The Hope of Job

Scripture: Job

Observations:

  1. Job was blameless, upright, feared God   and shunned   evil. (Job 1:1)
  2. Job was very wealthy. (Job 1:2-4)
  3. Job loved his family. (Job 1:5)
  4. We find a very unique look into the   spiritual realm.   (Job 1:6-12)
  5. Job loses everything. (Job 1:13-21)
  6. Job suffers physical pain and anguish.   (Job 2:7,8)
  7. Job refuses to curse or blame God for   wrongdoing. (Job 1:22, 2:8-10)
  8. Job’s suffering was great. (Job 2:11-13).

Theological implications:

  1. There are usually 3 major answers as to why a “good person” suffered
    1.   God is not all powerful after all.
    2.   God is not Just.
    3.   Humans possibly could be innocent.
  2. In Job’s time it was considered   indisputable that God is almighty,   perfectly just and that no humans were   innocent.
  3. This conclusion led to 35 chapters of back   and forth between Job and his 3 friends.

What’s the big deal?

  1. Job’s friends firmly believed that Job needed to repent of his sins because there could be no other reason that these things happened to him.
  2. Job knew what had happened and was convinced he had done nothing that deserved the circumstances that he found himself in.

So who was right?

  1. Eventually the Lord comes in the storm   and speaks first to Job.  (Job 38-41)
  2. After the Lord and Job have their   discussion the Lord then speaks to his 3   friends. (Job 42:7-9)

Conclusions:

  1. It is clear, that we do not know why all things happen.
  2. God’s victory over Satan lies in the fact that while job questions, complains, grumbles, he never turns his back on God and walks away.
  3. The Lord allowed Job to question the circumstances he was in.
  4. God truly is the almighty God, Just and we are not.

Takeaways:

1. It’s good to remember that we are sinners.

2. Our God is a Big God!

3. Despite our circumstances, God is still in control.

4. We can take great comfort because of who God is despite our circumstances.

Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker today is Greg Frank, Executive Director of Bethany Camp in Sinclairville, NY.

Greg began his ministry at Bethany Camp in February of 2004, and has over 20 years experience in camping ministry. Greg graduated with a degree in physical education from Cedarville University, and has a wide range of life experience. Greg has spent time as a camp director, Christian School teacher, a UPS shift manager, and overseeing an onion shipping operation. At Bethany, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the camp, gives guidance for future projects, and implements the vision for the camp. He is a certified lifeguard instructor, has a large amount of knowledge in the area of construction, and food service. Greg enjoys spending time with his wife, Stephanie, their seven children, golfing, and cheering for his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Stephanie is our office manager in charge of registration. Whether it be with cooking, cleaning, planning events, making t-shirts, or shopping for the camp Stephanie is also our go-to volunteer. She is always willing and happy to jump in and bless others.