“ It Just Seems So Unfair “

Job 1:1–22 (NKJV)

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him.

3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East.

4 And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer 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 Job did regularly.

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 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

8 Then 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, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?

10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around 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 now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” 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 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,

15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

16 While he was still speaking, another also came 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 still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

“ It Just Seems So Unfair “

Note: The Theme of the Book of Job is NOT about Job but it’s about the Sovereignty of God

It’s about Bad things do happen to Godly people/ Obedient People

It’s about God is a JUST God and not a FAIR God

Just — When we look at God being a just God, it means it deals with God's character. God's holiness, righteousness and his truth. He always acts in accordance with his perfect moral standards.

Fair — God would have to deal with us based on how we do things and that would not turn out good for us. God's decisions are not limited by human standards of fairness. He distributes blessings, gifts, and opportunities, according to His purpose, not equality.

Note: Human fairness implies treating everyone the same regardless of circumstances. God's actions often transcend what we see as fair.

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV)

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

This have been the RECENT Language of some FAITHFUL believers because of how UNFAITHFUL Believers got it going on in their lives.

Note: To the UNFAITHFUL …….. Church, Bible Study, Tithe etc…..

Galatians 4:16 (ESV)

16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?

1 Corinthians 4:14 (CSB)

14 I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

BUT look at Job !!!!

Note: And if you don’t WATCH YOURSELF You will start to become jealous and envy of people because you don't understand how God operate.

Jealous — In a nutshell, it means don't like seeing people with something or someone, and it also means a strong desire to protect or guard something you already have such as a relationship, position or possessions.

Envy — you don’t won’t to see people with what they have or who they or with

Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

One of the reasons we FEEL LIKE God is unfair is because of how we have been taught by times of old. [ “ If you do good ,good will come to you “ ]

I pray for everyone in here that you do come up BUT ESPECIALLY those that are faithful but when you look at the believers in 1st Peter some them never came up BUT God Sustained them through it .

Philippians 4:10–12 (ESV)

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Now God do give people power to get wealth but don’t always just think that God is doing it

Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV)

18 You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Remember, [ At times ] God might ALLOW someone to have something that might seem like prosperity but it’s to accomplish His will.

You have to be very careful when you think that God is being unfair because you will start to think what are you doing wrong of why God is not blessing you. But it's not that you've done anything wrong. Just look at the life of Job.

Isaiah 55:8–9 (ESV)

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Jealousy and Envy Lead to Sinful Actions

Cain and Abel:

Envy caused Cain to murder Abel because God accepted Abel’s offering and not his.

“But for Cain and his offering He had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.” (Genesis 4:5)

Footnote: Envy unchecked can lead to bitterness, anger, and destructive behavior.

Joseph’s Brothers:

Jealousy over their father’s favoritism led Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery.

“And they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.” (Genesis 37:8)

Footnote: Jealousy often destroys relationships, even within families.

2. Envy and Jealousy Show a Lack of Trust in God

Israel’s Envy of Other Nations:

The Israelites envied the nations around them and demanded a king, rejecting God as their ruler.

“But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us.’” (1 Samuel 8:6)

Footnote: Envy reflects discontentment with God’s provision and plan for our lives.

The Pharisees and Jesus:

The Pharisees envied Jesus’ influence and popularity, which led them to plot against Him.

“For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered Him up.” (Matthew 27:18)

Footnote: Envy blinds us to God’s work and often leads to opposition against His purposes.

3. God’s Solution to Jealousy and Envy

• Contentment in God:

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)

Footnote: Contentment grows when we trust God’s goodness and provision for our lives.

Love Overcomes Envy:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Footnote: When we walk in love, we rejoice in the blessings of others rather than envying them.

Focus on God’s Kingdom:

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Footnote: When our priorities align with God’s will, envy and jealousy lose their power.

Practical Applications for our Lesson

1. Heart Check: Encourage your audience to examine their hearts for jealousy or envy and bring it to God in prayer.

2. Celebrate Others: Challenge them to practice rejoicing in the successes and blessings of others (Romans 12:15).

3. Trust in God: Emphasize trusting God’s plan for their lives and finding contentment in His provision.