Book of Job pt. 2

4. Do you find anything unusual about God and Satan’s conversation? Who brings up Job? God. Why does God go out of his way to bring Job to the attention of the enemy? Seriously, He might as well have painted a bull’s eye on Job. Of all the people on the face of the planet, why does God point out Job?

God had confidence in Job to pass the test/face the challenge the Accuser will throw at him. God knew Job better than Satan did. God knew that Job’s faith in Him was not based on enjoying a good life. Job’s faith was much like that of Enoch’s - see Hebrews 11:5-6. Job’s faith rested on the fact that God exists. Nothing more, nothing less. He is the only God that exists and therefore is the only one worthy to be feared, to be worshipped.

5. Having said all that, why does God allow Job to experience the tremendous suffering that we all know is coming his way? Who knows the mind of God?

Job 1:13-22

6. In what ways, does Satan attack Job? See vs. 13-19

Job does not have time to process one catastrophic event before he is told of another.

7. What is Job’s response to all that befell him? Grief, worship, acknowledge God’s sovereignty (Everything I had … children and wealth … came directly from God; therefore, He has the right to take it all away.), praise. Job did not sin. Job did not curse God.

The Book of Job Pt. 2

Job 2:1-6

Young’s Literal Translation of Job 2:3 - And Jehovah saith unto the Adversary, ‘Hast thou set thy heart unto My servant Job because there is none like like him in the land, a man perfect and upright, fearing God and turning aside from evil? And still he is keeping hold on his integrity, and thou dost move Me against him to swallow him up for nought!

Hebrew word “move” – to incite, instigate, lure, entice

Despite your efforts to incite/lure/entice me to destroy Job for no just cause/for no good reason, Job still remains true to me and to himself.

1. What was Satan’s next challenge to God in regards to Job? Paraphrase what Satan said – Man values his physical life more than anything, even God. According to Satan, a person who has contracted a debilitating illness (leprosy, muscular disease, etc.) or terminal disease (cancer), that person would be willing to give up everything, even faith in God, to live the rest of their life in perfect health. Attack Job physically to the point of death and he will curse you to your face. In other words, Satan once again argued that Job’s faith in God was shallow. It was based on God blessing him with excellent health. If Job contracted some debilitating illness, he’ll reject God in a heartbeat.

2. What was God’s response? Do what you want, but don’t kill him.

Job 2:7-10

3. a. What did Satan do to Job? Afflicted Job with painful sores all over his body.

b. Describe what Job’s physical condition must have been like.

Runny sores from top to bottom. Pain 24 hrs a day, itchy scabs that peeled and became black (using pieces of pottery to scratch himself), overwhelming stench, bad breath, disfigurement, revolting appearance, excessive thinness, fever.

4. What words did Job’s wife offer to her husband in his time of anguish? She lashed out at Job. Why do you cling to your integrity? Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. Job’s integrity was based on his faith in God. It was the code he lived by. Job’s wife is telling him to reject it. Curse God and die. No empathy for her husband. No compassion.

5. Why did she say what she said? Job’s loss was her loss. Like Job, she lost wealth and children. Her world had been turned upside down. She’s going through a difficult time as well. Emotional turmoil. Who did she blame? God. Look at where clinging to your integrity/faith in God has gotten you Job. It has cost us our wealth, our children, and now your health and my husband. The God that you persist in following has brought all these undeserving calamities upon us. Such a God is not deserving of your faith so curse Him – tell Him how much you hate Him for what He has done to you and then die. Job’s wife said these words, but who put the words in her mouth? Satan. Couples – It is in times of stress, anxiety, anger that we are most vulnerable to the Enemy’s temptations. It is in those times we are most susceptible to fall under his influence to say or do something that will drive a wedge in our relationship with our spouse.

6. a. What was Job’s response to his wife? “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” Job acknowledged and defined the sovereignty of God. God is the Creator and I am the created. God makes the rules; I don’t. The reason why I experienced years of blessings is not because of anything I did; it’s because God chose to bless me. The reason why I am experiencing adversity now is not because of anything I did; it’s because God has allowed it to happen. To solely embrace the former and not acknowledge the latter is foolishness. Therefore, the fact that I am presently experiencing adversity after years of blessings is not sufficient reason for me to reject God.

b. What did he refuse to do? Refused to sin with his lips by cursing God.

The Book of Job Pt. 1

Theme

At the heart of the Book of Job is suffering in all its forms – emotional, physical, and spiritual. We will witness the protagonist/leading character experience all three at the same time and to such a degree that few of us can ever imagine. The book of Job provides us with an intimate view into the soul of a broken man. If you read Job, not in a two dimensional manner, but in a three dimensional manner, you will experience what he experiences. You will feel his pain – emotional, physical, and spiritual.

This book is not just about Job and his suffering. There are other individuals in the book who play key roles – his wife and his closest friends.

As we watch Job and the other players in the book react to his suffering, the following practical questions will be addressed.

1. What is my reaction/response to suffering? What should it be?

2. What is my reaction/response to those experiencing suffering? What should it be?

3. Why am I suffering? Is it because I have done something wrong and God is punishing me or is there another reason?

In laymen’s terms, why do bad things happen to good people? If you were to have asked that question to an Israelite living in O.T. times, he would have looked at you funny. The predominant belief among the Israelites was that bad things happened only to bad people. The reason why your children died young, lost your wealth, lost your health, etc., was because you sinned. God was punishing you for your sins. The reason why you had lots of children, wealthy, healthy was because you were a righteous person. God was blessing you for your righteousness. The Book of Job hits that commonly held view head on with the outcome proving to be surprising

4. Why doesn’t God tell me why I am suffering? Related question – Is God required to answer this question? Is He answerable to us?

5. How does suffering impact my relationship with God?

Outline

I. Prologue: Job’s happiness and Job’s testing (ch. 1-2)

II. Dialogue and Dispute: Job and his three friends (ch. 3-27)

III. Interlude on Wisdom (ch. 28)

IV. Monologues: Job, Elihu, and God (ch. 29-42)

V. Epilogue: Repentance and Restoration (ch. 42)
Background

Job believed to have lived 2000 years before Christ. It is believed that Job lived sometime after the Flood and before Abraham. Evidence - Job was not an Israelite/Hebrew. He lived in the Land of Uz – large territory east of the Jordan River. There is no mention of the Mosaic Law in the book of Job. No mention of the children of Israel. Uncertainty over who wrote the Book of Job and when it was written. Possible authors – Moses, Solomon, Ezra, or Job himself. Most common belief is that Job’s story was passed down by word of mouth over a lengthy period of time (possibly 2000 years) before finally being written down. The various translators of Job – Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, English – had a difficult time translating the book because of the archaic/ancient style of the language. Different from other OT books. Tells you how old the book of Job is.

Job 1:1-5

1. What do we learn about Job in these verses? How would you describe him?

Wealthy, famous, large family, strong morals – man of integrity – did what was right – excellent reputation in the community – no one had anything bad to say about Job; strong spiritually – feared God. Detested evil. (KJV – escheweth evil). In fact, Job is listed with Daniel and Noah as examples of righteousness (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). Strong family man. Concerned with the spiritual health of his children. Job did not ignore his children’s partying or laugh it off as kids being kids. When their parties ended, Job would send for his children and sanctify/consecrate them - set them apart from any evil they might have done and offer sacrifices on their behalf. Job acted as intercessor – prayed on behalf of his children on a regular basis. Fathers – we need to follow Job’s example.

Job 1: 6-12

2. What do we learn about Satan in these verses - where he resides, his role in creation, and his authority?

Residence – not Hell; roaming the earth seeking whom he can devour (I Peter 5: 8)

Role – Satan – the accuser; we’ll see example in a moment with Job.
Authority – he has great power but there are limitations to his power. Satan is not a god – not omniscient, omnipotent, nor omnipresent; why is he attending to this convocation of sons of God/angels? Whether he likes it or not, Satan is still answerable to God.

God and Satan strike up a conversation:

God: “What have you been up to?”

Satan with a certain amount of pride and arrogance – “The usual. Roaming around the world making life miserable for your creation. Leading humanity deeper and deeper into sin.” Some justification for Satan’s arrogance. In Job’s day, man was far away from God. Worshipping all kinds of gods – Egypt: Ra, Horus, Osiris. Hittites – Baal, Ashtoreth. Philistines – Dagon; On and on. Job, worshiper of God, was in the minority.

God: “During your travels around the world, did you happen to notice my boy Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is faithful to me; a man of great integrity; a righteous man; who detests evil.”

Satan: “I wonder why? You’ve coddled him. You protect Job and his household from harm and You have made him the richest man on the planet. Why wouldn’t he be faithful to You? You made it easy for him to follow you. I guarantee You this; allow something bad to happen to him. Take all he has away from him … everything You have given him – his family, his wealth, and Job will curse You to Your face!”

God: “Alright, if you believe that to be true, then I give you authority over everything he has BUT do not lay a finger on Job himself.”

3. Satan means accuser. What accusations did Satan make?
Job - Job is righteous only because his righteousness paid dividends – family, fortune, and fame.

God – God gave Job a reason to follow after Him (God) by giving Job material rewards. vs. 10 – You have….

Job’s faith in you is shallow. God, Your faith in Job is shallow. Why else have You not allowed anything bad to happen to him? Take away the dividends/rewards, Job will reject You in a heart beat. All it’ll take is one bad day.

The One Necessary Thing

Give examples of sibling differences Read Luke 10:38-42 1. Do you notice anything unusual about they way Mary and Martha are introduced to us? Name – Hebrew word is Onoma – proper name Called – kaleo – to give a name to. Nickname is often descriptive of one’s personality/physical characteristics. Alexander the Great, Ivan the Terrible, Charles the Bald, Louis the Pious. Note: Mary --- the Hebrew relates to the word Mara, which means bitter or rebellious. “Mary” in Luke 10 is perhaps not a given name but a nickname. This woman had a reputation for being bitter or rebellious. 2. What is the definition of bitterness? Resentful; Expression of severe anguish or disappointment 3. Describe a person who is bitter. What is their personality like? How do they present themselves? What is their attitude like? 4. If Mary was bitter, what do you think she may have been bitter about? Not being married. No mention of husband. Loss of spouse. Or spinster. Jewish culture – looked down upon if not married by age 20. 5. Describe the scene at Martha’s house. What is Martha doing and why? Martha busy preparing the meal … serving food and drink to her guests. In the middle of her “busyness”, Jesus is teaching to the people in the house. Martha reminds me of my mom/Kim’s mom. Refuse to sit down for a meal. When they do it’s only for a minute or two. Unable to participate in fellowship of family. Distracted – Greek word is Perispao - The Greek word properly signifies to be drawn different ways at the same time. You ever felt that way? Give examples. 6. What is Mary doing and why? Sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach. Enthralled by what she is hearing. If Mary was bitter, the words of Jesus sweetened her spirit. They were bringing her hope. 7. What do you think was going through Martha’s mind while Mary was listening to Jesus? What does Martha say to Jesus? “Jesus! Don’t you care that my sister is not helping me keep you and ours guests comfortable? Tell her to get her lazy self up and help me!” How do you think she said it? 8. What does all the above tell us about Martha - her personality? Perfectionist, bossy, not afraid to say what’s on her mind, not afraid to rebuke others – including Jesus. You hear Martha being bitter toward her sister AND Jesus. 9. What distracts you from listening to God? Good intentions can create distractions. 10. What did Jesus say to Martha? Read verse 41 11. Why do you think Jesus had to say her name twice? Get her attention. Get her to stop her “busyness” so that she can listen to what He had to say to her. 12. What was Martha’s issue/problem? Perispao. She was worried and anxious about a multitude of things. Jesus wanted Martha to focus on what? The one thing that is necessary. 13. What is the one thing that is necessary? The Words that came from the lips of Jesus. His Words will never depart from Mary. When she feels the bitterness begin to grow inside her, Mary will be able to remember the Words of Jesus and know hope again. This is why it is so important to know the Word of God. When the World creates an environment that will make you want to Perispao, the Word of God will keep you focused on the One thing that is necessary. Two women with the same problem---bitterness. But the bitterness stems from different issues. One is listening to Jesus, the other is not. With whom do you identify?

Know Your Enemy: The Armor of God Pt. 2

D) Shield of faith Purpose for Roman soldier – Provided protection from enemy attacks – close range (swords, fists) or long distance (spears, arrows). If a soldier were to go into battle without a shield, how long would he last? Not long. Spend most of his time running and dodging. He would not be able to stand his ground firmly. Purpose for Christian – Define faith – Read Hebrews 11:1. Being certain/being sure of our hope/of what we do not see. Read I Peter 5:8-9. Faith keeps us grounded in God. When the Enemy seeks to pounce on us and devour us like a lion, we are to stand firm and throw up our shield of faith and resist him. When he shoots the flaming arrows of (write following on the board) temptation, confusion, hatred, anger, bitterness, guilt, loneliness, depression, uber pride all in an effort to weaken our relationship with God and our fellow man, we are to stand firm and throw up our shield of faith to extinguish them/snuff them out/make them ineffective. Enemy/this world is throwing everything at you including the kitchen sink to cause you to despair/lose hope – your faith in God and his promise of salvation enables you to stand firm. If you go into battle without a shield of faith, you have no hope against the Enemy. E) Helmet of salvation Purpose for Roman soldier - Protected the soldier’s head from mortal injury. If a soldier were to go into battle without a helmet, how long would he last? Not long. Purpose for Christian – When we put on the helmet of salvation, what are we putting on? We are putting on an eternal hope … we are putting on an eternal assurance … we are putting on an eternal confidence … in the FACT that the blood of Christ has saved us from an eternal punishment and saved us into an eternal relationship with God. The helmet of salvation protects that knowledge. Such knowledge is important because the Enemy is going to do and say everything he can to undermine your hope, your assurance, your confidence in your salvation. If he can get you to forget your helmet of salvation, to get you to question your salvation, he has made you an ineffective soldier. Ex. If in the midst of a battle, Nate loses hope/loses confidence in himself, in everything that made him a Marine, how effective a soldier will he be? F) Sword of the Spirit - Purpose for Roman soldier – To fight a war, a soldier has to have a weapon. For a Roman soldier it was a double-edged sword (sharp on both sides). The sword used as an offensive weapon and a defensive weapon. Purpose for Christian – According to Paul, what is our spiritual sword? The Word of God. The Bible. In Hebrews 4:12, the author says the Bible is sharper than any double-edged sword, able to divide spirit and soul, joints and marrow. The Bible is our weapon against the Enemy. God’s Word defends us from his attacks. It is also to be used to attack the Enemy to send him running. Recall when Satan tempted Jesus. How did Jesus defeat the Enemy? What were the first three words Jesus spoke “It is written …” Satan attacks – guilt/self-condemnation; Counterattack with John 3:17; Romans 8:1 Satan attacks - worry; Counterattack with Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-7 Satan attacks - unloved; Counterattack with Romans 8:38-39 Satan attacks – negative attitude; Counterattack with Philippians 4:8 Satan attacks – pride; Counterattack with Obadiah 3-4 To be successful in our struggle against the Enemy, knowing and living God’s Word is mandatory. 7) If a Christian is missing one piece of armor, how effective a soldier would he/she be? He/she will be very ineffective. 8) What role does prayer play in our war against the Enemy? Prayer plays a vital role. It is our communication line to our commander. Without prayer, we don’t have a prayer against Satan. When developing military strategy/planning to defeat an enemy – at top of the list is cutting off/destroying the communications of the enemy. Prevent commanders from communicating to front-line troops. Why? Promotes confusion. Have no knowledge where the opposing army is at. Have no knowledge where or when to mount a proper defense. Same in spiritual warfare. The Enemy seeks to prevent us from communicating with our battle commander. Through prayer, God gives us direction, strength, courage, boldness, wisdom we need to fight the Enemy. Through prayer, we are able to put on the whole armor of God needed to fight the Enemy. Should pieces of our armor become weak, through prayer God strengthens our armor. How important is prayer? How essential is prayer? How often did Paul say we are to pray? At all times. If we want to be successful in our war against Satan, we must be in constant communication with God. If you are not, you are going to constantly fall prey to the Enemy’s snares/traps. Regularly devoured. Regularly hit by flaming missiles. 9) What is the final outcome of the Enemy? Rd. Revelation 20:10. Cause for rejoicing. Until then, Satan is still our adversary/our Enemy. My prayer is that after this study you are better prepared/better armed to fight the Enemy. Not just fight, but overcome. Live a victorious life and not a defeated one.