Overview:
Selections from Job 27–28
Living in the crucible forced Job to focus on things that really mattered. In chapter 27 of Job, his vertical perspective quickly emerged. He referred to the name of his God no less than 11 times. The single most important One to Job was God, the Almighty. In these two chapters, Job gave us five priorities worth remembering. And he taught us this valuable lesson: suffering helps us clarify our priorities and focus on the right objectives.
Message Summary:
In “A Recommitment to Things That Matter,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores how the “crucible” of suffering serves as a powerful clarifier for our spiritual lives. Focusing on Job 27–28, the message highlights Job’s unwavering vertical perspective even in the midst of extreme physical and emotional pain.
Swindoll notes that in Chapter 27 alone, Job refers to the name of God no less than 11 times, signifying that the Almighty remained the single most important focus of his life. This message outlines five essential priorities that Job modeled, teaching us that seasons of adversity are often the very tools God uses to help us refine our objectives and recommit to the things that truly matter for eternity.
Message Key Facts:
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The Power of Focus: Job’s repeated reference to God in the midst of debate shows that he had shifted his focus away from his accusers and toward his Creator.
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Suffering as a Clarifier: The sermon establishes that while trials are painful, they have the unique ability to strip away the superficial and highlight our true priorities.
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Vertical Perspective: Job’s discourse in these chapters moves beyond his own “rights” to a deep meditation on divine wisdom and power.
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Five Timeless Priorities: Swindoll extracts five specific life priorities from Job’s testimony that serve as a roadmap for any believer navigating a difficult season.
Message References:
Scripture: Selections from Job 27–28
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Job 27:2–4: Job’s solemn oath to remain truthful and retain his integrity as long as life remains in him.
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Job 27:11: Job’s desire to teach others about the “power of God” and to not conceal the ways of the Almighty.
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Job 28:12–22: A poetic search for wisdom, concluding that it cannot be bought with silver or gold and is hidden from the eyes of all living.
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Job 28:28: The foundational conclusion of Job’s search: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
Core Principles for Life
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Prioritize the Vertical Over the Horizontal: When you are under fire from others, stop looking at your critics and start looking at your Creator. Your peace is found in His name, not in their approval.
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Maintain Your Integrity at All Costs: Like Job, resolve that your lips will not speak wickedness even when life feels unfair. Your testimony is your most valuable possession in the crucible.
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Value Wisdom Above Wealth: Use seasons of loss to realize that “things” are temporal. True wealth is found in the wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord.
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Depart from Evil as a Lifestyle: True “understanding” isn’t found in solving the mystery of your suffering, but in the daily decision to turn away from sin and toward God.
