Scripture Text: Job 1:1-2:13
Memory Verse: “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”—Job 1:21
Introduction:
Job was a wealthy man who lived in the land of Uz. The upright and god-fearing Job had seven sons and three daughters. So vast were his holdings of livestock that he was the greatest man in the East.
As the story unfolds, we are told of a scene in heaven when the sons of God appeared before the Lord. Satan also was present. When God spoke to Satan concerning the uprightness of His servant Job, Satan implied that the only reason Job feared God was because He had been so good to him. According to Satan, if the Lord had not put a protective hedge around Job, then he would have cursed his Creator to His face.
God granted Satan permission to test Job by robbing him of his possessions. However, the devil was not permitted to touch Job’s person. The Sabeans stole five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred female donkeys, and killed the servants who were in charge of these animals. Lightning destroyed seven thousand sheep, as well as the servants tending them. Next the Chaldeans stole three thousand camels and killed the servants who cared for them. Finally, a great wind caused the collapse of the house in which Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking, killing all of them.
Satan appears before the Lord once again. This time Satan implies that Job’s faithfulness to God would soon vanish if he were allowed to touch his body. Permission was granted. Job breaks out with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. When his wife urges him to curse God and die, Job answers, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- There is an error in evangelical teachings today that maintains that no believer in Christ, even with the now fully available help of the Holy Spirit, can ever expect to be blameless and upright in this life and that believers must expect to sin every day in word, thought and deed with no hope of overcoming the sinful nature in this life. Compare this teaching to that of Job 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 119:7.
- What was Satan’s reaction to God’s claim that Job was a Godly man? (Job 1:6-12; Matthew 4:3-11; James 4:7; Revelation 12:11)
- What was the purpose of God allowing Satan to destroy Job’s property and family? (Job 1:12-19; 1 Chronicles 21:1; Romans 8:28)
- What was the purpose of Satan’s second accusation and Job’s second test? (Job 2:1-10; 1 Peter 1:6-7)
Applying the Word
Faithfulness to God does not guarantee believers freedom from trouble, pain and suffering in their lives. In fact, we are taught to expect it (John 16:1-4, 33; 2 Timothy 3:12). The Bible provides numerous examples of Godly people who experienced significant amounts of suffering. Examine the lives of Joseph, David, Jeremiah and Paul.