The Testing of Job: Faith in the Face of Loss

1: The Testing of Job – Introduction and Overview

Date: Wednesday Night, October 2, 2024

Main Text: Job 1:1–22 (KJV)

Introduction to the Book of Job:

The book of Job is considered one of the oldest books of the Bible, rich in poetic language, theological depth, and lessons on suffering, faith, and the sovereignty of God. Job is presented as a man who endures immense trials, which raise questions about God’s justice, human suffering, and the meaning of faith.

Background:

• Authorship and Time Period:

The author of Job is unknown, though some scholars suggest Moses or an ancient Near Eastern scribe. The book is set in a patriarchal era, around the time of Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob.

• Structure:

The book can be divided into three main sections:

1. Prologue (Job 1–2) – The setting of Job’s trials.

2. Dialogue (Job 3–31) – Conversations between Job and his friends.

3. Divine Discourse (Job 32–42) – God’s response and Job’s restoration.

Key Themes:

1. The Problem of Suffering:

Job wrestles with the age-old question: Why do the righteous suffer? It tackles the issue of undeserved suffering and God’s purpose in allowing trials.

2. God’s Sovereignty:

Despite Job’s suffering, God is ultimately in control. His wisdom and understanding transcend human reasoning.

3. Faith Under Trial:

Job’s faith is tested, revealing the depth of his devotion to God. This study highlights the importance of enduring faith.

Section 1: Job’s Character and Wealth (Job 1:1–5)

Read: Job 1:1–5

Job 1:1–5 KJV 1900

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. 3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Discussion:

• Job’s Righteousness:

Job is described as “perfect and upright,” meaning he was morally blameless and lived with integrity. Strong’s Concordance (#H8535) translates “perfect” (תָּם, tâm) as “complete, morally innocent, or having integrity.” This sets the stage for why his suffering is so perplexing.

• Job’s Wealth:

Job was wealthy, with a large family and vast possessions, yet his heart was set on righteousness, not riches. His wealth symbolizes blessings, but the focus is on his relationship with God.

• Spiritual Leadership in the Family:

Job offered sacrifices on behalf of his children, showing his concern for their spiritual well-being. He acts as a priest over his family, a foreshadowing of intercessory roles in scripture.

Section 2: The Heavenly Scene and the Testing of Job (Job 1:6–12)

Read: Job 1:6–12

Job 1:6–12 KJV 1900

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

Key Points:

• The Heavenly Council:

A remarkable part of Job is the unveiling of a heavenly council where the “sons of God” (angels) present themselves before the Lord. Satan, the accuser, is also present. This shows the spiritual dimension of Job’s trials.

• Satan’s Challenge:

Satan questions Job’s integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is tied to his prosperity. This introduces the core question: Can a person love God for who He is, not just for His blessings?

• God’s Permission:

God allows Satan to test Job, but with limits. This emphasizes God’s ultimate control and sets the stage for the trials to come. Note that while Satan brings the accusations and afflictions, God remains sovereign throughout the ordeal.

Section 3: Job Loses His Possessions and Children (Job 1:13–19)

Read: Job 1:13–19

Job 1:13–19 KJV 1900

13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: 14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: 15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: 19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Discussion:

• Sudden Calamities:

In a rapid sequence of events, Job loses all his wealth and his children. This mirrors the unpredictability of life’s hardships. Satan orchestrates these events to break Job’s faith.

• The Emotional Weight:

The loss of his children is perhaps the heaviest blow, showing the depth of Job’s pain. Yet, Job does not sin or curse God.

Section 4: Job’s Response to Suffering (Job 1:20–22)

Read: Job 1:20–22

Job 1:20–22 KJV 1900

20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 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. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Key Points:

• Job’s Grief and Worship:

Job’s response is a model of faith in adversity. He tears his robe and shaves his head—acts of mourning in the ancient Near East—but he falls to the ground in worship, acknowledging God’s sovereignty.

Verse 21 (KJV): “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.”

This verse is central to understanding Job’s heart. His faith is not based on circumstances but on his reverence for God.

• Job Did Not Sin:

Despite overwhelming loss, Job did not sin or accuse God of wrongdoing. His reaction models the kind of faith that endures even when understanding is absent.

Application:

1. Faith in the Face of Suffering:

Job’s example challenges us to trust God’s character, even when life is difficult. How can we maintain integrity and worship God, even when we face trials?

2. God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives:

Reflect on how God’s sovereignty extends over every part of our lives. Even when we don’t understand why things happen, God’s plan is greater than we can comprehend.

3. The Spiritual Realm’s Role:

This study invites us to remember that trials may involve spiritual dimensions we cannot see. We are called to stand firm in faith, knowing that God is ultimately in control.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does Job’s initial response to his suffering teach us about faith?

2. How does Job’s character challenge modern views of wealth and spirituality?

3. Why do you think God allowed Satan to test Job in this way? How does this shape your understanding of trials?

Conclusion:

In this first session, we’ve seen the setup of Job’s trials and his initial response. Job’s suffering serves as an example of unshakable faith in the face of overwhelming adversity. Next week, we will continue with Job Chapter 2, where we’ll explore the second wave of trials, including Job’s physical afflictions and the introduction of his wife and friends.

Preview of Next Session:

Next session, we will explore Job 2 in detail, focusing on the intensification of Job’s suffering and the entry of his wife and three friends into the narrative.