The Plaintiff's Innocence Series

The Case of Job: Divine Justice Revealed

The Plaintiff's Innocence

Introduction:

Begin by introducing the Book of Job, its central theme of divine justice, and the significance of exploring Job's innocence in the face of suffering. Mention that today's focus is on the first chapter, where we encounter the challenge to Job's integrity by the accuser.

1. The Accuser's Challenge - Job 1:6–12

Let's explore the crucial scene where Satan questions Job's character as a good and sinless man. Job 1:6–12 lays the foundation for the next divine testing. Satan, who is frequently portrayed in the Bible as the antagonist or accuser, casts doubt on Job's sincerity and righteousness before God. This test probes Job's character and dedication to God at its core, not merely his behaviors. Similar imagery of Satan as the accuser appearing before the Lord to bring charges against Joshua the high priest may be found in Zechariah 3:1-2. Revelation 12:10 reaffirms Satan's function as the brethren's accuser.

A. Satan's Challenge to Job's Integrity

The story of Job teaches us that our relationship with God is not based on our external circumstances but on our internal faith. Even when we are faced with trials and tribulations, we can trust that God is with us and that He has a good plan for our lives.

Job was a man who was blessed with everything he could ever want. He had a loving family, a successful business, and good health. But then Satan challenged God, claiming that Job's faith was not genuine. God allowed Satan to test Job, and Job lost everything he had. But through it all, Job never turned away from God. He continued to trust in God's goodness, even when he didn't understand why bad things were happening to him.

In the end, God restored everything that Job had lost, and even more. Job's faith was rewarded, and he was able to see God's goodness in his life, even in the midst of suffering.

The story of Job is a reminder that we can trust God, even when we don't understand His plan. We can be confident that He is with us, and that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Here are some specific lessons we can learn from the story of Job:

God is in control. Even though Satan is allowed to test us, God is still in control of our lives. He knows what is best for us, and He will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear.

God is good. Even when bad things happen to us, we can trust that God is good. He is working all things together for our good, even though we may not understand how.

We can trust God's promises. God has promised to be with us always, and to never leave us or forsake us. We can trust that He will keep His promises, even in the midst of suffering.

Our faith can grow through trials. Trials and tribulations can help our faith to grow stronger. When we go through difficult times, we learn to rely on God more deeply.

If you are going through a difficult time right now, I encourage you to look to the story of Job for inspiration. Remember that God is with you, and that He is working all things together for your good. Trust in Him, and He will see you through.

2: The Beginning of the Divine Trial

The beginning of the divine trial is marked by Satan's challenge, setting in motion a series of events that will test Job's faith and God's divine justice. Job's innocence is on trial, and the cosmic courtroom is convened to address this challenge. Job's suffering and the subsequent discussions with his friends and God Himself will explore the depths of human suffering, the nature of faith, and the profound mystery of divine justice. Job's story is not just about his individual trials but serves as a timeless illustration of the human experience in the midst of suffering and the divine response to such challenges. It is the beginning of a profound journey that will ultimately reveal the depths of Job's faith and the righteousness of God's judgment.

Job 1:6-12: Satan challenges God to test Job's faith.

Job 2:3: God allows Satan to afflict Job with all manner of misfortune.

Job 3: Job curses the day he was born.

Job 13:24-28: Job questions God's justice.

Job 19:25-27: Job maintains his innocence and trusts in God's ultimate vindication.

Job 42:1-6: Job repents of his complaints and God restores his fortunes.

2. The Test of Job's Faith - Job 1:13–22

In this segment of our sermon, we explore the profound challenges and tragedies that Job faces in Job 1:13–22. Job's life, once filled with prosperity and happiness, is suddenly marred by a series of devastating events. He loses his possessions, his servants, and tragically, all ten of his children perish in a single day. These trials and tragedies serve as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of life's unpredictability and the depth of suffering that individuals may endure. It is within this context that we witness Job's unwavering faith and innocence coming to the forefront.