We often hear the question of “innocent” suffering. The Bible even uses the phrase “innocent blood” (Isa. 59:7, Jer. 22:17, Joel 3:19), usually in the context of assault, or even murder, of people who didn’t deserve what happened to them. If we use this understanding of “innocent blood,” then, as we all know, our world … Continue reading –>
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had a point: God does punish evil. Unfortunately, that point didn’t apply in Job’s situation. Job’s suffering was not a case of retributive punishment. God was not punishing him for his sins, as He would do with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Nor was Job reaping what he had sown, as can … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Job 10, Isa. 53:6, Rom. 3:10–20, Job 15:14–16, Job 1:18–20, Matt. 6:34. Memory Text: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Algerian–born writer Albert Camus struggled with the question of human suffering. In his book, The Plague, he used a plague as … Continue reading –>
As said earlier in this quarter, it’s important to try to put ourselves in the place of the characters in the story, because doing so can help us understand their motives and actions. They didn’t see the battle going on behind the scenes as we do. If we put ourselves in their shoes, it shouldn’t … Continue reading –>
We often don’t know what we are talking about because our opinions are built around incomplete knowledge of the facts. This week’s lesson on Retributive Punishment serves as a prime example. Although they expressed themselves with care and genuine concern, the friends of Job did not know what they were talking about. Their summation of the … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Retributive Punishment” 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 Site. … Continue reading –>
Certainly the greatest and most powerful manifestation of retributive judgment will be at the end of time, with the destruction of the wicked, called in the Bible “the second death” (Rev. 20:14). This death, of course, must not be confused with the death common to all the descendants of Adam. This is the death from which … 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 7 for November 12, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Job 11:7-10. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. … Continue reading –>
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 –>
