There is much to challenge and encourage us in the book of Job, as we learn of Job's suffering and ultimate restoration and enjoyment of God's blessing. How do we react in the storms of life? Do we recognise and accept that God is in control at all times? In these studies, we will look at how we can apply the teaching to our own lives, and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves be helped to say as Job did, "I know that my Redeemer lives."
Job - The God I Don't Understand
Series Sermons
Setting the Scene - Job is Tested - George Campbell
(Video)
Morning Service, Sunday, October 13, 2024
In the opening to the book of Job we learn of Job as an upright
and godly man. The scene is set as God and Satan speak and
trials and tribulations unfold with devastating impact.
Although Job is not aware, we see at the start of the troubles
that God is in ultimate control of the scope of Satan’s
activities. How do we react in trouble? Do we acknowledge
that God is in ultimate control?
Job's Misery and Desire to Die - David Knowles
(Video)
Morning Service, Sunday, October 20, 2024
It is good to have friends and along come three of Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, with the intention of comforting him. A quiet start, and then the discourse that takes up many chapters begins. A challenging read as Job starts to question all that is happening. Again, how do we react in trouble? "I have no peace, no quietness; I have to rest, but only turmoil" reads Chapter 3 verse 26. What and who do we turn to in such times? Let us look to God.
More Hard Questions from Job - Jon Gemmell
(Video)
Morning Service, Sunday, October 27, 2024
More really deep and hard questions from Job as to why God is
allowing such challenging circumstances. He is in the depths of
bewilderment and despair and doesn’t understand God’s
ways. Have we experienced this, either personally or
witnessed this happening to someone else? What can we learn
from Job and hold on to in the midst of despair and trouble?
Friends and Discussion: Bildad Speaks/Job Replies - Sammy Gibson
(Video)
Morning Service, Sunday, November 3, 2024
Job’s three friends continue to take turns in speaking. Their
intent is helpful but their reasoning that Job must have done
something wrong to deserve all that has happened to him is
unfounded, and in chapter 16 Job refers to them as ‘miserable
comforters’. When we cannot understand why God allows
suffering, we must learn to trust Him and know that He is in
control of all of our lives even through difficult circumstances.
After Bildad’s speech of chapter 18, Job is somehow still able
to say in chapter 19 verse 25 ‘I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth’.
Job Speaks Further - Ewen McDonald
(Video)
Morning Service, Sunday, November 10, 2024
The discussion between Job and his three friends continues for
many chapters, and ends with Job’s lengthy discourse across
chapters 26 -31. In Chapters 29 and 30 there is further
questioning from Job of all that has happened. We get a sense
of Job’s pride in his standing and status in times past, and the
contrast with the humbling nature of his present
circumstances. And in chapter 30 v 20 ‘I cry out to you, O God,
but you do not answer…’. What about us? Have we a sense of
pride, do we sometimes feel God is not answering?
God Speaks - Craig Snitch
(Video)
Morning Service, Sunday, November 17, 2024
And finally, God speaks to Job in chapters 38 -41. Not straight
answers for Job on why he has suffered, but many questions
from God that give wonderful examples of His greatness. This
makes Job realise how little he understands of our awesome
and all-powerful God. Do we realise the extent of God’s
greatness and also the fullness and depth of His love for each
one of us?
Job is Restored - David Knowles
(Video)
Morning Service, Sunday, November 24, 2024
The book ends with Job acknowledging God’s sovereignty and
power, verse 2 ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of
yours can be thwarted’. Job repents and recognises his lack of
trust and faith in the midst of his suffering. A challenge indeed
for us. We may never fully understand trials and suffering but
can we continue to trust God and have faith that He knows
what is happening and is always in control?