A Miraculous Entrance

Introduction:

John 8:41 - "You are doing the works your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father--even God."

Why I believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ (and why it matters) (Matthew 1:18-25):

1. It is the Straightforward Teaching of scripture.
2. It is Certainly Possible with God.

   Luke 1:34 - How will this be, since I am a virgin?

   Luke 1:37 - Nothing will be impossible with God.

3. It is Essential for Salvation.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Matthew 1:18-25

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think the doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ is so consistently denied?
   

3. Why is believing in the virgin birth an important doctrine to embrace? What are the implications if Jesus was just naturally Joseph and Mary’s son?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Are You Willing to Wait?

Introduction:

James 5:11 - Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Why I'm Willing to Wait on the Lord While I Suffer (Job 42:7-17):

1. Because God will have the Last Word . (Job 42:7-9)
2. Because God is Making me through suffering. (Job 42:7-9)

   Philippians 1:6 - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

   Hebrews 2:10 - For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

   Hebrews 5:8 - Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

   1. Suffering Humbles me.
   2. Suffering teaches me Perseverance .
   3. Suffering proves if my faith is Real .

      Job 13:15 - Though he slay me, I will hope in him...

3. Because Blessing comes after suffering. (Job 42:10-17)

   Philippians 3:10 - ...that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings

   2 Timothy 2:10 - if we endure, we will also reign with him

   Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

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Small Group Discussion
Covering Job 42:7-17

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. In Job 42:7-8, God says Job “has spoken of Me what is right”. Why would God say this in light of Job making some pretty harsh comments about God in Job 3-31?
   

3. How exactly does suffering build perseverance? What is my part in growing in perseverance while I suffer?
   

4. How does suffering prove whether or not your faith is real? How do we know Job had a real faith?
   

5. Do you think Satan still seeks to afflict believers today? Why or why not?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Do You Control It All?

Introduction:

How to Make Sense of Suffering: Four Questions You Must Answer (Job 40:1-42:6):

1. Have I Humbled myself? (Job 40:1-5)
2. Do I think I can do Better than God? (Job 40:6-14)
3. Do I have any Power over evil? (Job 40:15-41:34)
4. Will my suffering draw me Closer to God? (Job 42:1-6)

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Small Group Discussion
Covering Job 40-42:6

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Read Job 40:33-34. Why do these verses seem to indicate that God isn’t just talking about an animal? What is Leviathan a symbol of?
   

3. What exactly was God’s point in describing Behemoth and Leviathan as He did? How is this an answer for Job’s questions?
   

4. What exactly from God’s Behemoth and Leviathan descriptions made Job repent? How would you paraphrase this lesson to teach someone who is suffering?

Breakout:
Pray for one another.

Do You Know It All?

Introduction:

Job 1:22 - In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

Job 2:10 - In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Job 7:20 - “Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you?”

Job 13:3 - “But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.”

See: Job 23:2-6

Questions to Ask Myself When I Question God (Job 38-39):

1. Am I qualified to evaluate the One who Supervises Me ? (Job 38:1-3)

   Circle the correct answer: - Yes or No

2. Am I able to know more than the One who Created Everything ? (Job 38:4-21)

   Circle the correct answer: - Yes or No

   Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.

   Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows that will He also reap.

3. Am I wise enough to give advice to the One who Directs What I Cannot Control ? (Job 38:22-39:30)

   Circle the correct answer: - Yes or No

   Romans 11:34-35 - “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?”

   1 Corinthians 1:18 - For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

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Small Group Discussion
Covering Job 38-39

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What does it look like to question God? How do you see yourself questioning God right now?
   

3. Go around and share things that you cannot possibly know about this life, this world, and this universe. How should these things that we do not know affect our view of God and ourselves?
   

4. Can you think of a time when you tried to advise/counsel God but His plans ended up being way better than your own?

Breakout (men and women separate):
Share how you struggle with a “I know better than God” mentality right now and pray for one another.

Be More THAT Guy

Introduction:

How to Help Sufferers Who Are in a Bad Place (Job 32-37):

1. Deal in Truth . (Job 32-33)
   1. Deal in God's Word, not Man's .
   2. Deal with what is Said , not what you Suppose.
2. Address their Conduct . (Job 34)
   1. Point out Worldy behavior.
   2. Point the way Forward .
3. Ask about their Walk with God. (Job 35)
   1. Are you Maturely responding to suffering?
   2. Are you crying About God or crying To God?
4. Leave room for Mystery . (Job 36-37)
   1. We must be okay with not knowing Everything .
   2. We must Act on what we do know.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Covering Job 32-37

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Read Job 32:1-5. Why was Elihu so angry? What was the root cause of his anger?
   

3. Read Job 32:21-22. How do people show partiality and use flattery when they counsel? Why did Elihu refuse to do this?
   

4. Read Job 34:7-9. How can you point out someone’s sinful behavior in a straightforward, but tactful, way?
   

5. Read Job 36:26, 37:5, and 37:23. How would you communicate the truth that “we can’t understand everything God is doing” in an effective way to someone who is hurting?

Breakout
Pray for one another.