This week, we conclude our sermon series entitled “The Greatest Comeback”. Preaching from Nathan Gordon.

Sermon Notes

The final chapter of the oldest book in the Bible is a wonderful display of divine providence and restoration. What happens if you lose everything you’ve worked so hard for? How would you respond to seasons of suffering beyond your control? Job’s entire story is a lesson of how we can endure trials in our lives and affirm confidence in God’s ability to restore our health and everything we may have lost in the process. 

Recognise our dependence on God – v2-3 & Ch 41:1-34

• Job’s reply to God’s questions was simply “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted” – MSG “Nothing and no one can upset your plans”

• Although Job struggled to understand why he was inflicted with so much pain and suffering, he recognised God is in control and our understanding cannot comprehend God’s plans and thoughts.

• Read Chapter 41 for a list of “Can you” challenges to Job. God reminded Job of his divine omnipotence (all-powerful)

Our dependence on God is even more reaffirmed whenever we suffer loss or endure difficult seasons. 

“The frequency of prayer indicates one’s level of dependence on God.” – Gugna Mona

Challenge – like Job, we may not fully understand why certain things happen in our lives, but one thing remains clear – we need God! We can’t live without his love, grace, protection, and provisions.

Reaffirm your commitment to God- v4-6

[5] My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. MSG – “I admit I once lived by rumours of you; now I have it all first-hand from my own eyes and ears!”

[6] Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

• Through all of Job’s suffering, he was able to learn more and experience a deeper sense of God’s presence.

• Job was inspired that the creator of all things was speaking directly to him and even answering and asking questions.

• Job learned more about the Lord’s character and divine nature. We never stop learning more and more about God and through suffering we learn even more.

Challenge – it’s important to remember suffering is not always a direct indication of personal sin. Just because someone suffers it does not mean they have done something wrong. After all, Job was an upright man. However, whenever suffering does occur, we should use the opportunity to search within our hearts and see if there is a need to repent of sin and turn back to God.

Resolve to serve God despite adversity – v10-17

[10] After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.

After everything Job endured, he was willing and open to praying for his friends as the Lord instructed.

God can use our experiences to inspire someone else to serve God.

You don’t have to have it all together to be used by God!

Challenge – Who is God prompting you to pray for even in seasons when others should be praying for you? Even in hospitals, you can be greatly encouraged by how people deal with their health issues. We don’t have to wait until everything is perfect to serve God because that day may never come! Just as we are we can be useful vessels for God.

Questions

1. Do you find it easier to pray when you are facing difficulties in your life? discuss why this may be and how we can grow in this area.
2. Have you ever had a time in your life when someone has encouraged you to walk away from God? How did you respond?
3. Read chapter 41:1-7 – discuss how our limitations compared to God can help us to be even more dependent on God’s grace and provisions.
4. Read verses 5-6 to discuss the impact of Job’s experience on his knowledge of God and his nature.
5. Like Job what have you learned about God during challenging seasons in your life?
6. Discuss the difference between being tested rather than tempted by God. (See James 1:13-15 & James 1:2-4)
7. If God is all-powerful, why does he allow Satan’s freedom to wreak havoc in the world and lead people astray? (See 2 Cor 4:4, John 14:30, Ephesians 2:2-3)