September 13, 2026

JOB: WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

September 13, 2026

Teaching Pastor Charles Billingsley

There are probably many times in your life when you have been asked, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Yet what would happen if bad things did not happen to good people? Everyone would want to be a Christian, but only so that nothing bad happened to them! That’s not a sound foundation for faith, is it? The Biblical story of Job is exciting, frustrating, encouraging, and much more. As you read the last chapter of Job, you have more questions than answers and perhaps more confusion than facts. But as you think on what you read, you realize this void is the chasm where faith dwells: you should believe God is good, faithful, longsuffering, and that His plans and purposes are for the ultimate good of every saved person. Your questions don’t have to be answered for your faith to grow. Job (a man God Himself said was blameless) endured hardship worse than possibly anyone, yet his faith was solid. How miraculous!

Focal Passage: Job 1, 2.

Scene 1—The Righteousness of Job:

  • Read Job 1:1-5. God gave four descriptions of Job’s life. What are they? Read Micah 6:8 and Genesis 6:9. Can these verses build a foundation for all Christians to use as a life that pleases God? How many possessions did he have? Did his possessions hold him back from being the man God desired?
  • What kind of relationship did his family have? What are some of the indications that there was close familial love for each other? Why did Job offer sacrifices? Which other OT saints do you recall offering sacrifices prior to the giving of the Law?
  • Did God accept the sacrifices of Job on behalf of his children? Do you know any parents who are so sold out to God that they are this solicitous about the children’s sins?

Scene 2—Divine Assembly:

  • Read verse 6. Before we look at verse 6, we must separate what is true from what the Bible does not explain. For instance, who formed the council that met with God? Why did Satan have permission to be there? Why was he allowed near God? These are interesting questions, but the Bible is silent. Eventually, you will see Job never knew why he suffered.
  • In verse 6, how does Satan spend his time? What is his job (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8)? Did God know Job would not curse Him?
  • What weapons does Satan use against believers? (Pleasure and pain. And busyness, to a great extent). How can each be effective in tearing down your walk with God?
  • Read vv. 7-12. Is there any comfort in knowing Satan cannot hurt you without God’s permission?

Scene 3—Job’s Massive Loss:

  • Read Job 1:13-19. The Bible doesn’t tell us what this time frame is; however, would Satan want to get his malicious activities done quickly, before anyone could interfere?
  • What did Job do when the carnage was finished? Is it interesting that Satan seems to have some permission to control the weather (vs. 16, fire from heaven, perhaps lightning; vs. 18, a great wind, perhaps a tornado), as well as people (vs. 17, bands of Chaldeans)?
  • Read vv. 20-22. How does Job respond? What were the signs of extreme grief in that era? What does he do? In all honesty, as Charles told of his health battle, would you be able to fall down in worship if you lost your wealth, your possessions, and your children?
  • Has this been true in your life: “Those whom God uses greatly, He always breaks deeply.”
  • You will have a testimony only if you are being (or have been) tested, and passed. Is that you? “Live your story now the way you want to tell it later without having to change anything.” Is this sound advice?

Scene 4—Another Divine Assembly:

  • Read Chapter 2:1-6. Why does Satan return to God’s presence? Does he get permission to do more this time?
  • Since no one interferes or meddles with the situation, would you assume this council meets often? Read Rev. 12:10. Perhaps this is when Satan took time to accuse believers.

Scene 5—Satan Strikes Again:

  • Read 2:7-9. This time, what are Satan’s limitations? Can we infer from this conversation that Satan may have permission to give diseases or health issues to individuals?
  • What counsel does Job’s wife give him? In her defense, what has she just lost as well? Job speaks to her in vs. 10: What is extremely godly about his comment to his wife?

Scene 6—Job’s Friends Arrive:

  • Read verses 11-13. As you read about the friends’ arrival, do you see them at first as sympathetic? How did they react?
  • Can you imagine sitting with a friend who has lost everything, and being quiet for seven days and nights?

CLOSE:

Spend time with this lesson, reflecting on whether you see evidence that Satan sometimes sets your family in motion to have conflict—which is completely possible after reading how Satan tried to destroy Job. As Paul wrote in Eph. 6:12, “We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age.” Here are thoughts for you to ponder over the coming days, from the sermon notes by Charles: The great question of Job 1: When trouble comes, and you lose everything you HAVE, will you still worship God? The great question of Job 2: When trouble comes, and you lose everything you ARE, will you still worship God? And to put your life in perspective, here is a So What: Suffering serves a purpose. Suffering is not always related to how good or bad you have been. When suffering comes, you have a choice to get better or become bitter. When suffering comes, you must decide whether you will bless the Lord or curse Him. Your suffering is not a surprise to God!                                                                                                                           

By Sandy Day
September 13, 2026

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