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Job #1 God, Satan, & Man Introduction: Job is one of the most popular books in the Bible. One reason is because we can relate to it. Our sufferings may not be as great as Jobs but we suffer just the same. There are times we wonder why am I here and why should I serve God? Does good really triumph over evil? Does God really care about me? Is Satan real and is he to blame for all our trials and troubles? Is there life beyond the grave? Job goes a long way in answering some of these questions. I) Background of Job A) He is presented as a real person. 1. A man with a wife, family, servants, and great wealth. 2. He is also presented as a godly man. Perhaps the reason for his wealth was because of his godliness. B) He is mentioned in other places in the Bible as a real person. 1. Ezekiel 14.14-20 names with others. 2. James 5.11 we are reminded of the patience of Job. C) He lives in the land of Uz, Job 1.1 1. The east, v. 3 2. Near the desert land, v. 19 D) When did Job live? 1. No mention of the Law of Moses 2. Family worship, therefore Patriarchal Dispensation 3. Job's longevity is typical of the Patriarchs, 42.16 4. Generally thought to have been around the time of Abraham. II) General Lessons A) God 1. Has power over Satan, Job 1.12; 2.6 2. God is the giver of our blessings, v. 10 a. James 1.17 count your many blessings b. It rains on the just and unjust, the deserving and the undeserving. 3. God is aware of man's condition, Acts17.27 4. God made man a free moral agent and allows us to use that agency for good and bad. a. As such man sometimes suffers for his own decisions b. All of man suffers due to the consequences of the sin of Adam and Eve 5. God is the one who calls Satan's attention to Job. B) Satan 1. Some people consider Satan to be a mythical creature a. Names referring to Satan; deceiver and adversary (1 Peter 5.8); father of lies (John 8.44), Beelzebub (Matthew 12.26ff), prince of this world (John 12.31). b. He is to be taken seriously, Acts 10.34-35 2. Here is roaming the earth as a pursuer of men, active in his quest, 1.7 3. Is Satan still trying today? 1 Peter 5.8-9; Ephesians 6.11 a. He will try any method, any means he can use, such as: materialism, suffering, pseudo-logic, pride, arrogance, family members, apathy, etc. b. Satan cannot make you do anything but he can entice you, James 4.7 C) Job the man 1. Job is almost the very idea of success: financially successful, servants, family, friends, and godly. (Think of Lebron James, or some wealthy executive) a. The Bible warns us of covetousness and being deceived by riches b. No indication that Job had those problems. 2. Why did God call attention to Job? Because Job was faithful 3. Why did Job serve God? a. Man has the freedom of choice to serve or not serve God b. God wants people of character and faith, Romans 12.1,2 c. What does it say about us if we only serve God when He blesses us with things? d. What does it say about God if He has to give us things to keep us faithful? Conclusion: Would you serve God even if you knew you would receive nothing from it? Would you serve God if you knew you would receive persecution? Would you serve God if all He promised you was a home in heaven? That is the promise we have. |