The Book of Job (2 of 4) | Learning Community

Introduction

Last week we were introduced to a man named Job who was blameless and upright; who was not an Israelite but who worshiped the God of Israel devoutly; who was the wealthiest and most powerful man of his entire region.

The opening verses of the book of Job are, “There was a man.”

Now, we move as the author takes us from the introduction of a man, to the introduction of a day — a particular day, the events of which would change Job’s life forever.

Remember our plan week to week is to get you engaged with the Biblical text as much as possible. We will follow the inductive study method, which simply means we’ll give you time to read the text individually and then make some observations in discussions at your tables (I recommend marking up your sheet).

Then, we’ll come back to interpret what the text says, asking, “What does this mean?” This is where I’ll spend the bulk of time teaching.

Then, finally, we’ll discuss application at our table, and I’ll close by offering a point or two of application that I’ve come up with.

Now, let’s begin by reading the text. I’ll read first, then give you time to read individually.

READ: Job 1:6-2:10

Job 1:6–2:10 ESV

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. 13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. 1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 3 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” 4 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

OBSERVE: Job 1:6-2:10

Take a few moments around your table to discuss what stands out to you. Don’t try to make sense of it yet. Just identify the words and ideas and characters that stand out as important, or that you don’t understand, or that raise a problem for you.

INTERPRET: Job 1:6-2:10

What we learn:

Cultural background for describing this heavenly throne room scene.

Who is Satan?

The accuser, the challenger, the prosecutor

Heavenly being

Isaiah background for Satan

Is this Satan the same as the Satan/devil of the NT?

Why is Satan in the throne room of God?

Why does God allow Job to suffer?

Is Job really righteous, or is this a test to find out?

Main idea: This book is not going to give us answers about why we suffer. This book is going to encourage us to humbly trust God in the midst of our suffering.

Gospel connection: The reasons why God allows suffering — both in Job’s life and in ours — cannot ultimately be known. But, we can say with confidence what the reason is not. It can’t be that God doesn’t love us or care about us. How do we know this? Because God Himself has suffered the worst misery ever known in order to reconcile us to Himself so that he can pour out His love into our lives.

God in Christ has experienced suffering. He is the only God who has scars.

APPLY: Job 1:6-2:10

Applications:

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Conclusion

WATCH: The Bible Project - Overview: Job (start - 2:46)

We’ll pick up with Job’s friends and the main part of the book next week.