Job Showed Godly Virtue Despite Suffering

Anchor command. “Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2

Anchor story. Job’s suffering and restoration. The story of Job has 42 chapters. If you do not have time to read it, then read a brief summary provided under the basic study, below.

Anchor verse. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Learning goal. Believe that believers’ suffering on this earth does not compare with the glory that they will enjoy throughout eternity.

Growth goal. Let suffering deepen one’s spiritual life in Christ.

Skill goal. Prepare believers to suffer willingly, knowing

Outcome goal. Many believers are living godly lives, despite of suffering, opposition and hardships.

Basic Study

“Father, please use this study to help me and those I shepherd to grow in holiness in Christ.”

Summary of the story of Job, who lived in ancient Israel.

One day in heaven the devil dares to quarrel with the Most Holy One. God questions Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is upright and God-fearing.”

Satan answers, “Ha! Does Job fear you for nothing? You made a hedge about him and prospered him. Touch all he has, and he will curse you to your face!

God replies, “All he has is in your power; only do not touch his person.”

On earth, Job is enjoying a beautiful day when suddenly c he cries, “Oh! What is wrong? Why is that servant coming, running in such a frenzy? Oh, no! Sabeans stole my oxen and donkeys and slew my servants, and the servant alone escaped!”

Joe does not hear Satan’s fiendish laugh. “I have just begun, Mr. Job.”

Job groans, “Here comes another messenger, running. Oh, no! A grass fire has killed my shepherds and sheep! Now another messenger has come gasping! Chaldeans have stolen the camels and slain the servants!
What is this? Yet still another? Oh no! Terrible! A tornado has slain my children while they dined together!

Job tears his role, shaves his head, falls and worships God, saying robe, saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb; naked I shall return. The Lord gave; the Lord takes away. Blessed be his name!”

Meanwhile, in heaven, the Almighty asks the devil, “Satan, did you notice that my servant Job still holds fast his integrity, even though you incited me to ruin him without cause?”

Tornados are powerful wind storms that destroy everything in their way.

Satan replies, “All a man has he will give for his life, but touch his flesh and he will curse you!”

God tells him, “He is in your power, only spare his life.”

Job is stricken with painful sores from his feet to his scalp. He scrapes himself with broken pottery and sit among ashes. His wife goads him, “You still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Job asks her, “Should we accept good things from God and not accept adversity?”

Job does not hear Satan’s diabolical taunt, “I’ll care for you, Job. I’ll send three of your friends to comfort you.

Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar arrive to console him. Seeing his plight, they tear their robes and throw dust over their heads.

Job’s friends sit with him whilst he suffers.

Job tells them, “Oh, my friends! Let the day perish on which I was born!
Why all this suffering, Eliphaz? Why?”

Eliphaz judges him, “Confess your sins, Job, and God will stop punishing you.”

Job moans, “I yearn to plead my case before God, in heaven’s highest court!”

Bildad tries to straighten Job out, “I am your friend, Job. Listen to me.
Who are you to argue with God? How arrogant!”

Job answers, “Spare me, Bildad! Let me die! I know that my redeemer lives; someday I will see God.”

Zophar takes his turn, “I am your pal, Zophar, Job. Are you so smart? Do not refuse to hear our wisdom!”

Job groans, “Oh, please, Zophar! Have mercy!”

Day after day this goes on. Job’s three friends keep trying to convince him that his suffering is due to his great sin. They go on and on. Blah, blah, blah!

Job banks them, “Please stop buffeting me with your cruel words!”

Suddenly the voice comes from heaven, “Who is this that obscures my guidance, multiplying empty words? Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, my wrath burns against you. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”

The Lord rebukes Job also, mildly, for thinking I knew so much. Joe falls on his face and cries, “O God, I am nothing! I take it all back. I repent in dust and ashes.”

God tells him, “Job, go offer burnt offerings for your friends, and pray for them.”

God heals Job and restores everything even better than before.

During the Week…

· Correct any believer who judgmentally assumes that others” suffering due to their sin. Explain the lesson from the story of Joan.

· Comfort any believers who are suffering.

· Exhort believers to live godly lives in spite of troubles or opposition.

During worship…

· Briefly relate the story of Job, and ask,
   What did God let Satan do to Job?
   Was Job’s suffering due to his sin?
   Why is it wrong always to assume that people’s suffering is because of their sin?

·

· Explain that suffering improves our character, making us more like Christ.

· Pray for any who are suffering.

· Have the children present what they have prepared.

Advanced Study

1. During worship, after telling the story of Job, ask question about it.

· What did God allow Satan to do to test Job’s faith and character?

· What was the false assumption that Joe’s three friends made?

· Why was God angry with Joe’s three friends?

· Why does God call Satan “the accuser of the brothers” (Revelation 12:10)?

2. Memorize Galatians 5:22-23.

3. Help all the believers to develop godly character.
Building godly character is a group effort. Believers cannot do it alone. They grow in character as they participate in the body of believers and serve others. For example, alcoholics overcome their habit easier when helping others also to do so.

Most people show the good and bad traits of four common animals, as in this table:

Some people act like…	When they neglect the Holy Spirit…	When they are filled with the Holy Spirit…
Powerful bulls, like Paul:	Paul took part in the stoning of Stephen to death, and he persecuted believers.	Paul later defied resistance to gather flocks, train shepherds and take the Word to other ethnic groups.
Barking puppies, like Peter:	Peter often spoke too hastily; he opposed Jesus’ plan to die and even denied Him.	Peter later proclaimed Jesus with power and led many to faith and repentance.
Farsighted eagles, like David:	David slyly counted his soldiers, which brought a plague, and he lusted for Uriah’s wife	David wrote beautiful psalms, laid plans for a new temple, and believed in a lasting kingdom
Steady work horses, like Job:	Job questioned God’s allowing him to suffer so much, and he argued too much.	Yet, Job kept a strong faith in God during great suffering, and he repented of his questioning.

4. Those who teach children should read study #62 for children.