God’s Hedge

Text: Job 1:6–12 (NASB 1995) Theme: The unseen protection and sovereignty of God over His people.

ntroduction: The Invisible Fence Around Your Life

[Intro kept the same. Total approx. 350–400 words.]

I. There Is a Real Enemy Who Roams the Earth (Job 1:6–7)

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.” (v. 6)

A. Satan’s Access is Real but Limited

It may surprise some believers to realize Satan still has access to God’s presence (cf. Revelation 12:10). But remember, his access doesn’t mean authority. He comes before the Lord only as permitted.

He stands as “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10), but he does so under the watchful eye of a sovereign God.

Illustration: Think of Satan like a junkyard dog on a chain. He can bark, snarl, and snap, but he cannot leave the bounds set by his Master.

“Where do you come from?” God asks, not for information, but confrontation.

B. Satan’s Mission Is Destructive, Not Casual

“From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” (v. 7)

He isn’t wandering aimlessly—he’s stalking intentionally. This is a strategic patrol, not a scenic stroll.

Sub-point 1: Satan Watches for Weakness

Like a predator studying a herd, he waits for vulnerability. He’s patient. He doesn’t need to bring down the whole church—just the right deacon or the right dad.

Sub-point 2: Satan Targets the Righteous

Satan doesn’t waste time with the lukewarm. He aims for those who are a testimony to God’s glory.

“Have you considered My servant Job?” (v. 8)

God brings up Job, not Satan—because God knows Job’s heart can withstand scrutiny.

Humor: It’s almost like God says, “Hey, devil, ever looked at Job?” And Satan replies, “Oh, I’ve looked at him all right. I just can’t touch him.”

II. There Is a Divine Hedge of Protection (Job 1:10)

“Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side?”

A. The Hedge Is God’s Gift, Not Our Accomplishment

Satan doesn’t accuse Job of building his own wall—he says God built it.

Sub-point 1: We Are Protected Because We Are God’s

You don’t have to earn the hedge. You don’t construct it with tithes or Sunday attendance. It’s there because you belong to the Lord.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer...” (Psalm 18:2)

Sub-point 2: The Hedge Is Often Invisible but Effective

Job never mentions it. He probably didn’t know it was there. But Satan did. And the hedge worked—until God permitted its lowering.

Illustration: You don’t think about air until it’s gone. You don’t appreciate the roof until it leaks. You don’t notice the hedge until it’s tested.

B. The Hedge Protects All Aspects of Life

“...him and his house and all that he has...”

Sub-point 1: God’s Hedge Surrounds Your Family

Your children, your spouse, your household—all are included in this divine covering. It doesn’t mean bad things never happen, but it does mean that nothing happens outside of God’s permission.

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him...” (Psalm 34:7)

Sub-point 2: God’s Hedge Extends to Our Labor and Legacy

“You have blessed the work of his hands...” (v. 10)

Your business, your harvest, your income—these are all shielded by divine sovereignty.

Humor: Ever had something break after the warranty expired? It feels like Satan knows when to strike. But the real coverage isn’t from Best Buy—it’s from the Most High.

III. There Is Sovereign Permission in Suffering (Job 1:11–12)

“But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.”

A. God Permits Testing for His Glory

Sub-point 1: Satan Questions Our Motives

Satan accuses Job of loving God for profit, not purity.

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” (v. 9)

That’s Satan’s thesis: “He’s only in it for the benefits.” God’s about to prove otherwise.

Illustration: It’s like someone saying, “That couple only stays married because they’re rich.” But true love isn’t proven in prosperity—it’s revealed in pain.

Sub-point 2: God Allows Testing to Display Our Faith

“Behold, all that he has is in your power…” (v. 12)

God gives permission, not to destroy Job, but to declare His glory through Job. God never wastes pain.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…” (James 1:2)

The hedge is lowered not because God is absent, but because He is active.

B. God Sets the Boundaries of Our Trials

“Only do not put forth your hand on him.” (v. 12)

Sub-point 1: Suffering Comes with Boundaries

Satan couldn’t touch Job’s life. Later, he can’t take it. Every blow comes with boundaries drawn in sovereign wisdom.

Sub-point 2: Even Pain Is on a Leash

God says to Satan, “This far and no further.”

Illustration: It’s like a thermostat—not a wildfire. Your trial is not out of control. God has set the temperature—and it will not exceed what He knows you can handle (1 Cor. 10:13).

Humor: When we suffer, we sometimes pray, “Lord, I know You won’t give me more than I can handle, but I’m feeling awfully strong right now.”

Conclusion: Trust the God of the Hedge

You have an enemy—but you also have an advocate.

You live inside a divine hedge—even when you can’t see it.

Your suffering may be permitted—but it is never purposeless.

Final Illustration: When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fire, God didn’t prevent the fire—He joined them in it. That’s what God does. He may let the hedge open temporarily, but He never leaves you alone.

Call to Action:

For the believer: Be comforted that God’s hedge still stands. You may feel pressed, but you're not abandoned.

For the suffering: You are not being punished—you are being proven.

For the lost: Step into the safety of God's hedge by trusting in Jesus Christ today.

Sermon Summary

Title: God’s Hedge

Text: Job 1:6–12

Big Idea: God’s hedge is real, protective, and sovereign—even when tested.

Main Points with Subpoints:

There Is a Real Enemy Who Roams the Earth

Satan’s Access Is Real but Limited

Satan’s Mission Is Destructive, Not Casual

There Is a Divine Hedge of Protection

The Hedge Is God’s Gift, Not Our Accomplishment

The Hedge Protects All Aspects of Life

There Is Sovereign Permission in Suffering

God Permits Testing for His Glory

God Sets the Boundaries of Our Trials