Job 25-31

Job 25-26 1. What is the theme of Bildad’s third speech? Why do you think this speech is so short?  God is a holy and awesome God, man is a maggot  There was not much more to say 2. How might Satan have been using Job’s friends? Satan, no doubt was working hard to convince Job to curse God.

3. The more Job is challenged and accused, the stronger and more forceful he becomes. In what spirit does Job express himself at the start of chapter 26? (verses 1-4)  Job uses sarcasm 4. What does Job praise in verses 5-13? God’s power, wisdom and creative activity 5. We can know much about God from his creation. See Romans 1:20. But what conclusion does Job reach in verse 14?  Creation is amazing and we only see the fringe of what God can do 6. The church sometimes talks about the “beatific vision.” This is a term for seeing God face-to-face. Considering what Job says in 26:14, what will it be like for us to see God face-to-face?  We don’t really know, but it is indescribable

Job 27 1. Job accuses God of denying him justice. (verse 2) Evaluate this on the basis of 2:3.  Job is claiming his innocence which is what God has already said Himself. 2. Job says he will never deny his integrity. He says he will maintain his righteousness. Was it wrong for him to say this? (verses 3-6) No, God already said Job was righteous (1:1; 1:8) Job is simply defending himself based on what God has said.

3. Why can Job fearlessly speak about the fate of the wicked, even though everything that he says happens to the wicked is happening to him? (verses 7-23)  The wicked do and will suffer. Job holds on to his righteousness. He does not know why he is suffering. 4. Can you vindicate yourself as Job did? Yes, through faith in Jesus was can claim innocence in all things.

Job 28,29 1. Why do you think Job goes into his lengthy description of ancient mining practices? (28:1-11)  Man is a genius in finding things that need to be uncovered.  But man can not find all things by his ingenuity. 2. Job now turns his attention to wisdom. Why do you think he wants to discuss this topic? (28:12-22)  It is the main topic of the book of Job. We have seen precious little of it from his friends.  3. Where can wisdom be found? (28:23-28) Only in the Lord Proverbs 1:2-7

4. Contrast how Job felt about God before his suffering with how God seems to view him now. (29:4-6)  He thought God was his friend, but now he seems like the enemy. 5. How did the various groups of people show their respect to Job? (29:7-17) Listened to his words Well respected He helped those in need He was a protector Contrast these words to Chapter 22:6-9

6. How was Job’s wisdom received?  People listened to his words and were comforted by them 7. Was there ever a time when you did not think God was near you? How did it turn out? Answers will vary

Job 30 1. In spite of the fact that everyone had previously honored Job, who mocks Job now? (verses 1-11)  The lowest of society mock Job. 2. What does Job see happening to him in verses 12-15? He pictures himself as a besieged city being overrun

3. According to verses 16-23, how is God treating Job?  God has thrown him to the ground  when Job calls for help God just looks at him 4. What complaint does Job make against the Lord in verses 24-27? He cried out for help and things got worse  

5. Describe Job’s physical condition according to verses 28-31.  fever, blackened skin, body likely misshapen 6. The sharp contrast between Job’s former circumstances (chapter 29) and his present circumstances (chapter 30) is powerfully expressed by Job. What does this reversal of fortune tell us about human nature? How does this add to Job’s suffering? to our suffering? When Job’s fortunes turned his friends turned on him. It clearly made Job’s suffering worse. Perhaps it would be good to remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:36

Job 31 1. In chapter 31, Job lists the fruits of his faith. He continues to uphold his integrity. Against the indictment of his friends, who say that Job has sinned greatly, Job says he has served the Lord. Note again, these statements are not work-righteousness. They are proper statements any Christian can make when accused of being an unbeliever living in sin. The Lord has made us to be new creations, and by his Spirit we are putting to death the misdeeds of the body. List the areas of his life in which Job maintains his innocence. Verses 1-12 – Sixth commandment Verses 13-15 - He was a great employer Verses 16-23 - He helped the poor and needy Verses 24-28 - He didn’t love money or worship the sin and moon Verses 29,30 - He did not gloat over his enemies misfortune

Verses 31,32 – He treated his household and visitors well Verses 33,34 - He confessed his sin Verses 38-40 - he didn’t take advantage of his laborers 2. In verses 35-37, Job approaches God and challenges him to prove that Job is a guilty man. What do you think God would answer Job if God took up Job’s challenge? Remember first what God had said about Job in 1:1  Job maintained his faith in God Denying his integrity would be denying faith in God’s love 3. If the Lord ever took away from you everything you owned and then afflicted your body with pains and sores, how would you react? Like Job or worse