Wisdom in Suffering

This sermon is the first message in a five week series titled Wisdom in the Way of Christ. Each message is an overview of one of the five wisdom books from the Old Testament. Job is the first of the wisdom books. Job’s main theme is that suffering is common in this life - but God is greater than our suffering, and reveals Himself to us in it. This overview of Job introduces the books of wisdom and then moves on to survey Job by examining the books introduction, it’s four dialogues and it’s conclusion. Many lesson are drawn out from Job as well as the key to Job’s perseverance under such severe trial. Because Job was written about a real sufferer and about the God the sufferer knew and served, this book is particularly helpful for those who are in the midst of suffering themselves. Job teaches us that suffering is not random but rather, has a purpose. The book also shows how the Lord is Himself in control of suffering. The misconception that health, wealth and wisdom are markers of God’s blessing while suffering is not is also revealed. And Job shows that the gospel is the only solid foundation which provides bedrock upon which to stand during times of suffering and trial.