INTRODUCTION: It is likely that Job was the first book of the Bible to be recorded. It majors on the problem of suffering. It answers many questions about suffering, such as: Is suffering punishment for sin? Can man know why he suffers? Will justice triumph in the end? And how should man deal with suffering?

1. THE MAN NAMED JOB (Job 1:1-5 [1] There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. [2] And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. [3] His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. [4] And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. [5] And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
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1. His Testimony (Job 1:1There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
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1. His location: the land of Uz – likely northeast of Palestine (Jeremiah 25:20And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,
   See All...; Lamentations 4:21Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.
   See All...); Job is called one of “the men of the east” (Job 1:3His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
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2. His character
1. Perfect and upright
2. He feared God and eschewed (to shun or avoid) evil (1 Peter 3:11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
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2. His Children (Job 1:2And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
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3. His Wealth (Job 1:3His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
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4. His Faithfulness (Job 1:4-5 [4] And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. [5] And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
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1. The feasting of his children (Job 1:4And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
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2. The continual offerings of Job for his children (Job 1:5And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
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2. THE ADVERSARY OF JOB (Job 1:6-11 [6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. [7] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. [8] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? [9] Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? [10] Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. [11] But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
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1. The Presentation of Satan (Job 1:6-7 [6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. [7] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
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1. The day of presentation (Job 1:6Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
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1. The coming of the sons of God; certainly angels (Job 38:7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
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2. The coming of Satan
2. The presentation of Satan (Job 1:7And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
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1. The inquiry of the Lord
2. The answer of Satan (Ephesians 2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
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1. Going to and fro in the earth
2. Walking up and down in the earth
2. The Consideration of Job (Job 1:8And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
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1. The naming of Job by the Lord
2. The recommendation of Job
1. A perfect man and an upright man
2. A man who feared God and eschewed evil
3. The Accusations of Satan (Job 1:9-11 [9] Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? [10] Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. [11] But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
   See All...; Revelation 12:10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
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1. Job does not fear God for naught (Job 1:9Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
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2. Job fears God because of (Job 1:10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
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1. God’s hedge about and all around him
2. God’s blessing on the work of his hands
3. God’s increase of his substance
3. Job would curse God if the blessings were removed (Job 1:11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
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3. THE FIRST TEST OF JOB (Job 1:12-22 [12] And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. [13] And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [14] And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: [15] And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [16] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [17] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [18] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [19] And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [20] Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, [21] And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. [22] In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
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1. The Permission Given Satan (Job 1:12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
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1. Satan given power over Job’s possessions
2. Satan not allowed to touch Job
3. Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.
2. The Day of Disaster (Job 1:13-19 [13] And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [14] And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: [15] And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [16] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [17] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. [18] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [19] And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
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1. A day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting (Job 1:13And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
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2. The attack of the Sabeans on the oxen, asses, and servants (Job 1:14-15 [14] And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: [15] And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
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3. The falling of fire on the sheep and servants (Job 1:16While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
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4. The attack of the Chaldeans on the camels and servants (Job 1:17While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
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5. The great wind destroying the children of Job (Job 1:18-19 [18] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [19] And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
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3. The Reaction of Job (Job 1:20-22 [20] Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, [21] And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. [22] In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
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1. His first actions (Job 1:20Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
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1. He arose.
2. He rent his mantle.
3. He shaved his head.
4. He fell down on the ground.
5. He worshipped.
2. His first words (Job 1:21And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
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1. To return to earth as he came (Ecclesiastes 5:15As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 6:7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
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2. The Lord took as He had given.
3. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
3. His integrity (Job 1:22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
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1. He did not sin.
2. He did not charge God foolishly.
4. THE RETURN OF JOB’S ADVERSARY (Job 2:1-5 [1] Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. [2] And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. [3] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. [4] And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. [5] But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
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1. The Presentation of Satan (Job 2:1-2 [1] Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. [2] And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
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1. The day of presentation (Job 2:1Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
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2. The coming of Satan (Job 2:2And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
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2. The Consideration of Job (Job 2:3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
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1. The recommendation of Job
2. The integrity of Job
1. Though God was moved against him
2. Though he was destroyed without cause
3. The Accusations of Satan (Job 2:4-5 [4] And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. [5] But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
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1. Job was holding fast because he was still not physically hurting (Job 2:4And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
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2. If he was in pain, he would curse God (Job 2:5But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
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5. THE SECOND TEST OF JOB (Job 2:6-10 [6] And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. [7] So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. [8] And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. [9] Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. [10] But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
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1. The Permission Given Satan (Job 2:6And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
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1. Permission to attack the person of Job
2. No permission to take his life
2. The Boils on Job’s Body (Job 2:7-8 [7] So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. [8] And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
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1. He was smitten with boils from head to toe (Job 2:7So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
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2. He sat down in ashes and scraped his boils with a potsherd (Job 2:8And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
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3. The Words of Job’s Wife (Job 2:9Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
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1. Dost thou retain thine integrity?
2. Curse God, and die.
4. The Reaction of Job (Job 2:10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
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1. The words were as those of a foolish woman.
2. Shall we not receive evil as we receive good?
3. Job still did not sin with his lips.

CONCLUSION: God never told Job why he had to suffer. He simply told Job that He was God and Job should not question Him. What can we learn from the suffering of Job?