Life-Lessons from JOB!

Job 1:21

INTRODUCTION:

1. The book of Job is the story of a normal human being who is beset by misfortune and suffering.

2. In James 5:11, he is pointed to as an outstanding example of steadfast faith in the way he handled severe trials.

3. He provides specific life lessons we can learn about responding to trials.

❶FIRST LIFE-LESSON— “Naked I came from my mother’s womb.”

1. All of us come into this world with the same number of possessions—NOTHING!

❷SECOND LIFE-LESSON— “Naked I shall return there.”

1. “How much did he leave?” asked one to another at the graveside. “He left it all,” was the reply.

2. Possessions end at the cemetery. Cf. Luke 12:16-21; Matt. 19:23-24.

❸THIRD LIFE-LESSON— “The Lord gave.”

1. The Lord can give because all belongs to Him (Psalm 50:9-12).

2. We must overcome pride’s right hand—SELFISHNESS.

3. Do you daily acknowledge God’s gifts to you?

❹FOURTH LIFE-LESSON— “The Lord has taken away.”

1. Often our favorite word is MINE. Only when we truly TRUST the Lord can we accept— “The Lord has taken away…”

2. We are clay in His hands. Cf. Romans 9:20-21.

3. The lump does not question the amount of clay the potter adds.

4. We must not cry out at the carvings done on us.

5. How dare we lift up clay hands to heaven and question His works. We must trust His omniscience.

6.  

❺FIFTH LIFE-LESSON— “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

1. We praise Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7)

2. He has given us all good and perfect gifts (Jam. 1:17).

3. We pour out our heart to Him in thanksgiving, love and praise.

►QUESTIONS:

1. What are true riches (Luke 16:11)?

2. What will last forever (2 Peter 3:10-14)?

3. Where are you storing treasures (Matt. 6:19-20)?

4. NOTE: Job possessed great riches, but his riches did not possess him.

5. He remained faithful to God through good times and bad (Job 1:22; 2:10; 13:15).

-Mark N. Posey