Job 14:1 Why can’t we have constant sunshine?  Makes deserts Job 1-2  “The greatest affliction of life is never to be afflicted” afflictionto  We know what affliction can do to us

afflictionfor What can affliction do for us?  Job 1:21; 2:10; 3:…11…  1 Co.7:26… Tim.4:10 I. Detach Us From This world

What can affliction do for us? I. Detach Us From This world II. Direct Our Attention To God

Job 19:25-27 Ps.23 Ps.119: anyone can stand adversity; real trial is prosperity 119:67 “Affliction is God’s shepherd dog to drive us back to the fold” 119:71 Sorrow and affliction are not pleasant, but they are good

“Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and pain- ful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my exper- ience, has been through affliction and not through happiness” –M. Muggeridge

A contrast Smyrna Rv.2:8-10 Afflicted Poor, but rich Laodicea Rv.3:15-21 Untouched Rich, but poor

Affliction brings us home “Burn him, fire; toss him, tempests, and ship- wreck his estate; forsake him, friends; designs, fail him; children, be rebellious to him, as he is to me; let his supports and dependencies sink under him, his riches melt away, leave him poor, and despised, and destitute.” These are all God’s servants, and must obey his will. And to what end is all this, but that, seeing himself forsaken of all, he may at length, like the beggared prodigal, return to his father?

What can affliction do for us? I. Detach Us From This world II. Direct Our Attention To God III. Develop Our Sympathy

Almighty God Occurs most in Job (31 of 48x) God comes to him, not as a compas- sionate sympathizer, but as a stern corrector (Job 40:2) God answers Job, not w. propositions, but w. Himself

Job 42: 1-6, what advice he could give sufferers 7-9, what an example he set for those who hated their enemies 12…17, what comfort he could offer others who were hurting (affected by the same suffering) 1 Pt.3:8, have compassion (affected by the same suffering); be sympathetic; understanding

What can affliction do for us? I. Detach Us From This world II. Direct Our Attention To God III. Develop Our Sympathy IV. Disciple Others In Crisis

Job suffered for our benefit 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God –2 Co.1:3-4

What can affliction do for us? I. Detach Us From This world II. Direct Our Attention To God III. Develop Our Sympathy IV. Disciple Others In Crisis IV. Distinguish Us From World

The perseverance of Job (Ja.5:11) Great trials seem to be necessary preparation for great duties Job’s Example: continued to trust God though he was “in the dark”

“We cannot understand the meaning of many trials; God does not explain them. To explain a trial would be to destroy its object, which is that of calling forth simple faith and implicit obedience. If we knew why the Lord sent us this or that trial, it would thereby cease to be a trial either of faith or of patience” – Alfred Edersheim

The perseverance of Job (Ja.5:11) Great trials seem to be necessary preparation for great duties Job’s Example: continued to trust God though he was “in the dark” Job’s End: great blessings come to those who persevere

1 Th.4:13 No hope No hope (Ep.2:12) Unbelievers had no evidence of immortal souls; if they lived, where they happy? No hope of seeing them again Men played sad songs; women wailed Beat breasts, shrieked, tore garments, hair, cast dust on heads, sat in ashes

1 Th.4:18 Comfort…with these words “Why do the righteous suffer?” “Why not? They’re the only ones who can take it” Ro.8:18