Speeches of God

The end of the Book of Job consists of Yahweh's speeches to Job when God finally breaks his silence. Examine the two speeches at the end of the book, because they offer much wisdom. In Job 38, God has Job realize that God created everything, and that God presides over his work like a proud carpenter -- meaning that he is always there, but we should not try to fathom the Creator's purpose, just have faith.

God's Teachings

Many believe that God punishes people for sin, as Job's friends argue. However, God may be causing misfortune to instruct a individual rather than punish him, and to remind people that he is always with them. Read Chapters 32 and 33 to see the interpretation Job's friend Elihu had of the situation Job was in, and discuss it in the group.

God Knows

Show this book as an illustration of the insurmountable power of God and his infinite knowledge of our lives and actions. God was aware of Job's actions and reactions to the tragedies in his life the entire time they were occurring, even if he remained silent. Although an individual may feel alone and abandoned, this book shows that God is always with us. Hold up Job as an example of how we should act during adversity in our lives -- always keeping faith in God, as Job reiterates in Job 2:10.

Suffering

The teachings of Job continue in later Old Testament books and extend to the beginning of the New Testament. The culmination of the Bible's teaching about suffering comes in Jesus' crucifixion. Suffering is one of the most difficult concepts for humans to understand, especially if it is viewed as unjustified. However, suffering can be used for good, to make us better people, or for the ultimate good found in Jesus, absolving humankind of sins.