Eliphaz begins the attack by the so-called friends. Resenting Job's evangelical salvation, and protecting their works theology, they insist he is a hypocrite under judgement. They deny that God requires holiness - only a pass mark. With pastoral lessons from Job's first reply.

The Judaisers have tried to persuade Colossians to adopt Jewish ordinances. Paul shows they have a vastly superior circumcision of heart. The old nature is dethroned and a new installed. But old sins may re-emerge without these named precautions. Here is Paul's imagery of conquest.

The excellencies of Job, the encounters of Satan with God, Job (unknowingly) placed by God to demonstrate the reality of conversion, his crushing afflictions, the shock of his friends, and his magnificent poem of dismay - and the blessings he lost sight of (like us).

Why the removal of guilt is vastly greater than wealth, power or fame, and how it brings about union with God. Here is the full spectrum of our need in the sight of the Lord, and the benefits that the removal of guilt unblocks.

Beginning with the ferocity of the forces of error surrounding believers (here are examples) Paul identifies first the need for deep appreciation of the doctrine of Christ, secondly church order and firmness, thirdly a sense of amazement at Calvary, as our key defences.

Five verses draw together essential elements of all witness. Here is how Paul came to rejoice in the troubles of a proclaimer. Here also is his deep sense of responsibility for the Gospel, his estimation of Christ's priceless value, and his manner of persuading souls.