Far Be It from God
Trusting the Unshakeable Justice and Sovereignty of the Almighty
Sermon Summary
This sermon addresses the human struggle of questioning God's fairness during intense suffering. By examining Elihu's defence of divine justice in Job 34, it establishes the biblical truth that God is inherently incapable of evil or perverting judgment. Believers are called to surrender their grievances, trust in God's sovereign wisdom, and rest in the righteousness fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Introduction
Every believer eventually encounters seasons where circumstance seems to contradict God's goodness. In moments of sudden loss, protracted illness, or systemic injustice, the silent cry of the heart often asks whether God has forgotten to be fair. When hardship strikes hard, pain can easily distort our theological lens, tempting us to judge the Almighty by our present agony rather than by His revealed truth. In Job 34, Elihu addresses this very tension as he confronts Job's bold protestations. Elihu reminds his listeners that no matter how severe the storm or mysterious the providence, God's moral perfection remains absolute. Evil and injustice are fundamentally incompatible with the nature of the Creator. To navigate dark valleys without losing faith, we must ground our souls in the unshakeable reality that wickedness is far from God.
Main Scripture
Job 34:10–15
“ Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. For the work of a man he will give to him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice. Who put him in charge of the earth? Or who has appointed him over the whole world? If he set his heart on himself, if he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again to dust.
Job 34:10–15 stands at the heart of Elihu's address and serves as a foundational declaration of divine character. In this passage, Elihu emphatically rejects any suggestion that God can act wrongfully or pervert justice. The Hebrew name used for God here is Shaddai, the Almighty, underscoring that the cosmic Ruler of all creation does not answer to higher human standards because He Himself is the ultimate standard of moral perfection. Furthermore, Elihu highlights that God is not a detached dictator but the active Sustainer of human existence; if God were to withdraw His Spirit and breath for even a single moment, all humanity would instantly return to dust. Therefore, this passage is central to the sermon because it grounds God's perfect justice in His absolute authority and sustaining power over all creation.
Main Sermon Points
1. Trust in God's Absolute Moral Perfection
“ Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. For the work of a man he will give to him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
Elihu insists that wickedness is entirely foreign to God's nature. God cannot act corruptly because righteousness is who He is, not merely a standard He chooses to follow.
Moses affirms that God is the Rock whose work is perfect, all His ways are justice, and He is a God of truth without iniquity.
In human history, earthly leaders with absolute authority frequently yield to corruption. Human power corrupts human hearts. However, because God is inherently holy and self-existent, His absolute power is always married to absolute purity. Far be it from God to do evil, for He is the origin and measure of all righteousness.
When facing painful mysteries, you must anchor your faith in God's character rather than judging His character by your current feelings. Refuse to let trial convince you that God has treated you unfairly. Choose daily to declare His perfection over your doubts.
Quick Insights
- God does not merely conform to righteousness; He is the standard of righteousness.
- Your current hardship never changes God's unalterable holy nature.
- Faith chooses to trust God's heart when His hand cannot be traced.
2. Remember the God Who Sustains All Life
Who put him in charge of the earth? Or who has appointed him over the whole world? If he set his heart on himself, if he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again to dust.
God holds total cosmic authority without relying on human appointment. Every human breath is a continuous gift of His sustaining spirit.
Paul reminds the Athenians that in God we live, move, and have our being, demonstrating our complete ongoing dependence on Him.
Elihu points out that humanity lives in total dependence upon God's grace. If God were motivated by self-interest or malice, He would simply recall His spirit and breath, causing all flesh to return to dust immediately. The simple fact that we wake up breathing each morning is evidence of His patient, sustaining mercy.
Acknowledge every day that your life, health, and breath are continuous gifts from God's hand. When tempted to pride or independence, slow down and thank Him for holding your life together in every moment.
Quick Insights
- Every breath you take is an undeserved gift of divine grace.
- God is the owner and sustainer of life, not an servant of human desires.
- Humility begins when we realise how completely dependent we are on God.
3. Submit to the Impartial Judge of All
who says to a king, ‘Vile! ’ or to nobles, ‘ Wicked! ’? He doesn’t respect the persons of princes, nor respect the rich more than the poor, for they all are the work of his hands.
Earthly status, wealth, and power carry no weight before God. He judges all people with absolute equity because every human being is His creation.
Scripture reinforces that there is no partiality or favouritism with God when He evaluates human actions.
Human justice systems are often distorted by bribery, social standing, or political influence. Elihu reminds us that God sees past human titles and wealth. Kings and paupers stand equal before His throne. This impartiality guarantees that every hidden injustice will be rectified in His perfect timing.
In your workplace, church, and community, practice the absolute impartiality of God. Treat the poor with the same dignity and respect as the influential. Never use position or wealth to exploit others, knowing you answer to an impartial Judge.
Quick Insights
- Earthly titles fade into insignificance before the throne of God.
- God views the pauper and the prince with identical, creation-based dignity.
- True Christian leadership models divine impartiality in every decision.
4. Seek Humility Instead of Bitter Complaint
“ For has any said to God, ‘ I am guilty, but I will not offend any more. Teach me that which I don’t see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more ’?
Elihu outlines the true posture of a worshipper under trial: acknowledging limitation, asking for divine light, and committing to turn away from sin.
Peter calls believers to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt them in due time.
The ultimate danger during intense suffering is not asking honest questions, but sliding into a spirit of defiance against God. Elihu urges a response of deep spiritual teachability. Rather than demanding self-vindication or accusing God of mishandling our lives, the proper path is surrender and humble prayer.
When suffering or disappointment strikes, replace bitter questioning with humble prayer. Ask God to reveal what He wants to teach you in the trial, and yield your preference for control into His wise hands.
Quick Insights
- Bitter complaint hardens the heart, but humble prayer opens it to grace.
- Asking God to teach us in trial is better than demanding He explain Himself.
- True surrender releases the need to control the outcome of our trials.
Bottom Line
God is inherently holy, absolutely impartial, and constantly sustaining our lives, making it impossible for Him to act wickedly or pervert justice.
Memorable Quote
God never perverts justice, never abuses power, and never forgets mercy; His righteousness holds the universe together even when our circumstances fall apart.
Theological Point
The doctrine of divine righteousness asserts that God's nature is intrinsically holy and just. God does not conform to an external standard of goodness; rather, His character is the absolute standard of moral perfection. Because He is the self-existent Creator, He is incapable of committing iniquity, acting perversely, or showing partiality in judgment.
Prayer Guide
- Thank God for His unchangeable holiness and absolute justice.
- Ask God to guard your heart against bitterness and rash words during seasons of trial.
- Pray for Christian leaders to practice divine impartiality and defend the vulnerable.
- Seek God's help to yield your desire for personal control and surrender fully to His divine sovereignty.
Responding to God’s Word
Returning to our theme, Far Be It from God, we are reminded that no matter how deep our pain or how severe our confusion, God's moral integrity remains flawless. While Elihu correctly declared God's justice, human wisdom could only offer arguments. It is in Jesus Christ that God's absolute justice and infinite love meet in perfection. At the cross, Christ took upon Himself the judgment our sins deserved, proving forever that God neither ignores sin nor perverts justice. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, surrendered His breath on Calvary, and rose from the dead as Lord of all creation. If you are struggling today with grief, unanswered questions, or feelings of unfairness, turn your eyes to the cross. Do not let trial drive you into bitter defiance. Choose this day to surrender your grievances, humble yourself under His mighty hand, and trust the righteous Savior who loves you and sustains your every breath.
