Job
Text: Job 1:1-22; 2:7-10
Memory Verse: Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye
have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of
the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender
mercy. (James 5:11)
Introduction: In this study we shall examine one of the
people who came to this world of sin and trouble and who
though severely tested passed the test and had been awarded
a pass mark for living for God in this world. Remember, you
and I and all other people (believers inclusive) are only
awaiting our own result. Don’t rely on the assurance of a
man who himself is also awaiting what God will do with him.
Listen attentively as we study this man among many others
and allow our lives to be beaten into the shape that the
Lord will want it to be.
(1) THE MAN, JOB: Job. 1:1-3,8.
Job hailed from the land of Uz (Gen. 36:28). He was a
perfect man, upright in character, and he is such a man that
feared God but not only that, he shunned evil (he does not
give room for evil). Is it possible to live like Job lived?
How? Discuss. We need to also realize that he was wealthy
with great substance among which are 7000 sheep, 300 camels,
500 yoke of oxen and 500 she asses. He also had a very great
household among which are a wife, seven sons and three
daughters. Vs 3 say he was the greatest among the men of the
east. Here you need to check your own life. What is that,
that you have that is already entering into your head. You
are not yet one of the greatest not to talk of being the
greatest and for the little you have [materials, money,
intelligence etc] you are already proud, no one can talk to
you again. You must learn a lesson from Job. Remember, what
do you have that has not be been given to you. Are you
perfect? Job was (vs. 1; Matt. 5:48). Do you have the fear
of God in your heart, Job did (vs 1; Pro.8:13). Do you hate
evil (sins) as Job did (1 Thessa. 5:11) Remember Joseph
also, for he fled from sin of fornication (Gen. 39:7-12)
(2) HIS LIFE OF TRIAL: Job 1:8-19; 2:7-8
Here we see the terrible trial that came upon Job. See how
the Devil in just one single opportunity he had destroyed
all that Job had used his entire life to acquire. And how he
so much afflicted him with terrible sickness in the single
opportunity he had. You need to pray that the devil will not
be able to reach unto you. He doesn’t bother to finish you
at only one opportunity. You that is playing with sin, you
are only opening doors to the devil and note it, if he
catches you, you will be surprised that he will deal with
you in his wrath. You may need to remember how he dealt with
Samson when he got him (Judges 16:1, 4,18-21). He makes sure
that he removed the two eyes that he used to see women
around. Dearly beloved, do not allow the devil to catch up
with you, repent today and live your life for God. Let’s
mention some of those things that open door for the devil
into the life of a person and ask God to help us.
(3) HIS REACTION DURING TRIALS: Job 1:20-22; 2:9-10
How did he react to his terrible trials? Did he quarrel with
God or charged God foolishly? No, the bible says that
despite his anguish Job did not sin with his lips nor
charged God foolishly (Job1:22; 2:10b). Consider several
other men and women in the bible. The Apostles rejoiced when
they were persecuted (Acts 5:40-42). How hare you reacting
to the trial of your own life? Are you not planning to leave
God because you are yet to receive answer to your prayer
request? God will not bribe you though He is interested in
answering your prayers. Consider the heroes of faith in
Hebrews 11:35-39. Don’t quit the faith. Continue like Job
and you will see the end result. What then should we do when
trials come our way?
(4) THE HUMAN ASSESSMENT DURING TRIAL: Job 2:9-13
If you read from chapter 3 downwards to chapter 31 you will
see the discourse between Job and his three friends. You
will from there discover that they did not understand the
trouble that came on Job. How often we see this in the
church today. Instead of compliments we see accusation. We
do discourage people we need to encourage. From chapter 32
to 37 Elihu spoke both to Job and his three friends. Ch.
38-41 showed us God’s reaction to Job. You see God searches
everywhere and He is the only one that can judge correctly
(Ps. 139:23-24). Will you allow God to speak about your
situation instead of justifying yourself or instead of
allowing others to discourage you?
(5) THE BETTER END OF JOB: Job 42:1-17
When God had spoken, Job acknowledged his lack of
understanding, he repented and also forgave and prayed for
his three friends. Then God multiplied all that he had
initially by two and gave him another set of children like
before and his daughters were the best in beauty. He also
died only at a good old age full of days. You must take all
these steps: You must acknowledge your foolishness and lack
of understanding in charging God foolishly. Repent, forgive
and pray for those who accused or persecuted you or your
supposed enemies (Matt. 5:43-48). Do this and see how God
will attend to your situation. Brethren, why do you think it
seems difficult for Christians of nowadays to obey the
injunctions in Matt 5:43-48?
CONCLUSION: Job had come and gone, but he has left an
example for us to follow. What do you think will be heaven’s
comment about your own life? 1Cor 10:11-13. Let’s pray.
Rev Debo Adeyemo
