CLOSER TO GOD

Job 42:1 Then Job answered the Lord and said: 5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

CLOSER TO OTHERS

Job 42:10 And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11 Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before, came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the Lord had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold.

GREATER REWARD

Job 42:12 Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. 13 He also had seven sons and three daughters. 16 After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations. 17 So Job died, old and full of days.

James 5:8 Be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 11 You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

QUESTIONS FOR LIFE

1.Read Job 42:1, 5, 6, 10

Then Job answered the Lord and said:  “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

2. Job says that he knew about God, but that he really knew Him in a greater way after the trials.

a. How have you grown closer to God through your trial?

b. Can you share how the trial brought about repentance?

c.  How does Job praying for his friends relate to growing closer to God                  in your situation?

3. Read Job 42:11

Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before,    came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the Lord had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold.

a. Please tell your group how this trial has brought you closer to others.                Be specific.

b. How has your group been there for you in your trials? Explain.

4. Read Job 42:12, 13, 16, 17

Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys.  He also had seven sons and three daughters.  After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations.  So Job died, old and full of days.

How is knowing that greater reward awaits change your perspective on trials?

5. Read James 5:8, 11

Be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 11 You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

a.What is the end intended by the Lord for us?

b. How does knowing the “end intended by Lord” encourage you?

6. What’s been your favorite part of the Job series? Which part has most contributed to your spiritual growth? Please share.