Job part 4-Does God Afflict the Guiltless

This next study begins the first discourse between Bildad, one of the three friends in chapter 2 who came to mourn, and Job’s response. 

 

Key Verse:

                Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right? Job 8:3

 

The key verse today points to a major theme in this section and one that all Christians must come to girps with.  Can we blame God when bad things happen?  Do we think He is vindictive and spiteful?  Allowing thoughts like this can give Satan many opportunities about God’s love for us.  Let us look carefully today into Job as we continue to wrestle internally with these questions. 

 

 

Read chapters 8-10 and answer the following questions:

 

·         What is Bildad’s main point?  What does he believe caused Job’s suffering?

·         Suffering, though difficult, can have positive value in the life of a believer.  Read the following passages and note those traits.  The truth in these verses can give you encouragement when trouble comes to remember that God can redeem all things He allows into your life:

o   Romans 8:16-18

o   Colossians 1:24

o   2 Thessalonians 1:3-8

o   1 Peter 2:18-23; 3:14-17; 4:1-2, 13-19; 5:8-10

·         What is Job’s response to Bildad?  Who does he believe God punishes based on what happened to him?

·         In verse 9:33, Job longs for an arbitrator to mediate between him and God.  Now read 1 Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 9:15.  Who has God provided as an answer to Job’s plea?  Have you ever thought of Him fulfilling that role for you?

·         Who is Job talking to in chapter 10?  What things does he want?

 

Journal Prompt:  Paul was another man of faith who like Job was familiar with suffering.  He was shipwrecked, stoned, persecuted, often when without food or shelter, gave up a life of prestige and pedigree to serve Jesus.  Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.  What does Paul turn to when suffering?  Do you respond this way?  If not why not?  This passage contains instructions on what to do if someone you know is suffering.  How consistent is your prayer life?  Have you seen prayers answered for other’s you have prayed for? If not, how does what we’ve learned about Job inform us about why there is unanswered prayer?