This tendency to reduce evil and suffering to a purely rational problem—especially a problem to which one claims to possess the solution—is precisely that which the Book of Job criticizes. Job is one of the most famous people in Scripture, yet he is rarely listed as a favorite Bible character. The central figure in the book of Job, Job's intense suffering supplies the framework for the primary theme of the book, which deals with the role of suffering in the life of a believer. In the midst of suffering, we must never lose our hope in God. It is with good reason that James 5:11 holds up Job as an exemplar of steadfastness in this fallen world. Look at the Book. Suffering As a Test of Fidelity. Job: The Revelation of God in Suffering. My collection continues to grow, but here are some ways to see Jesus in the book of Job. This hope allowed Job to persevere and to receive the Lord’s commendation (42:8). In the book of Job, the most upright man on earth (Job 1:8) suffers the most of anyone on earth. His suffering is not punishment. 2. Doubts of Job’s friends reflect an attitude to suffering which had existed before. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. Solid Joys. The date of the book is unknown. God’s words were important to Job, but most important to him was the assurance that God was with him through it all, revealing Himself to Job at the most critical moment. The God of all the universe entertains an audience with Satan. Scripture: Job 32:1–37:24. The subject of their celestial conversation is a nearly flawless man, and how he might be tortured. It … 3. (1) “Curse God and die!” (2:9) Job’s wife, seeing the extremity of his loss (and, presumably, hers as well), tells him to give up. THE BOOK OF JOB. The book of Job opens in verse one by telling us that Job was a blameless, upright man who feared God and turned away from evil. Moreover, though Job evidenced doubt early on, his overall trajectory was one of faith and confidence that God would finally show him to be in the right. (Job 1:8) 2.) Job 1:8-12, 21 and 2:10 teach that suffering is a test of fidelity. The Book of Job is one of the literary masterpieces of all time, and provides a profound discussion on the suffering of a just man. What we have seen so far, then, is that Job's suffering has a twofold explanation: its purpose at the outset was to demonstrate God's value and glory, and its ongoing purpose was to refine Job's righteousness. The book of Job presents one of the most unusual pictures in all the Bible. ... Job: Rebuked in Suffering. John Piper Jul 21, 1985 839 Shares Sermon. These responses may help us, or at least me, in thinking about the call to respond to the suffering of others. Job’s suffering did not come because he was bad but rather because of his unwavering faithfulness to God. Suffering was considered as a punishment for the crime committed. Jul 21, 1985. As I see it, Job’s suffering elicits five distinct responses throughout the course of the text. The Book of Job is ultimately about the value of God in the midst of pain and suffering. And Job said, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5).” ― Ravi Zacharias, Why Suffering? I decided to start collecting similitudes between Job’s ordeal and the cross of Christ. Daily devotional with John Piper. That definitely reminds me of Christ’s cross. In the story of Job suffering and misfortune become a test to check up Job’s obedience. Then…his life unraveled. Job’s sufferings get new meaning in this book of the Old Testament. A Twofold Purpose of Suffering in Job's Life . Choosing faith in the midst of suffering will not create a "logical" reason for your suffering. Job was called a righteous man by Ezekiel (14:14), along with Noah and Daniel. 1.