WISE ANSWERS LESSON 1 Daily Bible Study Questions Study Procedure: Read the Scripture references before answering questions. Unless otherwise instructed, use the Bible only in answering questions. Some questions may be more difficult than others but try to answer as many as you can. Pray for God s wisdom and understanding as you study and don t be discouraged if some answers are not obvious at first. FIRST DAY: Why Is There Suffering? 1. The book of Job addresses the issue of human suffering. List some reasons commonly given to explain suffering. For example, some say suffering is deserved as the result of poor choices. 2. Jesus was asked about human suffering in John 9:1-3. What do you learn from His reply? 3. (a) The apostle Paul experienced suffering personally. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What was Paul s request concerning the thorn? What was God s reply? (b) Note Paul s response and what you can learn from it. 4. Prior to the crucifixion, Jesus experienced extreme torment. He prayed, Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done (Luke 22:42). What do you learn about suffering? SECOND DAY: Job, an Upright Man (Job 1:1-5) 5. (a) What four attributes describe Job in verse 1? (See also Job 1:8 and Job 2:3.) Page 5
(b) What is interesting to you about this description? 6. What information is given about Job concerning (a) his family and possessions? (b) his regular spiritual practice? THIRD DAY: Job Is Tested (Job 1:6-22) 7. What do you learn about the heavenly courtroom in verses 6-7? 8. What was God s characterization of Job? 9. What insinuation did Satan make to God about Job? 10. What do you learn from verses 12-19 about Satan s power? 11. (a) Note Job s reaction to the devastating news. (b) Are you surprised at Job s response? Discuss how this proves Job does fear God for nothing (verse 9). Page 6
FOURTH DAY: More Testing (Job 2:1-8) 12. (a) How does God characterize Job? (b) Look up the word integrity. Give not only its definition but also some examples of integrity. 13. Since Satan was proved wrong in the prior test, what does he next propose? 14. Make several summary statements about Satan. Also refer to 1 Peter 5:8 and John 8:44. FIFTH DAY: Job s Wife and Friends (Job 2:9-13) 15. (a) What does Job s wife say? Note: She, like God, credits Job with integrity. (b) What might have led her to speak this way? (c) How is she an accessory to Satan s claims in Job 1:11 and Job 2:5? 16. What can we learn from Job s statement: Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? 17. What is admirable about Job s three friends? Page 7
18. Discuss the importance of being present and silent when someone is suffering. How will this help you respond to tragedy in another s life? Think about it. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) The best way to help people who are hurting is just to be with them, saying little or nothing, and letting them know you care. Don t try to explain everything; explanations never heal a broken heart. Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Patient, Job 2:1 Page 8
MY SERVANT JOB (JOB 1-2) Notes The book of Job is a jewel whose many facets gleam under careful scrutiny. The man Job is often cited as a paragon of patience, as in the patience of Job, but a thorough reader of this book might disagree, noting that Job at times seems quite impatient! Like Job, sufferers through the ages have agonized with questions about God s justice and human suffering. To study Job is to mine for prized jewels of truth. Perseverance and effort will unearth deep, enduring treasures. Information about Job (Job 1:1-5) The scene is set with background information about a man named Job in verses 1-5. Four qualities describe his character: blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil (verse 1). These characteristics set Job apart. Not many Old Testament (or modern) people can be described this way. He is the epitome of a righteous man. God s twice-repeated evaluation of Job reiterates these same characteristics (Job 1:8 and Job 2:3). Though Adam sinned and all humans inherit a sin nature, Job was a penitent sinner whose inner compass pointed true north to good, to God. The words blameless and upright do not mean that Job never committed a sin, but rather Job s heart intention was inclined to do what is right out of respect for God. Fearing God in the biblical sense means not a dreadful, cringing terror but a healthy, proper respect for One who is holy, pure, and good. To fear God means to hate anything in opposition to Him and to fear His displeasure. Job diligently avoided evil because he did not want to displease God and break relationship with Him. Job s standard of right and wrong emanated from God s character. Job consistently sought to align himself with God s good. This opening character evaluation is vital in understanding the remainder of the story. To recap, Job was a God-fearing, innocent man. This fact was known to all, and God agreed. Job was the father of ten children (verse 2) and an extremely wealthy herdsman (verse 3). He was known throughout the East (what we term the Middle East today) as the greatest of all people. Job was an icon, world famous in his time. Additional insight into his family and spiritual life are given in verses 4-5. The siblings enjoyed one another s company with regular feasts together. The children were not necessarily immoral revelers; Job s concern was the condition of their hearts before God (verse 5). Thus Job served as a priest for his adult children, sanctifying them through burnt offerings. Before the law of Moses and the temple s ritual sacrifices for sin s atonement, Job knew that sin brought death and required forgiveness. An animal s death stood in for the sinner, covering the sin to maintain a right relationship with God. Here in the oldest book of the Old Testament the thread of blood sacrifice is seen, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus. Job through keen spiritual perception recognized that a holy God could not maintain fellowship with unholy humans without an intercessor. Job was willing to be the intercessor for his children. Parents, especially fathers, can learn from his example and persistently pray for their children and grandchildren. Information from Heaven: Part 1 (Job 1:6-12) The scene changes abruptly from earth to the heavenly courtroom. The Lord is reviewing the activity of the sons of God (a term designating the created beings we call angels). Perhaps surprisingly Satan also came among them (verse 6). For some, this is puzzling. Why does God allow Satan to exist, and what is Satan doing in heaven? We are not told all we wish we knew! Nevertheless, God s complete rule over all creation is evident, in that His created beings present themselves before Him. He is the ultimate ruler. The name Satan is best translated the Adversary or the Accuser. We know from other Scripture that he is the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4), ruler of this world (John 12:31), a murderer with no truth in him, a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44). We also know his ultimate destiny is eternal fire (Revelation 20:10). Two opposite errors are possible in regard to Satan: giving him too much attention or disbelieving in his Page 9
existence and ignoring him. The best course is to acknowledge his malicious intent to defame God and destroy people (1 Peter 5:8-9). We also know that because of Christ s death and resurrection, Satan is a defeated foe. In the book of Job, we see Satan leashed, unable to act without God s permission. His presence as tempter gives mankind a choice: freely worship God or turn away. The scenes in Eden and Jesus temptation in the wilderness and Gethsemane reveal Satan s tactic: offering any other path than trusting God alone. The entire book of Job is a discourse of one man s battle, questioning and suffering mightily despite his faithful choice to worship God alone. The dialogue in verses 7-12 prepare us for the tragedies in Job s life. God brings upright Job to the attention of the Accuser, who can make no accusation against this good man. Satan will never agree with God, so he sneers and lies about Job (verse 9). Because Satan is not all-knowing, he scoffs at Job s righteousness and claims Job only fears God because of the benefits. Does Job fear God for nothing? Satan cannot imagine anyone worshiping without some payoff in return and taunts that Job will curse God to His face when his earthly goods are gone. Because God is all-knowing, He knows Job worships without being paid, so the Lord allows Satan to touch all that he has (verse 12), with the restriction that Job s person cannot be touched. Conditions on Earth (Job 1:13-22) The narrative now progresses quickly, with one disaster following closely on another. Job s children are mentioned first, joyfully feasting (verse 13), unaware of their macabre deaths at the close of this fateful day. Job s earthly wealth is decimated piece by piece. The messengers report with numbing efficiency. With the final report of his children s deaths (verse 19), dazed Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground (verse 20). These are no doubt common ways to express grief in Job s culture, but the final act in verse 20 is shocking: worship. With this act of worship, the description of Job as blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil is evident to all. Job s heart was God-centered, his life God-driven, and his hope God-based. He did fear God for nothing! Job was certain that God gave and knew God could (and did) take away. New Testament author Paul echoes Job s words, For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (1 Timothy 6:7). Job worshiped God not for the benefits but because God is worthy of worship. Blessed be the name of the LORD (verse 21). Job did not sin (verse 22). Satan, the Accuser, had been defeated. Omniscient God had faith in faithful Job. Though Job had no idea of the conversation in heaven, he remained faithful on earth. Though we may not understand all that happens, including the seeming bad things of life, we likewise are to be faithful. Martyrs throughout the ages have followed in Job s footsteps, giving evidence of their faith in God, losing not only earthly possessions but their very lives. How is this possible? Believers know, despite temporary circumstances, that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). This is not a simplistic formula but a settled fact. God is sovereign. Nothing escapes His notice, and His purposes will not be thwarted by what, from our viewpoint, seem to be disasters. The rest of the book of Job reveals Job s struggle with unexplained suffering with what appears injustice on God s part. It s not simple or easy, but God is glorified as Job (and every believer) trusts Him explicitly, even though tidy answers may not be given. Information from Heaven: Part 2 (Job 2:1-6) A second time the curtain is pulled back to reveal the proceedings in heaven s court. Job is again described as a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil (verse 3). This time God adds that still he holds fast to his integrity. Job is a man of integrity, meaning wholeness. What Job says is what Job does. What Job believes is evident in Job s actions. He is not a hypocrite, and he does serve God for nothing. Job worships God because He alone is worthy to be worshiped. God says Page 10
there was no cause found in Job to merit the calamities. According to God, no sin was being punished. This is an important fact, since conventional wisdom assumed misfortunes came because they were deserved. Riches were thought to be God s blessing; poverty His curse. When Job was stricken, according to this popular but flawed formula, he obviously had committed some grievous sin. Jesus addressed this mindset when questioned about a blind man s affliction. Surely someone had sinned, according to the disciples. Jesus answer is pertinent to Job s situation as well. Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him (John 9:3). Satan had slandered God s character, saying He bought off worshipers like Job with blessings galore (Job 1:10). Job proved Satan wrong. In his fury, Satan now proposes physical suffering as a means to tempt Job to curse God (verses 4-5). Would a loving God permit His child to suffer? This question is best answered in the New Testament life and death of Jesus. The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day (Luke 9:22). Love does allow suffering. God s ways are mysterious. Jesus disciple Peter wrote, Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you (1 Peter 4:12). Paul wrote, For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5). Job becomes the innocent sufferer, a foreshadowing of Jesus. Affliction (Job 2:7-10) Job s body is attacked; his health is stripped. He sits in ashes, perhaps at a garbage dump, a foul and putrid place, mirroring his own physical condition. Job is an outcast from society, suffering not only physically but mentally as well. In need of encouragement, he receives none from his closest living relative. Instead his wife speaks for Satan, urging Job to curse God, who (she thinks) will then no doubt kill him. She asks, Do you still hold fast to your integrity? (verse 9). Her human reasoning goes like this: Since God appears faithless to Job, why should Job remain faithful to God? She speaks from extreme duress. Those were her children and possessions, too. Perhaps she is seeking the mercy of death rather than Job s suffering which she views as a living death. Those watching suffer greatly when a loved one suffers. The reply Job gives again displays his godly character. He does not call her a fool, but Job says she speaks as one of the foolish women speaks (verse 10). A fool was one who did not know God. But Job does know God, even when adversity falls. Some believe that since evil exists and trouble comes, God must not exist. Job put this lie to rest God dispenses good and adversity. How very difficult yet vital this is to understand. God reports to no one and criticism of the Almighty is not appropriate: questions, yes; puny man judging God, no. May we be like Job and not sin with our lips (verse 10) or in our hearts. May we hold fast to our integrity. In Job s perseverance, Satan is again proven to be a liar and is not mentioned in the book again. Job s integrity is intact. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary offers this analysis: Satan seduced Adam even while Adam was standing in the integrity of his creation righteousness. From this it might have appeared that Satan could trip up the depraved sons of Adam at will and trample upon them. But herein lies a great wonder of redemptive grace: sinner Job stands triumphant where righteous Adam tragically fell! Thus, for the confounding of Satan and the reassurance of the saints, the Lord gave clear proof that a righteousness more enduring than that of Adam was being provided through the second Adam. This triumph of Job s patience over the Adversary s malice provided a seal, especially for the ages before the Incarnation, of God s promise that He would bestow on the faithful the gift of eternal salvation through the Christ to come. Adam sinned when tempted; Job did not. Nevertheless, Job suffered as the remainder of the book details, yet Job s story is one of hope, pointing to the innocent sufferer Jesus. God s plan to conquer suffering was to enter it not to avoid it. Page 11
Visitation (Job 2:11-13) Job s three friends are admirable in their mission, coming perhaps long distances to mourn with him, and to comfort him (verse 11). We can learn from them how best to mourn and comfort others and what not to do as well. To their credit, they came. Though Job s physical condition had deteriorated such that he was unrecognizable, they sat down with him on the ground (verse 13). They entered into his suffering as best they could by sitting on the dunghill next to him. Perhaps unable to speak due to shock or perhaps waiting for Job to speak, silence reigned for one whole week. Some suggest the friends were mourning Job as already dead, and you don t converse with a corpse. Verse 13 says, they saw that his grief was very great. Wordlessly offering someone your presence may be the best sympathy. Believers are told to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Much will be said in the days ahead, but for the first week, these three men of the East are excellent counselors. VOCABULARY 1. epitome: essence, personification, example 2. macabre: ghastly, horrid, deathly 3. paragon: model, ideal, shining example 4. revelers: those who enjoy parties and noisy celebrations Page 12
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