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Job's Response to Trouble
“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” (v. 22).
Satan’s plan has now been put into action. Job has just received word of the loss of his wealth, and the devastating loss of his children. Anyone of these things would be enough to cause anyone to have a tremendous emotional reaction — a reaction from the base of one’s being; a reaction that would reveal the true heart of one’s character. It did this for Job. At this point, Satan should have given up and gone away. What was revealed about Job’s surrender to and trust in God is here made absolutely clear by the way he reacted to this news. In verse 21 we see that Job considered everything that had been taken away to be some- thing that was from God and had never ceased to belong to God. It was God’s to do with as He so chose. Job had a human reaction of grief, but the spiritual reaction of unwavering faith was the witness of where his heart was. The witness given of him by God is here found in verse 22. God, who saw his heart, didn’t observe any sin nor doubt as to how com- pletely Job trusted Him. (Tim J. Brubeck)
Satan’s plan has now been put into action. Job has just received word of the loss of his wealth, and the devastating loss of his children. Anyone of these things would be enough to cause anyone to have a tremendous emotional reaction — a reaction from the base of one’s being; a reaction that would reveal the true heart of one’s character. It did this for Job. At this point, Satan should have given up and gone away. What was revealed about Job’s surrender to and trust in God is here made absolutely clear by the way he reacted to this news. In verse 21 we see that Job considered everything that had been taken away to be some- thing that was from God and had never ceased to belong to God. It was God’s to do with as He so chose. Job had a human reaction of grief, but the spiritual reaction of unwavering faith was the witness of where his heart was. The witness given of him by God is here found in verse 22. God, who saw his heart, didn’t observe any sin nor doubt as to how com- pletely Job trusted Him. (Tim J. Brubeck)
“Perfect submission, all is at rest . . . lost in His love” (Fanny J. Crosby).
Job: A Patient Sufferer
Focus Text: Job 1:1-3, 8-22
Central Truth: Trust in God is the key element in enduring trials.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify rewards for being patient in suffering.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Godly Man (Job 1:1-3)
II. A Devilish Scheme (Job 1:8-19)
III. An Unshaken Integrity (Job 1:20-22)
Portrait of a Queen
Use all the details given about Esther to create a word picture for your notebook.
Esther was a woman who took a chance.
List the good qualities of Esther. How did those good qualities help her to become queen and prepare her for her role in rescuing her people?
Esther was a brave woman. List what actions Esther took that were dangerous to her. What things are worthy enough for a person to risk great loss?
Esther's Courage
“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house” (v. 1).
The Jewish people were on the verge of extinction. The royal seal was affixed to the dreadful death document. Mordecai had rightly declared that Esther had no guarantee of her life just because she was queen. The countdown of destiny was underway. Esther weighed her options — death by Haman’s plot or death because of disrespecting royal protocol. Perhaps there was another: a slim chance she could be spared by right of her position and favor. However, she was aware that if that happened, it would have been a hollow victory. Who could enjoy life without her remaining family after the genocide of her people? The situation being serious, she called for a fast. Then she acted.
She restrained herself from a blurting and bawling plea. She had already planned a banquet. Thus her petition came in the form of an invitation. (The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.) She was going to condition her advocacy with good table provisions. Further, her invitation included her strongest enemy, and of course, we know that at the banquet came another similar invitation. All was a part of divine strategy. (Lonnie R. Witt)
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the impetus to confront evil.
Esther: A Self-Sacrificing Queen
Focus Text: Esther 4:7-14; 5:1-4; 8:3-6
Central Truth: The course of history can be changed by one godly person.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list ways they can change their world.
Lesson Outline:
I. God's People Tested (Esther 4:7-14)
II. God's Plan Accepted (Esther 5:1-4)
III. God's Purpose Fulfilled (Esther 8:3-8)
A Picture of Hannah
Although not much is told about Hannah, have the class create a word picture of her character.
Hannah was a sorrowful woman who was persistent.
Some people have a “moody” or melancholy temperament. Was Hannah one of those people? Is it possible for God to use those people in His service?
Hannah was a sorrowful woman who was persistent.
Some people have a “moody” or melancholy temperament. Was Hannah one of those people? Is it possible for God to use those people in His service?
Was Hannah depressed? If so, how did she overcome her depression?
What were Hannah’s good qualities?
Hannah was faithful to keep her vow to God. Why was this important?