Sermons by Tim Stephens (Page 23)
Tim Stephens is the senior pastor of Fairview Baptist Church, Calgary, Alberta. Tim grew up on a farm in Eastern Ontario, graduated with a Computer Engineering degree from Queen’s University, a Masters of Divinity degree from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from The Masters Seminary. He is happily married to Raquel and they have been blessed with nine children.
Justice, Kingdom, and Christ
In this final part of a series on justice we consider Christ, the one who will bring justice to the nations. We’ll trace this mission through promise, fulfillment, and into the present day where he continues to build his kingdom of justice, peace, and righteousness.
Justice, Creation, and Law
In this third part of the series on justice we consider two important areas that have been neglected by the church and society. If we are going to see the justice of God increase in our land, there must be a promotion of the doctrine of creation and the doctrine of the law of God.
Justice Starts Here
Many people are striving towards global objectives of justice and equality. But is this where we start? Can you mass produce cars before building and testing prototype? We will see that justice must start with us personally and with the people of God. Only then will we be equipped to promote justice and see the kingdom of Christ advance.
Understanding (Social) Justice
In this introduction to justice we consider what is “social justice” and how it compares to biblical or true justice. We see that much of what is promoted as “justice” today is partiality and unjust. We must understand that justice cannot be separated from righteousness, God, God’s law, and Jesus Christ.
God of the Storm
Elihu gives us his final words. They foreshadow God’s words to Job and Job’s response to God. God’s justice cannot be questioned. The trials and storms of life are gifts of love to his people. May we see that in this text that drives us to see God has high and exalted.
Don’t Waste Your Affliction
Elihu instructs Job on God’s instruction through the difficulties of suffering and pain. This is an important reminder for us to not waste the trials God sends our way but to strive for the holiness God is working in us through affliction.
Forgotten Grace
Elihu continues to answer Job and give a defense of God’s justice. However, Elihu, like the other friends, overlook grace and how integral it is to how God relates to his people–even in suffering.May we never forget God’s grace when facing adversity and trial.
Defending God against Questions of Justice
Elihu responds to Job’s questions in defense of God. Job has questioned God’s justice as he suffers. He cannot understand why God has brought this great calamity upon him. Elihu burns with anger as he desires to see God and his justice defended and exonerated. So Elihu takes up this task to explain why Job suffers. This helps us to think through this most profound issue of suffering and the justice of God.
The Discipline of Suffering
Elihu seeks to teach Job why God has brought such suffering in his life–for discipline. Elihu contends that God is not treating him as an enemy, but rather he is treating him as a son. Through Elihu we’re reminded that God does indeed use suffering to discipline his children. Through this God imparts holiness and draws us to look to Christ. May we grow in holiness and in treasuring Christ!
Learning Zeal from Elihu
Elihu bursts onto the scene in Job. We get an introduction on who he is and we consider his zealous passion and defense of God. In his zeal we are rebuked and consider reasons that keep us silent rather than being bold in the defense and proclamation of our great God and his truth.
Giving an Account to God
Job utters his last words before God speaks. In his final words Job gives an account of his actions to God. He is ready to face God and his justice.We learn a valuable lesson here since we must all give an account before God. Will we be bold like Job? Will we shrink back in shame? Will our hypocrisy be made known?May God use this chapter to prepare us to face God.
The Lord Gave and the Lord Has Taken Away
Job, continuing his final speech, recounts how God had blessed him so richly and how God has taken everything away from him. In this lament we learn about Job’s tenacity to rest in the sovereign God and to maintain hope in him.May we learn with him to trust our great God in every and any circumstance. 1. How is lament a language of trust rather than doubt?2. What provides us confidence in dark times that God is always for us?