Missionary Grandparents Among Us

Dear Friends:

Did you know that someone in our Bible Study group has a granddaughter that goes on Mission Trips quite frequently.  This young lady is amazing.  The proud and humble grandparents happen to be Wayne and Carol Kabot.  If you have not yet been able to meet them here is a great way to do so.  They have, along with Sydney, given permission for our class to be able to keep up on Sydney's mission trips and service to others through her Facebook page.  Her is the address for her. 

https://www.facebook.com/sydsmissions

Here is her latest post from May 27, 2015

She writes, "I am extremely overwhelmed and blessed! I leave tomorrow at five am for the airport to head to orientation and then to the Island! It's so exciting and scary. Thank you all who have supported me emotionally, spiritually, and financially! Because of you, the Gospel will be preached in a Muslim country. Because of your support, people will hear of Jesus Christ for the first time.
Thank you for you support! Please continue to pray. Prayer is a huge aspect in my ministry and would appreciate prayer warriors to cover my team and the ministry opportunities! I will be back home July 31st.  I hope everyone has a blessed summer!"

Along with her journeys abroad, she also has had a journey of illness.  Ask Wayne and Carol about this remarkable and faithful young lady.  You will be blessed as Rich and I were when we were told how God is using her.

As a class, let's pray for her and keep up on her life.  Thank you for your prayers for her and her family.  It is not easy doing what she is doing, but with God you can go where He leads and sends you.

Blessings,
Deb Paradis

Like a Rock, The Work Place

by Charles Ligon

Let’s be honest, some people in the workplace are hard to love. You know who I’m speaking of…he is abrupt…or arrogant…or especially mouthy. She is a know-it-all…a busy-body…one who injects too much strong opinion and stirs gossip. No matter how spiritual you try to be, it is difficult to “love them in the Lord”.  In fact, way too often, we avoid them and go the other way.

When I was a children’s pastor I used to keep a jagged and unattractive rock about the size of a softball on my bookshelf. The ugly rock was there to remind me on a daily basis…that, while presently unattractive, within it existed a very beautiful sculpture. The rock simply needed someone to carve, chip away and hone the jagged edges so that the masterpiece within could be revealed.  The rock was a constant reminder to me that the children in my ministry were the same way. Sometimes because of wrong and/or disrespectful behavior they were very difficult to love. However, I knew, and the Bible reminded me in Psalm 139:14, that every human being had been “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. Wrong behavior did not change that fact. So, I needed to see them as His creation and praise Him for His marvelous works. Their parents and I were slowly chipping away, polishing and perfecting the beautiful sculpture that God had already created within these children. 

The people in our workplaces are no different. They have been fearfully and wonderfully made by God and repulsive behavior does not change this fact. God created them, He loves them…and He calls workplace believers to see them and love them as He does. Perhaps our example and our love for them will contribute to the honing process.  Perhaps God wants to use us to refine some of their rough edges. Furthermore, perhaps our changed perspective in this regard will polish a few of our rough edges…making us more into the image of God.  

 

Workplace Challenge: Adjust your perspective and start seeing the unlovable people in your workplace as God’s special creation. Begin to look through His eyes and see them as He does. If necessary, find an unattractive rock and place it on the corner of your desk as a reminder that within everyone is a beautiful sculpture, a masterpiece created by God. Now that is workplace ministry at its best!  

A Second Attack on Job, Job 2:1-13

“A Second Attack on Job”

By Pastor Rich Paradis

Job 2:1-13

 

Satan has lost Round 1 of this battle with God. Job 1:11 had Satan telling God that if He were to take all of Job’s possessions from him, he would curse God to His face. But that is not what happened. Job 1:20-22 tells us that not only did Job not curse God when his possessions and children were taken from him; he worshipped and did not sin or blame God. But if Satan is anything; he is persistent. And he will stop at nothing to not only accuse the brethren, but also destroy the kingdom of God. Let’s see how this next attack unfolds…

 

 

I.                   Another conversation in heaven    Job 2:1-6

a.       As this chapter opens, we have another day when the “sons of God”, or a group of good angels, came to present themselves before God. This seems to be a regular occurrence that is going on in heaven. Verse 1 tells us that Satan is alongside them again prepared to present himself to God as well. Just like there had been a day when Satan had first approached God with his accusatory plans, we now find ourselves here again.

b.      In a very similar way to Job 1:6-8 we are now introduced to another conversation between God and Satan. Verse 2 continues in the same way as the first conversation with God asking Satan where he had been. Satan again tells God that he has been roaming about the earth and walking on it. Remember 1 Peter 5:8 that reveals Satan as a lion roaming and seeking something or someone to devour.

                                                              i.      There are some that would struggle with the idea of Satan having this kind of access to God. In fact, they may have even heard somewhere a statement that goes something like this: “God cannot be in the presence of evil”. Have you ever heard that? If so, this whole scene is a bit confusing. Let’s consider that thought for a moment: Can God be in the presence of evil?

1.      God is omnipresent. This truth means that God is everywhere. So He is around evil all of the time.

2.      Jesus Christ came to earth. If Jesus Christ is not God and He did not come to earth, than the Incarnation is not true and we remain in our sin and lostness.

3.      The Holy Spirit indwells us. If God the Holy Spirit cannot be in the presence of sin, than this is not possible.

4.      But this current toleration of the presence of sin will not last forever! Satan will ultimately be banished to the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:10)

c.       As much as these 3 verses remind us of the previous chapter, Verse 3 ends in a way that was not a part of the chapter 1 and its explanation of the conversation. God says that Job held up to the first attack. In fact, even as Satan had incited, or urged, God to ruin him, he held up with integrity. This word integrity is interesting in that it means that Job was whole, complete, and sound after this fierce attack. It is also worth noting that this phrase “without cause” does not mean that Job was perfect. There was no apparent connection between what happened to Job and an equal sinful condition that needed to be punished in this way.

d.      Satan is really on the run here. He has been defeated in his first attempt to discredit God and destroy Job. Why does Satan hate Job so much? Because God loves him so much! Verse 4 continues by saying “skin for skin”, a strange word picture that has unknown origins and meanings. In context, it would seem to mean that Satan is saying to God that Job lasted through the first attack because it had not affected his body. All men can rebuild the business, or have more kids, but Job will not last an attack that is laid on him personally. Everyone will protect himself or herself, says Satan. In addition to the story of Job, the life and death of many of Christianity’s martyrs would disprove this statement. But again, if Satan is anything he is persistent in his hate. He should have been discouraged, but hate kept him going! Verse 5 says that if God will afflict Job’s body, than all of this talk of Job’s character and virtue will be over. Like 1:11, Satan says that Job will curse God to His face.

e.       With that, God again releases Job over to the hand of Satan. But again, He does it with restriction. Verse 6 says that Satan is not to kill Job with whatever evil plan he has.

 

II.                Satan’s second attack on Job    Job 2:7-8

a.       As quickly as Satan hears these words from God, he is off again. The text says in Verse 7 that Satan “smote” Job. This word means to “strike, hit, beat, or slay someone”. And that’s exactly what Satan did! How did he do it? With boils from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head.  The book of Job itself will eventually tell us more about the boils and their effects, but please allow a brief listing here. These boils will be painful and festering, will impair his vision, will cause black skin and scabs, will cause bad breath, will waste him away physically, will be painful day and night, will render him “unclean” and leprous (Leviticus 13:18), and will cause incredible disfigurement and appearance just to name a few of the things.

b.      These boils are so bad, according to Verse 8, that he takes a potsherd and scrapes them while he sits in the ashes. Whether this is an actual tool for scratching, or a piece of broken clay ceramic is unknown. But these things are too nasty to touch!

 

III.             Job’s wife comes on the scene    Job 2:9-10

a.       The story continues with the first appearance of Job’s wife in Verse 9. Whether her input here is driven by the fact that she lost in chapter 1 as much as Job did, or she is really a mess emotionally, we don’t know. But without question, she is not very much help! You have to wonder if the reason that Satan didn’t kill her in the first attack was part of an evil plan to “use” her later to discourage Job even more. We don’t know that, but we do know that our wives have tremendous sway on our hearts and their words have incredible power.

b.      Job’s response in Verse 10 is nothing short of amazing. He tells her that she speaks as a crazy woman, not that she is a crazy woman. And then he offers what has to be one of the great themes of this book: Shall we accept good from God and not accept adversity. WOW! The timing of this statement is noteworthy and the truth of it is undeniable. Job again is reported to “not sin with his lips”.

 

IV.             Job’s three friends show up    Job 2:11-13

a.       Very quickly, let’s examine the arrival of Job’s 3 friends noted in Verses 11-13. They are from distant lands or areas, so the news of Job’s troubles must have made its way to the community. There are a few thoughts here worth considering here, although we will look at his friends in much more detail later in the story. Job’s friends:

                                                              i.      Heard of Job’s troubles and came. This is the first act of a caring friend. While others didn’t, they did.

                                                            ii.      Weren’t sent for, they came. They initiated the care toward their friend.

                                                          iii.      Made an appointment and came. They didn’t barge in. they initiated both asking and coming.

                                                          iv.      Came with a plan, but were flexible. The plan was to “sympathize and comfort”, but the details were unknown until arrival.

                                                            v.      Displayed compassion. They were appalled at what they saw, but they came alongside him. Can you imagine sitting down on the ground with Job for 7 days and nights? Without speaking?

 

V.                An Application For All Of Us

a.       Friends are both great and necessary, but ultimately only God can speak to and heal the broken man.

Except for the Grace of God - The Workplace

by Charles Ligon

I went home for lunch and discovered the disaster. Walking in, I saw Gracie, my blue-tick beagle with that “Uh-oh…I’ve been caught” look. Once again, her nose got her in trouble…the smells emanating from the very full trash bin were too tempting.  She had knocked it over and the floors looked like a landfill. There were coffee grounds, banana peels, shredded trash and a variety of wrappers spread across the kitchen and adjacent rooms. Needless to say, I was upset and responded rather harshly. After cleaning up the mess, I considered my response…was it appropriate?  You see, Gracie was a rescue dog and had been abused.  Because of that, a raised voice both scares and defeats her.  Oh yes, she definitely needed correction but should it have been so severe? After all, I contributed to the disaster by leaving a trash bin filled with a multiplicity of tempting scents. Her “hound” instinct got her in trouble. She was only doing what was natural to her.  

What do you do when you witness another’s actions at work that catches you off guard or even offends you? Are you quick to judge? Do you get angry and respond critically? Are you harsh and humiliating toward them? What is the appropriate response for a Christian?

I have learned that except for the grace of God, there go I. He has been so patient with me and forgives me when I, in my natural-sinful self, do stupid things that must offend Him. He does not deal harshly with me as I deserve. Rather, He is patience, merciful and forgiving. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love (Psalm 103:8). Nothing I’ve done is so bad that God’s complete and unconditional love can’t forgive it. Jesus said, if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matthew 6:14). The Lord’s response toward us is how we must be toward others. The Bible says that we are to make allowances for other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends us. (Colossians 3:13).

Your workplace challenge is to be understanding and forgiving toward those who might cause offense. Don’t judge, criticize or react harshly. Instead, respond gently and in love. Choose to speak words constructively and invest in the relationship for the purpose of helping them be all that God created them to be. Remember the golden rule (Matthew 7:12) and respond accordingly. Make today count for His Glory.    

Job: The Guy Nobody Wants To Be, Job 1:13-22

By Pastor Rich Paradis

With Job’s impressive credentials and character behind us, the unknown author of Job continues the story with a direct U-turn. Where it appeared that Job was the man that everyone wanted to be, now it would be quickly demonstrated that Job was the man that nobody wanted to be! He was rich, he was virtuous, and he was loved by his family. But now he is under attack by Satan and God has allowed it. God has removed His restraining hand from Satan in regard to Job with one caveat: do not afflict Job’s body. Let’s see how the story continues…

 

I.                    A Few Introductory Thoughts

a.       Any time that you consider the suffering and struggling of another, you must reconcile some things in your mind. One of those things that must be considered is the character of God. While this would seem to be down the list a ways when the storm is raging, it really needs to be very near the top of our thoughts.  A consideration of His character will keep you from a broken theology that does not see His omniscience, His goodness, and His ultimate control over all that He has created. If our understanding of His character is less than this, He is not wrong… we are.

b.      Another consideration must be our own limitations in character and virtue. To begin our thinking during suffering with anything less than our own sinfulness is to miss the mark as well. The idea of the “innocent” being under attack, while on one level reconcilable is on another level not true. There are no “innocents”. We are sinners in need of a Savior.

c.       A final consideration for now is that Job is a book that will not offer the solution as to why people suffer. But it is a book that will offer much assistance in understanding “with whom” and “how” to suffer as a believer in Jesus Christ. The lost person who suffers is not a focus in this book. His or her solution is to draw near to the provision and to the guidance of One that has, can, and will offer Himself to even the most difficult of troubles.

 

II.                 Job Under Attack    Job 1:13-19

a.       According to Job 1:4-5, the children of Job gathered to enjoy birthday celebrations on a pretty regular basis. They would eat and drink together and Job would soon after present sacrifice and prayers for them on the off chance that they had sinned in some way during these celebrations. As this day opens, Verse 13 tells us that the ten children were together at the home of the oldest brother.  There was nothing unusual about the scene up to this point.

b.      To continue that “normal day” thought, Verse 14 tells us that the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were feeding next to them. Again, this is a normal occurrence on a normal day. That is often the situation when suffering comes our way. Sometimes, troubles seem to show up at the most unexpected times. And even though there have probably been messengers that have arrived at Job’s home with information, there had never been a messenger that had showed up and delivered the kind of message that Job was getting ready to hear.

c.       That message begins in Verse 15 with the news of an attack by the Sabeans. These nomadic, traveling merchants most likely were from the southern part of Arabia in Sheba. They have attacked Job’s possessions and his servants. The oxen and the donkeys have been stolen and the servants have been killed with swords! This messenger that brought this horrible news in fact was the only one to get away from that scene.

d.      Messenger #1 was not even finished with his bad news when a second messenger ran up to Job and shared another piece of horrible news. Verse 16 tells us that this messenger tells Job that both his sheep and the servants that tended them were all killed by a tremendous “fire of God”, probably a lightning storm. Again, the messenger that is bringing this news is the only one that escaped.

e.       With two messengers still on site and the second one still speaking, a third messenger shows up. Verse 17 tells us that he shares that the Chaldeans, a Bedouin tribe until about 1000 B.C. and would later become the nucleus for Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian empire, have made a raid on Job’s camels and the servants that tended them. The camels were stolen and the servants killed by the sword! For the third time, the one that is delivering the message is the only one that escaped this horrible scene.

f.        And before that messenger is finished delivering his awful news, a fourth messenger approaches Job with the worst news yet. Verse 18-19 tell us that the messenger tells Job that while his 10 children are celebrating together a “great wind, probably a tornado-like wind, hit the home that they were in with such force that the four corners of the house all collapsed simultaneously and all of them were crushed and killed! For the fourth time, the messenger tells Job that he is the lone survivor of this awful occurrence.

g.       So let’s inventory the account thus far. In fact, let’s get the list from Job 1:2-3. In a matter of moments Job has lost to tragedy or theft the following:

                                                               i.      10 children (7 sons and 3 daughters), 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 1000 oxen, 500 female donkeys, many, many servants.

h.       Don’t just read this list, think about it. In a matter of a very short period of time, Job has been ambushed by pain and grief. He has not even had time to react to the first disaster before the next one shows up. And the trouble seems to be coming from all angles! The Sabeans were from the south, the fire was from heaven, the Chaldeans were from the north, and the wind was from all around!

i.         How would you hope to react? How would you probably react? What does your reaction have to do with anything? We’re “allowed” to be at our worst during these times, right?

 

III.               Job’s Reaction    Job 1:20-22

a.       With the news of his own children being killed by this “great wind”, Job can take no more. He rises up and begins the preparation for a time of great mourning. He tore his robe, shaved his head, and according to Verse 20 he…

b.      WORSHIPPED!!! Job’s true character and response was one of brokenness (God does not blame Job or us for our despair and our grief) and worship. And what does Verse 21 say that he said to his Lord:

                                                               i.      Job realizes that he was born without and he will die without – He entered the world with nothing, and will depart the same.

                                                             ii.      The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away – It is the Lord that both gives and takes. Job is only a steward of all that he has. God alone is sovereign in these decisions.

                                                            iii.      Blessed be the name of the Lord – Could Job trust himself and all that he had to the Lord? YES!

c.       And a last statement is added to the inventory in Verse 22. Job did not sin or blame God. Was Job sinless? No. Was he a man of deep conviction and high character? Yes. It is worth noting that Job was accused in Job 1:11 by Satan. The accusation was that if God “touched” all that Job had, he would curse God to His face. But instead, as Satan tried his best to drive Job away from God he really only drove him toward Him!

 

IV.              An Application For All Of Us

a.       How attached are you to your “stuff”? Take a look at Luke 12:14-21 for a parallel discussion on this topic.

b.      Can you trust yourself in the hand of God? Do you believe Romans 8:28-29?

c.       Will you follow Him even when you don’t understand?

 

Job: The Guy Everyone Wanted To Be, Job 1:1-12

By Pastor Rich Paradis

 

It is difficult to study things that we already think we “know”. Most of us that have any church experience think we know something of the Job story and we probably do. But sometimes thinking that we know something can keep us from learning something! As we begin our study in this important book, let’s do our best to set aside those things that we think we “know”. That way we will be open and expectant of what God wants us to see as we study together. First of all, we have to admit that Job’s life doesn’t look too bad as the book opens…

 

I.                    Job: The Guy Everyone Wanted To Be    Job 1:1-5

a.       I am impressed that the first couple of words in this story give us some very helpful information: Job was a real man. While there are some that think that somehow Job must be a “composite” man in that no one could possibly go through all that he will go through, Verse 1 tells us that “There was a man…”

b.      This man is named Job and he is from the Land of Uz. While the exact location of Uz is difficult to nail down, it is probably on the other side of the Jordan River (the east side) and is south and east of the Dead Sea. We would refer to this place as modern-day Jordan. But take a look at the attributes of Job that the unknown writer decides to start the story with:

                                                               i.      He was blameless – He was not sinless; only a man beyond reproach. He was known as one who was full of integrity and mature / complete.

                                                             ii.      He was upright – This word is interesting in that it actually is translated “straight”.

                                                            iii.      He feared God – This is the beginning of wisdom, according to Job 28:28. Job respected who God was, what He said and did.

                                                           iv.      He turned away from evil – He went the other way. In a world with only 2 “ways”, good and folly, Job chose goodness.

c.       Without question, Job was a man that a lot of us would like to be when it comes of character and virtue. But that’s not the end of the description. The person of the ancient world that would be called “wealthy” or “rich” would be called this on the basis of possession. Land, animals, and servants were the currency of this world, and Job had all of them in excess, according to Verses 2-3:

                                                               i.      7 sons and 3 daughters – Some have noted that these 2 numbers are numbers of completion. His family was “complete”. But it was also a great blessing to have multiple children in the ancient world, and Job had this blessing well covered.

                                                             ii.      7000 sheep – Much land would be necessary to accommodate these animals.

                                                            iii.      3000 camels – Again, much land and feed must have been available to sustain these animals.

                                                           iv.      500 yoke of oxen – This is 1000 oxen in that there were two in a yoke.

                                                             v.      500 female donkeys – Female donkeys were very valuable in that they could be bred to have more donkeys.

                                                           vi.      Very many servants – Again, servants were a sign of wealth in the ancient world.

d.      It is also noted at the end of Verse 3 that Job was “the greatest of all the men of the east”. Job was a man of culture and reputation. In whatever area of greatness a man could be measured in that world, Job was the best.

e.       Job’s family was also very close, according to Verse 4. When each of the sons “had his day”, his birthday was spent around the rest of the children. They would eat and drink; all ten of them.

f.        In no way insinuating evil or debauchery, Verse 5 tells us that Job served his family in a way that all responsible fathers in the ancient world (before the priesthood) would serve their own family. He would serve them as the priest, both preparing them and submitting offerings to God for his children. He cared greatly, consistently, and constantly for his children and their spiritual welfare.

 

II.                 Job: A Topic Of Discussion    Job 1:6-12

a.       Meanwhile, as Job is living this exemplary life on the earth we are given a very interesting insight into the heavenly world as Verse 6 opens up. This day under examination seems no different in the way the account starts than any other day. It begins with the “sons of God” gathering before the Lord. These “sons of God” are the good angels that stand in the presence of God. But also alongside this group of good angels is the fallen one, Satan, who also shows up at the same time as this daily activity is under way.

b.      Verse 7 opens in a very interesting way. The Omnipresent and Omniscient God of All asks Satan where he was coming from. Do you believe for one moment that God did not know both from where and what Satan had been up to? Not likely!! But the answer that Satan will give will offer us some insight into his character and his motives. He offers that he has been roaming about on the earth and walking around it. We learned in 1 Peter 5:8 that Satan is prowling around with one thing in mind: devouring! He is out on the prowl for any and all that would be tasty targets for his evil plans and desires.

c.       Satan has his eye out for someone to devour, and Verse 8 tells us that God Himself asks this “lion” if he has considered God’s servant Job. What???!!! He follows up with the same description that was offered in Verse 1. Job would be a very tasty meal for one that loves to devour those that desire to follow God. Is it God’s desire to “sacrifice” Job to Satan? NO! All that will follow is not God testing Job out of mere sport. God knows what Satan is up to, and offers His servant Job as an example of one that will not dishonor God.

d.      The conversation moves forward with a full frontal attack by Satan. But the attack is not primarily on Job; it is on God! Satan asks in Verses 9-10 if God has “bought” the worship of Job with His blessing of him. Satan accuses God of only having the worship of Job because of the hedge of protection and the blessing that He has bestowed on him. He goes on to say that if those things were removed from Job’s account, Job would quickly turn from being a worshipper of God to cursing Him. And he would not just curse God from afar; he would curse Him right to His face.

e.       Part 1 of this conversation in heaven ends with the Lord saying to Satan that all of Job’s possessions can now be attacked by Satan and his evil plans. This allowance by God is not so that Job will fail; it is so that he will worship. The attack of Satan is on God through the man Job; so the answer to Satan will need to be provided by God through the man Job. Verse 12 also has God restricting the activity of Satan to his family and his possessions. He is not to harm Job physically.

f.        With that, Satan is off and running…

 

III.               An Application For All Of Us

a.       What is your attitude toward your possessions? Do they bring cause you to worship God more; or do they distract you from the ongoing worship that He deserves?

b.      Do the seemingly righteous sometimes suffer? Yes!

c.       We must realize that there is one who is out to destroy us and to devour us!

d.      Will there be a God-prescribed limit to how much we will be allowed to suffer? Yes! 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises those that follow Christ of that comforting truth.

Introduction to Job - Suffering and Seeing God

By Pastor Rich Paradis

Today we begin a new study in the book of Job. There are many “reasons” to stay away from this book of Scripture. Sometimes, people are afraid of this book for fear that somehow suffering and difficulty will attack anyone who gets near it. Others find it long and difficult to understand. And when it is understood, it is against the grain of many of our own philosophies and even our theology. But there is without question a set of themes that must be considered by all believers within its pages. The message of the book of Job is both difficult to understand and critical to effective Christian living.

 1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; …

 

I.                    Some introductory thoughts to the Book of Job

a.       Nobody ever names their child Job! To do so would be to seemingly curse their life and invoke a life of tragedy on them.

b.      For something to be called a literary classic, it would need to have 1) Universal appeal 2) Timeless theme 3) Matchless language and 4) A lasting moral. With those criteria before us, the book of Job would unquestionably qualify.

c.       Many literary critics have called the unknown author of the book of Job the “Shakespeare of the Bible”.

d.      Soren Kierkegaard said that the book of Job “must be read with the heart”. It is a book that must not just be read or studied. It is a book that must be experienced.

e.       Suffering is a part of the human condition. All encounter it. It is a timeless issue.

f.        Most suffering, if we were to admit it, is “more than we deserve”.

g.       This book would be nothing more than pessimistic and sometimes cruel for the unsaved mind. But for the person who is saved, it can be seen for what it is in that there is communicated both a God who is transcendent and a God who is personal and gives hope.

h.       The book of Job is more than a book about Job. It is ultimately a book about God.

 

II.                 The Book of Job Itself

a.       Most commentaries on the book of Job are both extremely scholarly and critiquing, or they are intensely personal and experiential.

b.      The book of Job is a part of what is referred to as “Wisdom Literature” in the Bible. There are 5 books of the Bible that have this designation: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.

c.       Wisdom, by definition, tends to be rationale, objective, precise, and impersonal. The book of Job is just the opposite. It is passionate, contentious, contradictory, and sometimes very painful.

d.      There are many things that add to the “mystery” of the book of Job:

                                                               i.      The author is unknown. (It could be Job himself, Elihu, Moses, Solomon, or even Ezra)

                                                             ii.      The date of writing is unknown. (It depends on which writer you decide on!)

                                                            iii.      The location is hard to pin down.

                                                           iv.      The place of this book in the Canon of Scripture is sometimes argued.

                                                             v.      The book will not offer a “ready-made” answer to the theme that most believe about its writing: “Why suffering?”

1.      While it will not answer this question directly, it may answer a more important question: With Who and how will the believer suffer?

e.       The major characters in the story:

                                                               i.      God – He is the only One that can offer insight into this story and its implications.

                                                             ii.      Job – Was he a real man? Both Ezekiel 14:14,20 and James 5:11 give evidence to this truth. He is in Uz (Edom / N. Arabia)

                                                            iii.      Satan – This is the enemy. He will accuse Job of only following God because “it pays”.

                                                           iv.      Eliphaz – He is one of the friends of Job and a Temanite, from the city of Teman, a city of Edom.

                                                             v.      Bildad – He is one of the friends of Job and a Shuhite, a descendant of Abraham through Keturah.

                                                           vi.      Zophar – He is one of the friends of Job and a Naamathite, a resident of an unknown location in Edom or Arabia.

                                                          vii.      Elihu – He is a younger friend of Job and another of the counselors in the story.

 

III.               Major Themes to be Explored in the Book of Job

a.       There are a multitude of major themes to be explored in this book:

                                                               i.      The question of faith in a sovereign God.

                                                             ii.      The apparently undeserved suffering of faithful individuals.

                                                            iii.      The fact of an enemy who is constantly against God’s people.

                                                           iv.      Trust and obedience even during the toughest of times.

                                                             v.      Help for the faithful in remembering at all times how small a part of any situation they really see.

                                                           vi.      The enablement of the faithful to support and encourage one another in tenderness and humility.

                                                          vii.      The fact that true comfort is found in God alone.

 

IV.              A  Basic Outline for the Book of Job

a.       Mark Dever says, “We often suffer; we sometimes understand; but we can always trust.” While that is a helpful and brief outline for the book of Job, we will try to offer one that is a bit more detailed.

b.      The Drama of the Book of Job

                                                               i.      Prologue (Chapters 1-2)

                                                             ii.      Dialogues and Monologues (Chapters 3-42:6)

1.      3 cycles of speeches between Job and his friends (Chapters 3-27)

2.      Wisdom poem of Job (Chapter 28)

3.      Job’s concluding remarks (Chapters 29-31)

4.      Elihu’s speeches (Chapters 32-37)

5.      God’s whirlwind speeches (Chapters 38-41)

6.      Job’s response (Chapter 42:1-6)

                                                            iii.      Epilogue (Chapter 42:7-17)

 

V.                 An Application For All Of Us

a.       Job’s journey must include a picture of Jesus.

                                                               i.      Adam is the Man of Sin.

                                                             ii.      Job is the Man of Suffering

                                                            iii.      Jesus Christ is the Man of Salvation. Job’s claims of a distant God are cured in Jesus. Only in Him can see any meaning in suffering. And only in Christ can we ultimately see an ending to suffering!