Unit 1 LESSON 3

June 15, 2025

Study Text: Job 2:11 through 3:26

             Central Truth: The Church must faithfully minister to people in pain.

KEY VERSE: Job 3:25 The thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me (KJV).

"What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come true"(NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Have you ever experienced something so tragic that you didn't have words to express your feelings? Or maybe you had so many emotions that the words poured out of you and wouldn't stop. The grief Job was enduring seemed to push him from one extreme to the other. His intense emotions even led him to question his very existence. This week's lesson explores the concept of grief and the many ways it can expressed. People need to express their emotions. Any method that allows someone to process grief in a healthy way can be the first step in the right direction. After waves of servants reported the loss of his possessions and children, Job must have been in shock. His health was the next thing to go. Then, amid his physical and emotional agony, his wife told him to curse God and die. Job's friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar heard of his pain and came to sit with him. After a week, the dam of Job's emotions seemed to break. He poured out his soul to his friends.

PART 1- Job Curses the Day of His Birth

Silent Comfort        Job 2:11-13

Job 2:11 starts by mentioning three of Job's friends: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. Their reaction to seeing Job's condition shows that they genuinely care for him. These friends arrived at Job's home to find someone they could scarcely recognize (verse 12). His friends' outward expression of deep sadness showed solidarity and a desire to be there for their friend. They recognized that Job's suffering was beyond words, so for seven days they quietly sat with Him in the dirt and ashes. Many believers have been in the position of Job's friends and struggle with what they should say or do when a friend is grieving. But people in mourning often aren't looking for someone to give them words of condolence or even deep theological insights. Sometimes they just need someone to be present. There is value in prayer and speaking encouraging words, but timing is everything.

Discuss? Share a time when another believer went above and beyond to connect with you during a hard time.  What was the most impactful thing they did?

A Personal Curse                       Job 5:10

One moment, Job was sitting silently with hid friends; the next, he exploded with regret that he was ever born (3:1). Job's anguish and unbearable pain caused him to curse his birth and even his conception. Of course, Job had no power to actually curse these things; his curses simply showed the depth of his grief. As his curse continued, his scope and intensity increased. He even wished that the day of his birth did not exist, cursing it with darkness so deep that it would "be lost even to God on high: (verse 4). As Job's rant continued, he called for skilled cursers to join him in cursing that day. Like Job, we sometimes tend to let sorrow or anger build up until it explodes and we lash out. The healthy reactions is to move toward God's living, healing presence. Often, God uses other believers to bring comfort in grief. Er can be present when others need to talk about their struggles.

 Discuss?  Why do you think Job was so persistent in cursing the day of his birth?

Part 2-- Job Regrets His Existence

The Big Why                        Job 3:11-16

Job's cursing led to a cycle of regret and questioning, which led to lament. This lament held out no hope that things would improve. He plagued with wondering why all these things had happened to him (Job 3:11-12) and imagined what it would be like if he had died (verses 1316). The format of Job's questioning shows he was not genuinely seeking a reason why these terrible things had happened. Instead, his questions were rhetorical, illustrating his point that death before these tragic things happened would have left him in the peace and rest he longed for rather than his current state. Every memory associated with his former life was tinged with sorrow and replaced with regret. Unresolved regret and unreleased emotions can lead us to spiral in despair. But we must remember that the Christian life was never intended to  be solitary. Not only do we have the support of fellow believers, but God has given us the Holy Spirit. He comforts and teaches us in our grief, bringing supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

DISCUSS? How has God answered your questions during hard times?

                Seeking Rest           Job 3:17-19

In Job's tormented mind, the most permanent peace available to him was death. He began to consider the different types of people allowed their eternal rest (Job 3:17-19). He concluded that, in death, people are free from their burdens and allowed a reprieve from the troubles of life. These are the irrational thoughts of a grief--stricken man. Sadly, people today still draw some of the same conclusions when they face tragedy. Though suicide may appear to be a means of peace and escape from grief, it is a deceptive tactic of the enemy. He wants to distract and confuse believers, causing us to forget that our Father "heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds: (Psalm 147:3).

DISCUSS? Why should believers remind themselves of God's promises during difficult times?

      Part 3- Job's Despair

Light and Life Lost      Job 3:20-23

As Job neared the end of his discourse, he again asked why. If people were merely going to experience misery in this life, why are they given life at all (Job 3:20)? From his perspective, everyone who experiences misery longs for death, searching for it "more eagerly than for hidden treasure" (verse 21). Job's grief has skewed his perception so much that he sees no point in living if it includes suffering (verse 23). Our perspective can powerfully influence our opinions about God and His work. We can contrast Job's claim with New Testament teaching about suffering--that it does serve a purpose. Paul said it helps build endurance, strengthens the believer's character, and creates confidence in the hope of salvation (Romans 5:3-4). James goes so far as to say we should rejoice in suffering. Despite his view that rest could be found via death, Scripture does not tell us that Job considered taking his uwn life. Regardless of the depth of his despair, Job must have realized that matters of life  and death lie beyond control. In fact, in verse 23, he finally brought his true grievance out in the open: God was the One who had brought these tragedies upon him.

Discuss?  Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How can we lean on God instead of our understanding?

No Peace, No Rest                  Job 3:24-26

Job lamented that his worst fears had come to pass (verse 25). Indeed, losing a child is many parents' worst fear still today. Not only did Job lose ten children, but he also lost his livelihood, his health, and his sense of security as God's faithful servant. In verse 26, Job returned to the main point of his speech: He had lost any hope of finding peace or rest. he had come to expect only grief and trouble. Believers are not immune to thoughts like this. Life might seem hopeless when our temporary joys and comforts disappear or when we are the victims of tragedy or personal attack. But reading about Job's reaction to tragedy should remind us that out hope and joy are rooted in God's unshakable character and the promise of eternal life through Jesus.

Discuss? Read Titus 2:12-13. How can the hope of Jesus' return affect the way you deal with suffering or tragedy?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Despite the struggles and difficulties, we encounter, we can rest in God's faithfulness, goodness, and power. Jesus is our example in this---as in all things. He was sinless and still suffered, proving that good behavior does not exempt us from difficulties. He patiently and selflessly endured suffering according to His Father's will. Now He sits at God's right hand, interceding for us. God has also given us the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and empower us to make it through whatever challenges we face, Not only that, but we are part of the Church--a family of fellow believers who will walk alongside us, offering love and support to help us endure whatever trouble may come. Even in the darkest times, we are never alone.

LIVING IT OUT

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, get help immediately. In the US dial 988 to reach the free and confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For international crisis support, visit www.findahelpline.com.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

       Monday: God Hears the Afflicted. Exodus 3:1-10

                             Tuesday: God Answers Prayers for Healing. 2 Kings 20:1-6

                                  Wednesday:  Pray and Trust When Suffering. Psalm 69:29-33

                     Thursday: Jesus heals and Delivers. Matthew 8:14-17 

                    Friday. Jesus Responds to Earnest Prayer. Mark 9:20-27

   Saturday: No More Pain Revelation. 21:1-7

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 4. Jun. Jul. Aug 2025