Four Qualities of a Man of God JOB 1:1

Today we turn our gaze to a remarkable figure from the Old Testament: Job. As our introduction reminds us, like many in the ancient scriptures, Job serves as an example for us, a testament to the kind of life that pleases God and is worthy of our imitation (1 Corinthians 10:11).

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INTRODUCTION:

A. Like every character in the Old Testament, Job serves as an example for us to imitate his good works (1 Corinthians 10:11). The stories and lives recorded in the Old Testament are not merely historical accounts but are filled with lessons, both positive and negative, designed to guide us on our own spiritual journeys.

B. Job was one of the most outstanding characters. So much so that God said to Satan: “You have taken notice of my servant Job... For there is none like him on the earth” (Job 1:8; 2:3). Why did God say this about Job? Could God say the same about us? God's commendation of Job is striking. In the midst of a cosmic challenge, God points to Job as a man of exceptional character. This begs the question: what qualities did Job possess that earned such high praise? And more importantly, are these qualities attainable for us today?

C. God said this about Job for four reasons, because he was a man:

1. Blameless - Perfect - Mature.

2. Upright - Just.

3. God-fearing.

4. Shunned from evil.

These four characteristics, highlighted by God Himself, form the foundation of a life that is pleasing to Him.

D. God can also say the same about us if we have these qualities. The potential for such a testimony is not limited to Job alone. Through God's grace and our diligent pursuit of righteousness, we too can cultivate these virtues.

E. We will look at these four qualities so that we can imitate them and please God. By understanding and embracing these aspects of Job's character, we can draw closer to God and live lives that bring Him honor.

I. JOB WAS A MAN OF BLAMELESSNESS. JOB 1:1.

A. The word "BLAMELESS" - Wholesome, lacking in no part, righteous. Job was blameless, a man of integrity, righteous, perfect. That is why God exalted Job before Satan. This "blamelessness" speaks to a wholeness of character, a life lived with integrity and a genuine desire to please God. It doesn't imply sinless perfection, but rather a consistent pursuit of righteousness and a heart that is fully devoted to God.

B. We must be "BLAMELESS" - Perfect - Mature - Whole - Complete:

1. Before God (Deuteronomy 18:13; Proverbs 11:20). We are called to be wholehearted in our devotion to God, our hearts fully committed to Him. Proverbs 11:20 states, "The Lord detests the perverse of heart but delights in those whose ways are blameless."

2. We must be perfect - Mature like our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48). Jesus calls us to a higher standard, urging us to strive for the completeness of character that reflects God's own perfection. This is a lifelong process of growth and sanctification.

3. We must be perfect in unity (John 17:23). Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers, a completeness in their bond with one another that mirrors the unity within the Trinity.

4. We must be perfect - Mature (Colossians 4:12; James 1:4). Paul prayed for the Colossians to stand firm, mature and fully assured in all the will of God. James reminds us that steadfastness leads to perfection, to being complete and lacking in nothing.

C. This perfection is only achieved through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:17). Scripture is our guide and our tool for spiritual growth, equipping us for every good work and leading us towards maturity in Christ.

D. Let us imitate Job, who was “blameless” (perfect)—mature. We must be blameless (perfect)—mature, striving for that wholeness of character that honors God.

II. JOB WAS AN UPRIGHT MAN. JOB 1:1.

A. Job was an upright man—righteous before God and men. His integrity wasn't just a facade; it was a genuine commitment to doing what was right in both the spiritual and the earthly realms.

B. We must do what is right—righteous before God and men:

1. We must do what is right before God (Deuteronomy 6:18). Our actions and attitudes should be pleasing in His sight, reflecting His holiness and justice.

2. We must do what is just (Colossians 4:1; Titus 1:8). We are called to treat others fairly and equitably, reflecting God's own justice in our dealings. Elders, in particular, are to be just.

3. We must be concerned about what is honorable before God and men (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Our conduct should be above reproach, demonstrating integrity in all our interactions so that even our adversaries can find no legitimate fault in us.

C. We must be upright—righteous in all our conduct before God and men, living lives of integrity that are pleasing in His sight and honorable in the eyes of the world.

III. JOB WAS A GOD-FEARING MAN. JOB 1:1.

A. Job was a godly man—he “FEARED GOD.” This fear was a fear of reverence, of reverence toward God, which is why he earned a good testimony from God. Job's fear of God was not one of terror but of deep respect, awe, and reverence for His power and holiness. This reverential fear was the foundation of his obedience and his righteous living.

B. We must have this same fear to reverence God:

1. We must fear God (Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:12). This is a repeated call in Scripture, urging us to hold God in the highest regard.

2. The fear of God helps us serve Him with integrity (Joshua 24:14). A healthy reverence for God motivates us to serve Him with sincerity and wholehearted devotion.

3. We must walk—walk in the fear of the Lord (Acts 9:31). The early church grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This fear should characterize our daily lives.

4. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). This speaks to the seriousness of our faith and the need for humility and diligence in our spiritual journey.

C. In the fear of the Lord there is confidence and security (Proverbs 14:26-27). Paradoxically, this reverential fear leads not to anxiety but to a deep sense of trust and safety in God.

D. He who fears God is blessed (Psalm 112:1; 128:1). Blessings, both spiritual and often temporal, follow those who hold God in proper reverence.

E. Therefore God favors those who fear him (Psalm 147:11). God looks with favor upon those whose hearts are filled with awe and respect for Him.

IV. JOB WAS A MAN WHO REFRAINED FROM EVIL. JOB 1:1.

A. Because of the fear of God, Job refrained from evil. His reverence for God was the driving force behind his avoidance of sin.

B. If we fear God, we will refrain from evil:

1. To refrain from evil is understanding (Job 28:28). True wisdom involves recognizing and turning away from what is contrary to God's will.

2. We should hate and hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). A genuine love for God will naturally lead to a detestation of evil.

3. We should refrain from evil (Proverbs 16:6). Through the fear of the Lord, people avoid evil.

C. If we are wise, we will refrain from evil (Proverbs 14:16). The fear of God is an excellent protection against evil.

1. It is wise to refrain from evil, not to approach sin, thereby exposing oneself to sin. Prudence dictates that we avoid situations and influences that could lead us astray.

D. We must shun evil and do good (Psalm 34:14). Our commitment should not only be to avoid sin but also to actively pursue righteousness.

E. We must fear God and shun evil (Proverbs 3:7). This is a direct command, linking reverence for God with a deliberate turning away from wickedness.

F. He who is prudent sees evil and hides himself (Proverbs 22:3; 27:12). Wisdom allows us to discern danger and take steps to protect ourselves from it.

CONCLUSION:

(The sermon ends here, but the intended continuation is clear: it would likely summarize the four qualities of Job and encourage the congregation to cultivate them in their own lives.) Let us, therefore, strive to be blameless, upright, God-fearing individuals who actively shun evil. May we, through God's grace and our earnest effort, live lives that earn His commendation and bring honor to His name. Amen.

Four Qualities of a Man of God JOB 1:1