It has been said that nothing makes people lose their faith faster than suffering. John Mark Comer said: “Deconstruction is what happens when wounded hearts go unhealed.” So how should Christians face suffering in a way that actually brings comfort and strength in a way that the rest of the world can’t? Today's message will open what we hope to be a very practical and helpful discussion on the role of suffering in our lives and how the Book of Job points directly to Jesus. Join us for “Jesus in Disaster,” part of our Good News Everywhere Series.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES (also as PDF download above)
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WARM UP
How closely do you watch the disasters in our world? How do they affect you? Why?
READ
Job 1:1, 9-11, 21, 9:32-35, 38:4-11, 40:2, 42:5-6; I Timothy 2:5-6
TAKEAWAYS
The Story of Job
1. Job suffers
2. Satan’s plans are defeated
3. Others benefit
Deconstruction: “Bad things happen to bad people”
Reconstruction: “God allows bad things to make even better things”
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. How would you say suffering has shaped your view of God? Explain.
2. In your own words, why do you think God included this poetic story of Job and his friends?
APPLICATION
Based on Job’s friends, what do you think are more helpful approaches when close to people who are suffering?
FOR MENTORING
Based solely on the Book of Job, how do you think God would like you to live our life?
