Even in the midst of his dark trials, Job maintained faith in God. He believed in God for salvation and continued to believe God during his suffering.

Introduction

Why does God allow suffering? This question has been asked and debated across the centuries. Some believe that a Christian should never suffer—to them, suffering indicates a lack of faith or worse, sin in the life of the sufferer. This idea is nothing new; it’s as old as one of the oldest books in the Bible—the Book of Job.

The Book of Job depicts a battle between God and Satan. The spiritual struggle taking place answers the question: Is God worthy of man’s worship?

The message contained in the first chapter of the Book of Job is of vital importance to each of our lives. The spiritual battle being waged in this ancient text continues in your life and mine. Which God will we worship? The God of Heaven or the god of this world, Satan?

The Character of Job (Job 1:1)

Job was described as perfect and upright (Job 1:1). Character has been described as what you are when no one is looking. As the saying goes:

“Sow a thought, reap an act;

sow an act, reap a habit;

sow a habit, reap a character;

sow a character, reap a destiny.”

Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are. Reputation is made in a moment; character is built in a lifetime. Your character is what God knows you to be. Your reputation is what others think you are.

Job was perfect and upright—complete and mature. “Perfect” (complete) speaks of Job’s salvation. In every person, there is a God-shaped void that people seek to fill with many things.

Understanding the Gospel

The gospel tells us that God created us for fellowship with Him, but our sins separate us from God. Sin cannot be removed by good deeds. Jesus paid the price for sin when He died and rose again. Everyone who trusts in Jesus alone has eternal life. Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.

Job’s uprightness speaks of his spiritual maturity. He was a man of integrity (Job 2:3, 9; 27:5; 31:6)—real, without hypocrisy or duplicity. There was no window dressing or pretense with Job, unlike the Pharisees in the New Testament. He was a disciple, growing in God-like character (Job 28:28).

We too should be real (1 John 1:5-9). When we fail, we shouldn’t deny or lie! Honesty means being transparent with God and others.

The Foundation of Character

Fearing God (Job 1:1)

Job feared God. A rational fear is a healthy dread of something or someone who is powerful and present. This differs from pagan fear—fear of something that doesn’t exist except in the imagination. Satan often takes advantage of this ignorance and affirms the lie.

Many people have an uninformed fear—fearing something because they don’t know what it is. Many don’t really know God and therefore either ignore Him altogether or fear Him in the wrong way.

The fear of the LORD is coupled with reciprocating love; He loves us, and we love Him in return (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19).

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