Job 1:1-5

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Job and His Family

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. A godly life is no guarantee against suffering.

  2. A godly life is no guarantee of a godly family.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Turn away from evil!

  2. Pray for your children!

QUESTIONS

  1. Who wrote the book of Job?

  2. Although the book of Job is written largely in Hebrew poetry, it is not an ancient play. It is the ______ life history of a man named Job.

  3. What are the two other books of Scripture that mention Job?

  4. The book of Job is a theodicy. What is a theodicy?

  5. Verse 1 leaves no doubt that Job was a _________ man.

  6. The book of Job teaches us that there is a __________ for suffering.

ANSWERS

  1. Job himself may be the author of the book of Job. However, it is possible the Elihu, one of Job’s counselors was the author, recording the dialog between Job and his friends. Jewish tradition is that Moses wrote the book, and all indications are that the events in the book took place in patriarchal times, well before the time of Moses.

  2. The book of Job is the real life history of a man named Job.

  3. The two other books of Scripture that mention the name of Job are Ezekiel (14:14, 20) where Job is listed along with Noah and David, and James (5:11) where Job’s patience is mentioned.

  4. The book of Job is a theodicy, which by definition is a vindication of God even though there is suffering and what appear to be unjust situations in life.

  5. Verse 1 of chapter 1 leaves no doubt that Job was a godly man.

  6. The book of Job teaches us that there is a purpose for suffering.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the biblical lesson that living a godly life does not guarantee a life without suffering. Consider the purpose(s) of God in allowing suffering in the world, and in the lives of upright, godly men and women. Also discuss the responsibility and importance of praying for your children, no matter what their ages. If you do not have children of your own, consider praying regularly for children who have no known parents.

CHALLENGE

  1. Have you recently been acutely aware that you had not turned away from evil when your conscience prompted you to turn away? Was it something that you were watching, or listening to? Was it the company you were keeping? Was it a place where you shouldn’t have been? Be alert to . . . “flee youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

KEY VERSES

  • “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” Job 1:1



Job, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsJob 1:1-5