JOB 2:9–10 “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). We return now to our study of Job by examining another of Satan’s schemes to induce Job to curse God. Satan spared Job’s wife so that she might mock her husband and tempt him to turn from God. Look at what she says: “Do you still hold … Continue reading “AN UNEXPECTED TEMPTER”
A GLORIOUS INHERITANCE
ROMANS 8:18–39 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance (Rom. 8:25). In Romans 8, Paul encourages his fellow believers to persevere in their suffering. This would have meant a great deal coming from Paul because he knew what it was like to suffer. He had … Continue reading “A GLORIOUS INHERITANCE”
THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY
1 CORINTHIANS 15 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed … (1 Cor. 15:51). Christianity stands alone in its unique teaching on the resurrection of the body. Some religions teach that the body and the soul will be annihilated. Others teach that the body will … Continue reading “THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY”
THE TRIAL OF FAITH
DANIEL 3 “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us …” (Dan. 3:16). The third chapter of Daniel relates a chilling account of how three Israelites faced a trial few of us could ever imagine. When the king proclaimed a decree that everyone must worship a golden idol, … Continue reading “THE TRIAL OF FAITH”
THE TEST OF SUFFERING
JOB 2:1–8 So Satan … struck Job with painful boils (Job 2:7). Seeing that his efforts to turn Job’s heart had failed, Satan devises another plan. If the death of his children and the loss of his wealth would not cause him to curse God, then maybe a threat to his own life would do … Continue reading “THE TEST OF SUFFERING”
JOB’S LAMENT
JOB 1:20–22 “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Despite Satan’s efforts to prove Job the hypocrite, Job proves himself to be a truly pious man. He had just lost everything, but he still praised God. Job’s reaction is something the world could never … Continue reading “JOB’S LAMENT”
JOB’S FIRST TEST
JOB 1:13–19 “… the house fell on the young people and they are dead …” (Job 1:19). The day of Job’s testing began like any other day. As in the days of Noah, the flood of trial came while people were going about their daily affairs. This should serve as a caution for each of … Continue reading “JOB’S FIRST TEST”
SATAN’S ACCUSATION
JOB 1:6–12 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9). In this passage we see the King of heaven and earth exercising His divine authority over the spiritual realm. Satan comes into the Lord’s presence after he had been walking the earth, no doubt doing mischief of one … Continue reading “SATAN’S ACCUSATION”
PROSPERITY AND PIETY
JOB 1:1–5 … that man was blameless and upright and one who feared God and shunned evil (Job 1:1). The account of Job begins with a description of his prosperity and piety. These are set before us from the very beginning to show that neither piety nor wealth secure us from the calamities of life. … Continue reading “PROSPERITY AND PIETY”
“THIS NOBLE POEM”
JAMES 5:7–12 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job … (James 5:11). The book of Job is an historical account of the sufferings of Job, and it comprises a number of discourses written in poetic form. Most of the book is a compilation of disputes. The opponents … Continue reading ““THIS NOBLE POEM””