“There was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless, a man of complete integrity.” (Job 1:1)

“You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11)

Introduction

Job is a hero. He was the wealthiest man in the world. He had ten children, seven sons, and three daughters. He went through more than any other human being. He lost his entire family in one day. He lost all his livestock and riches. Finally, he lost his health and was covered in boils. Through it all, he never denied God or blamed him for his problems.

What was Job’s heroic spirit? It was “endurance.” Some call it “patience.” It is the ability to go into the storms of life with CHARACTER. Character means a “fixed, immovable object.” Like a statute, no storm, hurricane, or even lightning can affect it. It continues to stand in the midst of incredible adversity. Today we will look at some factors that affect your “endurance.”

1. SATAN IS YOUR ENEMY

Satan came before God to accuse Job. He is called the “accuser of the brothers.” He told God that if Job lost his fortune and health that he would curse God to his face. God disagreed and allowed him to attack Job (vv. 6–12).

SATAN is your enemy, not God. God may allow it, but He does not cause it (there is a huge difference). It is wrong to blame God for everything that happens to you.

There is a “circle” around your life (v. 10). Now and then, God allows something to penetrate your circle. He has confidence that you have the power to use your faith and push that thing out of the circle.

Question: A tree and a statue react differently in a storm. One breaks, the other stands. What was the worst storm of your life, and how did you come through it by the grace of God? Why do we always blame God for our problems when Job says that Satan is the one who created all the havoc?

2. INTEGRITY IS YOUR TREASURE

“Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die.” (Job. 2: 9)

Job demonstrates that integrity is “not for sale.” Even though he did not understand all of his problems and circumstances, he refused to sacrifice his principles of purity, leadership, and character.

Satan’s biggest attack upon your life is not physical but spiritual. He wants to see you turn your back on God when you are in a storm. Integrity says, “I may not understand now, but I will. Money, position, and power do not make me who I am—integrity makes me who I am.”

Question: Job was defined by his integrity, not his money. Do you know someone who surprised you when they no longer had wealth, and yet they continued to be faithful to the Lord?

3. GOD REWARDS THE FAITHFUL

“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10)

We don’t know how long Job endured his terrible trial. His three best friends turned on him and told him to confess the sin that caused his calamity. He prayed for them, and suddenly the trial was over. He “passed the test,” and God rewarded him with twice the riches and ten more children.

Someone said, “Stand forever, and it will all be over someday.” We all want trials to end immediately. One thing we are sure of: they will end in our favor. Whatever you are going through, refuse to give in to bitterness, fear, anger, or hatred. Job learned the “purpose of the Lord that he is compassionate and merciful.”

Question: God will “turn it around.” Discuss a situation that God turned around for good because you refused to turn your back on the Lord.

Action Point: If any group members have not read Life 01, now would be a great time to learn more about Jesus, our greatest Hero, and what He did for you.

The Freedom Encounter: Many men have been exposed to, and even participated in, immoral practices and need a time of cleansing. The Freedom Encounter is a great place to receive healing and deliverance from your past. Ask your B-Group Leader about attending at the end of this semester. Do you have another man with whom you are accountable? If not, would you like one, or is that a future step for you?

Leader: Take a few minutes and ask if any men need specific prayer over a need they may be facing. As you speak with the men in your group, find out the next step for them in the Bethany Growth Track.