punishment for sin.

4. Job’s Argument: If God is all-powerful and we are not, then we have no grounds to judge and debate right and wrong, justice and suffering, with God.

5. What can we take away?

·  Our only hope is to appeal for God’s mercy and grace.

·  The truth is that Jesus is the merciful Judge and the arbitrator for us.

Growing in Grace & Truth

In 2025, we aspire to grow in grace and truth. To measure our growth, we will assess spiritual health and spiritual maturity.

Spiritual maturity describes the stage of development.

(For example: toddler, teenager, adult).

Spiritual health measures well-being at every stage.

(For example: toddlers and teenagers can be strong and fit.)

Spiritual Maturity Assessment

Chair 1: I am a seeker, curious about Jesus. (Seeker)

Chair 2: I am a believer who follows Jesus. (New Believer)

Chair 3: I am a committed follower who serves others. (Worker)

Chair 4: I am a follower of Jesus who disciples others. (Reproducer)

What is your level of maturity (which chair?)

Spiritual Health Assessment

I have regular (daily) times of prayer, reading God’s Word and applying God’s Word.

1=Never  

2=Seldom  

3=Sometimes 

4=Frequently 

5=Always

How can I grow more consistent in these practices?