Retribution. [Lesson 7 for Nov 12, 2016] We don’t often see the word “retribution” presented as the adjective, “retributive,” do we? What is retribution? Is punishment-bearing retribution stronger than simply suffering from the results of sin? Why doesn’t God choose retribution as punishment for all of our sins? Or does He? First Accusations from Eliphaz, … Continue reading –>
The Bible teaches two different resurrections. Jesus spoke of one resurrection for those who are saved, and another resurrection for those who are lost. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the … Continue reading –>
Many instances of direct divine punishment upon evil, as well as blessing for faithfulness, are recorded in Scripture long after all the characters in the book of Job were dead. What great promise is given here for obedience? Deut. 6:24-25. The Old Testament is filled with promise after promise of the blessings and prosperity that … Continue reading –>
Job’s three friends undoubtedly had some knowledge about God. And they were earnest in their efforts to defend Him too. And, as we saw, as misguided as their words to Job were (especially given the context), these men were expressing some crucial truths. And central to their arguments was the idea that God is a … Continue reading –>
“ ‘Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea’ ” (Job 11:7–9, NKJV; see also Isa. 40:12–14). What truth … Continue reading –>
As if getting a lecture from Eliphaz weren’t bad enough, Job then faced one from Bildad, who said something similar to what Eliphaz had said. Unfortunately, Bildad was cruder and harsher toward Job than even Eliphaz was. Imagine going up to someone whose children had died and saying to the person: “ ‘If your sons … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Job 8:1–22, Job 11:1–20, Isa. 40:12–14, Gen. 6:5–8, 2 Pet. 3:5–7. Memory Text: “ ‘Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?’ ” (Job 11:7, NKJV). The problem of human suffering surely continues to daunt humanity. We see “good” people … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: As we have seen, Eliphaz was not without sympathy for Job. It’s just that his sympathy took second place to what he saw as his need to defend the character of God. After all, Job was suffering terribly, and God is just; therefore, Job must have done something to deserve what happened to … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Even though Job’s friends saw his troubles as a result of a cause, Job was more concerned with asking the important question. Lesson for November 5, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Job 2:11-13. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. … Continue reading –>
The Big Questions. [Lesson #6 November 5, 2016] Now as we listen to Eliphaz, how does the story of Job broaden? How would you feel if you were suffering from a disease or injury only to have a “friend” tell you it was all your fault? Does Eliphaz seem to be reminding Job that being human means taking the … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Curse Causeless?” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath School … Continue reading –>
Much of what Eliphaz said to Job was correct. That is, he made many valid points, points that we found were expressed later in the Bible. And yet, something still was terribly wrong with his response to Job. The problem wasn’t so much with what he said; the problem was more the context in which … Continue reading –>
