Job 1:1-22

Goal: When difficulties and tragedies come, we can respond in faith because we know that God is sovereign.

Head Change: To know that we do not have to understand our circumstances in order to trust God’s sovereignty.

Heart Change: To feel a sense of humility as we recognize that God’s work is centered on his glory, not ours.

Life Change: To continue to trust God through hardship, believing in his sovereignty.

Have you ever been invited backstage at a concert or public event? If so, what did you learn that added to your enjoyment of the event? If not, what would you hope to see or hear about your favorite show?

Getting a glimpse behind the scenes can give us a new perspective of the production. Our position shows us how the set and performance are made possible, and we see performers in a different light. Going behind the scenes gives us context.

The book of Job opens with a behind-the-scenes, heavenly perspective of our hardships. Pastor and author Francis Chan leads us in exploring the idea that God sometimes allows hardships in our lives yet keeps his reasons hidden. And we must decide how we will respond.

Read Job 1:1-22

What kind of character was Job known for?

How does Job‘s story answer the question “Why do we suffer?”

How does Job’s reaction to his suffering serve as an example to us?

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In what situations have you tended to open up the book of Job? To what extent have you compared your circumstances with his?

What do you think the meaning of life is? What questions do you have about why we exist or the meaning of life?

Read Job 1:1–5

How would you expect God to treat Job?

Read Job 1:6–12

What is your first impression of God’s decision to let Satan test Job?

Do you think Job’s testing is fair? Do you feel like all hardship in life is deserved? Why or why not?

To what degree do you associate the quality of someone’s life with the quality of their faith? In what ways can losing something or someone make us question God?

Is it easier for you to think of hardships as an inevitable part of living in a sinful world or as judgment sent from God? Why?

Read Job 1:13–19

After the worst happened, how did Job react? How would you react if you were in Job’s shoes?

In what ways can suffering can bring glory to God? How do you feel about him allowing hardship for you as a way to refocus attention on himself?

In what ways can suffering change us? How have you seen suffering strengthen a person’s character or Christlikeness?

How willing are you to suffer well even if you were never to see the purpose of it?

Read Job 1:20–22

To what extent have you permitted yourself to grieve a loss thoroughly? What does it look like to mourn in a healthy way?

What sorts of things do we turn to for stability when our lives are in chaos? Why is God a more reliable source of stability than the created things we run to?

Whom in your community have you watched faithfully endure suffering? What have you learned from watching them?

What steps can you take to draw your community around you when times get tough?

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