“Why is there so much evil in the world? God can't be all good and all powerful with as much evil as there is.” Have you asked this question in your life? It is called in philosophical terms, the problem of evil and suffering. Philosopher William Lane Craig explains the answer this way, “The atheist seems to think that if God has morally sufficient reasons for permitting the evils that occur, these reasons must be evident to us...we should not expect to see the reasons why God permits every evil.” In other words, just because we can't see a reason for the evil in the world doesn't mean God is not all good or all powerful. As we finish Job this week, and think about suffering, what is God's final word to Job? As we pick up the story back in Genesis with Abraham, see promises made; promises kept.
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 4
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.
In Job 38-41, it's God's turn to speak. How does God answer Job? How does Job respond in 40:3-5 and 42:2-6? What is the difference in these responses?
God rebukes Job’s friends in 42:7. What did they not get right in comparison to Job?How does this compare to Ezekiel 33:31, Matthew 15:7-9, or Matthew 7:21-23?
God’s anger burns against Job’s friends. What are the 2 steps God stated to satisfy His anger towards the friends in Job 42:8?
Job was acting as a mediator between God and those who His anger burned against. How does this compare with Hebrews 7:25?
In Genesis 12-17, Abram and Sarai exhibit a pattern of behavior as they have left their home country following God. When do you see them lying and/or taking matters into their own hands?
In Genesis 12-17, how do you see God constantly intervening in Abram’s life to fulfill His covenant (promise)?
SHARE IT.
Based on your reading, do you connect more with Job, Abraham, or Sarah? How so?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the story of Job and Abraham/Sarah so far
Like Sarah, have you ever become bitter at someone when you expected life to be different? How did you get through it? Do you think Sarah got through it?
Have you ever been led/called by God to do something and then waited for what seems like forever for it to happen? What are we to learn from this waiting period?
What promises from God's Word encourage you? How have you tried to take matters into your own hands when it feels like those promises aren't going to come true?
Why is it frustrating AND comforting at the same time when God makes promises? Do God's promises more about you or Him?
FINAL THOUGHT
This week we reach the conclusion of Job. We've watched him suffer innocently. We finally hear from God and His anger “burns” against Job’s friends because they have not represented God in a truthful and complete way. God requires a perfect sacrifice, and for Job to pray for them. Jesus is the true and better Job who suffered innocently, was the perfect sacrifice Himself, and for all eternity prays (intercedes) for us. Thank God that He never forgot Job, and that Job's suffering wasn't for nothing. As we get back in the story of Genesis with Abraham, take a moment to praise God for being faithful to His promise. That promise (covenant) would provide the Savior that we need.
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