July 23rd Group Discussion

Having trouble getting to all the daily studies? Here are some tips to prepare you for discussion during our gatherings:
1. Read and answer the Small Group Discussion Questions at the beginning of the chapter.
2. Complete “Day 6” of the daily study – this will prepare you for the following chapter.
3. Check the blog for any updates. (Oh look! You’re already here! You’re a third of the way done!! :-) )

Discussion Highlights –

Job is Hebrew poetry – not like our poetry – instead of repetitious sounds, Hebrew poetry consists of repetitious concepts.

The author, date and location of Job are uncertain. It’s possible, though unlikely, that Job wrote it – Probably another author (Moses?) wrote it much later.

Possibly took place between the times of Noah and Abraham. Job may be the “Jobab” referred to in Genesis 10:29. However, it is also possible that Job was a contemporary of Jacob, who had a son named “Eliphaz.” Most theologians place the book in the earlier time frame.

Job was patient and faithful to God. Where did he get his strength? From his close relationship with God. When God was challenged, he chose to worship and not to succumb to his feelings; although, his feelings were very real and very powerful. The loss of his children must have been particularly painful, even in the years following this story. Still, Job chose to glorify God.

Job’s suffering wasn’t really about Job at all, but about the glory of God.

Suffering often comes when God brings us face to face with our fears. In the process, He shows us there is really nothing to fear – He is greater! God is always in control. Acknowledging the fear gives the Holy Spirit a chance to help us through the situation.

God always gives us exactly what we need at the exact time we need it.

God has given us one another. We cry with each other, sharing burdens. You are not alone! Job’s friends just sat and mourned with him for seven days!

Our goal should not be to get out of suffering but to walk with God through it. The greatest gift in suffering is a greater understanding of God and a deeper relationship with Him.

God was the center of Job’s life.

Suffering is part of a broken world – not a punishment from God.

God is counting on Himself to keep us faithful, not our efforts.

We have choices to make before the suffering comes. How closely are we walking with God?

Often, we give Satan too much credit. He is an angelic being – NOT like God! He is NOT God’s opposite! He wishes he were God’s opposite, but in truth, he is subject to God like all of creation. Still, he tries to exalt himself above God. God is all-knowing and all-powerful. He knew Satan’s heart and motives.

God’s protection was removed from Job – yet not entirely. He gave Satan permission to tempt and plague Job, but never with more than Job could endure. Satan has no power – must have God’s permission. Job was trustworthy.

God is big enough to handle our questions, but we can’t stay in the “Why?” mode.

Job knew who God is. He suffered through to victory by God’s power.


Questions From Our Discussion –
Please feel free to leave your own comments on these or the discussion above!

What length of time does the book cover?
We don’t know, but it was probably a period of many months, possibly a few years. We guessed that Job was probably about 60 years old at this time, since his children were grown, but apparently didn’t yet have children of their own. The Bible tells us that he lived another 140 years after this.

Where did Job gain strength? How was he able to withstand it all?
Job obviously was a worshiper from the very start. He was devoted to God before any of these things came about. Just as when you are pricked with a thorn, it’s what’s inside that comes out (blood), so it was for Job when he was afflicted, worship poured out. Job’s strength came from the only source he knew and had depended on his whole life – God alone!
Job had what Jim Andrews calls “monumental faith.” This is not a great or heroic faith, but “a faith that has trained itself in the midst of adversity to look back at God’s past demonstration of His character and confirmations of His promises. These monuments are a testimony of what He will do in the present, regardless of the difficult things that are happening.” (from his book, Polishing God’s Monuments)

God didn’t have anything to “prove.” Why not just throw Satan out?
For an example to the angels and to us! This is a good indicator that this entire ordeal wasn’t about Job at all, but about God and His glory!