What if there was something right now that could revolutionize your life, or maybe even save your life, what would you do with it? What if it was just sitting there waiting for you to use it? How does someone figure that out? How did someone know when to use something like...dynamite? Dynamite was invented in 1847, but took 20 years later for Alfred Nobel to stabilize it for safe use (after blowing up 2 of his factories). Likewise, Penicillin was discovered by accident in 1928, and took until 1942 before it was used to save lives. Use this week to get into your Bible reading so it can be helpful, maybe explosive (in a good way). Like Penicillin, knowing God and what He has done can save your life.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 3
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament, starting with the beginning. How do we understand so many stories and lessons while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Job, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar continue arguing with Job. Did you find Job’s friends making some good points about God’s character in Job 20 (Zophar), Job 22 (Eliphaz), Job 25 (Bildad), and Job 34 (Elihu)? How do Job’s friends foreshadow the religious leaders in Jesus’ time on earth?
Job takes his character assassination (22:5) by Eliphaz straight to God in chapter 23. Why do you think Job does this instead of arguing with Eliphaz?
Job’s trust in God’s kindness to him (23:6,10) is contrasted with his fear of what God has in store for him (23:13-15). Does his struggle remind you of other stories/persons in the Bible?
In Job 28, mankind being the most intelligent creature on earth, has found and valued gems, iron, silver, and gold. However, humans struggle to find and recognize the value of wisdom (23:13,21). According to v23-28, what is wisdom and where do you find it?
Look at Job 31 carefully. What is he really saying in his final appeal?
SHARE IT.
Does reading through the Bible (Old Testament) as the events unfolded excite you or something else?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the story of Job so far?
Have you ever been betrayed by friends? How did that affect you? Have you ever asked for help and been harshly rejected, misunderstood, or ignored?
How do you handle rejection or accusations? How does your reaction compare to Bible teaching to forgive, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you?
Elihu is introduced in Job 32. Have you ever spoken out of emotion and frustration and regretted it later? Why is the fact that Elihu is younger significant?
FINAL THOUGHT
As mentioned last week, the book of Job starts with Satan arguing that Job only serves God because of all the good things he receives from God. This week we have seen all the arguments from Job’s 3 original friends, which amounts to "God is just" and "God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked". Job foreshadows the trial and death of Jesus. Job was accused of being wicked, and Jesus of blasphemy. Job was stripped of everything except for his life, very much like Jesus. However, Jesus would give his life. Job’s accusers saw his situation as proof he was rejected by God. Jesus stated on the cross, “my God my God, why have you forsaken me.” Has God abandoned Job, was Jesus abandoned? Will Job be vindicated? Next week we will see the last arguments of the young man Elihu, and then God, the Judge of the living and the dead, will speak.
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