Job
Selected studies in the book of Job.
The Book of Job, book of Hebrew scripture that is often counted among the masterpieces of world literature.
The book’s theme is the eternal problem of unmerited suffering, and it is named after its central character, Job, who attempts to understand the sufferings that engulf him.
“Do You Fear God for Nothing?” – Job chapter 1 verses 1-11 – sermon by Gordon Curley
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Introduction to Job. Many people identify with him because of his struggles. A key theme in Job is believing even when your faith does not “work.”
“Better Off Dead” – Job chapter 3 verses 20-26 – sermon by Gordon Curley
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Job’s struggles are highlighted. He preferred to die and felt God was his enemy, as many people sometimes feel. Job’s real crisis is faith, not suffering. In the midst of disaster, God can grant us peace.
“When Friends Fail” – Job chapter 2 verses 11-13 & chapter 8 verses 1-8 – sermon by Gordon Curley
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Job’s three friends talked too much and listened too little. We should resist interpreting God’s will for another person’s disaster. What people really need is compassionate listeners.
“There’s Always Hope” – Job chapter 14 verses 13-17 – Sermon by Alistair Hornell
We may feel hemmed in by circumstances – and God – but believers always have hope. Even Job held to the hope of heaven in his despair.
“Worm Theology” – Job chapter 25 verses 4-6 – sermon by Ian Carr
Job felt lower than a worm; should Christians? The Bible says all humans are sinners and we should be ashamed of our sins, but through the grace of God and salvation in Jesus we can stand tall. All humans have worth in God’s eyes.
“Digging Deeper” – Job chapter 28 verses 1-13 – sermon by Stephen Gillham
This chapter is a beautiful poem comparing a miner’s search for treasure within the earth to a believer’s search for the wisdom of God. Sermon looks at the nature of God’s revelation and encourages Christians to seek God with all their heart and mind.
“If….” – Job chapter 31 verses 1-13 sermon by Ed Powell
Job consistently defends his integrity and challenges his friends to disprove it. Sermon focuses on the importance of inner purity, integrity before people, and integrity before God. We should regularly take assessment of our morality, but also realize our morality by itself will never be sufficient before a holy God.
“Wisdom of youth” – Job chapter 32 verses 1-12 – sermon by James Fielder
Can young people know something the old folk have missed? Toward the end of Job the young friend Elihu appears. He challenges the others on the grace, justice and majesty of God. He claims to speak not from experience but revelation and is the only friend not condemned by God.
“Out of the Whirlwind” – Job chapters 38-42 – sermon by Gordon Curley
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The climax of Job is familiar to many churchgoers. Storms make a great setting for theophanies but the message can be unsettling to modern readers. God does not explain why Job has suffered, but focuses on God’s overwhelming knowledge, power and majesty – and the limitations of humans. His second speech says God is still moral, and his treatment of Job at the end shows he is magnanimous. In the end, Job is not about understanding suffering but maintaining belief against all odds.
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