We begin a NEW sermon series entitled ‘Suffering Job’. With preaching from Nathan Gordon and our worship service led by Beverley Sills.
(This service will include Communion)
Sermon Notes
The book of Job shows a good man suffering for no apparent fault of his own. Sadly, our world is like that. But Job’s story does not end in despair. Through Job’s life, we can see that faith in God is justified even when a situation looks hopeless. Faith based on rewards or prosperity is hollow and unstable. To be unshakable, faith must be built on the confidence that God’s ultimate purpose will come to pass.
Suffering has many layers and can arise from a variety of different sources, that can be due to our own doing or through no fault of our own at all.
Job’s test and ultimate suffering were induced because of the following.
Divine Authorisation – Job 1:12 NIV
[12] The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man, himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Satan is accountable to God and as a created being he is limited.
- Satan is NOT Omnipotent/all-powerful
- Satan is NOT Omnipresent/everywhere at the same time
- Satan is NOT Omniscient/all-knowing
God allowed the hedge of protection to be removed and permitted Satan to attack his wealth, animals and family but attacking Job’s life was not permitted during the first test.
Sometimes God may allow us to be tested and as a result, we may experience suffering, hardship, and loss.
Satanic instigation – Job 1:8 NIV
[8] Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
Satan (The Devil) believed that no one could love God from a pure motive, but only for material blessings and prosperity.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Luke 22:31
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Human response (Emotion & Faith) – Job 1:20-22 NIV
[20] At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship [21] and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” [22] In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
We must experience life as Job did—one day at a time and without complete answers to all of life’s questions. Will we, like Job, trust God no matter what? Or will we give in to the temptation to say that God doesn’t care?
House group Questions/Personal study
What kind of loss did Job experience in verses 18-19? What kinds of questions or thoughts do these verses raise for you?
Discuss what we learn about the limitations of Satan’s power in the world from verses 7-12?
How can we prepare for adversity in our lives? What kind of mindset does it take to keep moving when that adversity comes?
How might faith in God sustain you in the face of similar losses like Job?
What hardships are causing you to want to give up right now? What faith response is God asking you to give in light of life’s difficulties?
Sermon Details
Sermon Title: Why does God allow people to be tested?
Bible Reading: Job ch:1-3
Preacher: Nathan Gordon
Worship Leader: Beverley Sills
