Series Title: The Question of the Ages—Why? Lesson Title: Who’s in Charge, Here? - Audio

Bakersfield First Assembly

Series Title: The Question of the Ages—Why? Lesson Title: Who’s in Charge, Here? Job 1:6-12 (NIV) – [6] One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. [7] The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” [8] Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” [9] “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. [10] “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. [11] But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” [12] The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. 1. Satan has access to God. (v.6) a. The angels regularly present themselves before the Lord. b. Satan’s presence before God is not an odd occurrence. Revelation 12:9-10 (NIV) – [9] The great dragon was hurled down-that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. [10] Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.” 2. Satan has free reign on the earth. (v.7) a. God immediately recognized Satan’s identity. b. God in His omnipotence summoned Satan and he doesn’t even know it. c. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, the earth is Satan’s dominion. Matthew 4:8-9 (NIV) – [8] Again, the devil took him (Jesus) to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” d. Satan and his fallen angels are an occupying force on the earth. e. The Kingdom of God is a revolutionary army. 3. God presents Job to Satan as a challenge. (v.8) a. It is God who first broaches the subject of Job. b. God reiterates Job’s character qualities, and He is pleased. c. Though Job’s friends would accuse him of sin, God had already declared him blameless. d. Though suffering has been promised, many times we don’t think we are deserving of any kind of suffering. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV) – [12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (AMP) – [12] Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. [13] But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly]. 4. Satan charges that Job’s love is conditional. (v.9-11) a. Just as humanity was convinced that God’s blessing was conditional upon one’s good deeds, so Satan was convinced that Job’s love was based solely upon God’s protection and provision. John 6:26 (NIV) – [26] Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” b. God does indeed place hedges of protection around His people and does indeed bless the work of their hands. c. Satan’s assertion is that in the absence of God’s blessing, Job will quickly resort to cursing. 5. God releases Job into Satan’s hands with limits. (v.12) a. God did not strike Job directly but gave Satan the authority to do whatever he willed. b. Even still, God, in his sovereignty, set limits. c. Though God did not directly cause Job’s suffering, He allowed it to happen, and this is the root of our problem of understanding why. d. Satan is limited and under God’s supreme authority.