Job, Faith, and the Revelation of God (Job & The Problem of Evil)
Job 1:1-2:13

The problem of evil and the existence of God has long been a dilemma for man. As Christians, how do we answer this problem?

I. The Problem of Evil
A. Definition of Evil- That which is opposed to God and His purposes or that which, defined from human perspectives, is harmful and non-productive.
B. Two Types of Evil-
a. Natural Evil - Natural evil is a material entity which causes pain and suffering to humanity but which is not due to direct human involvement. Congenital diseases, tsunamis, earthquakes, drought, and famine are all examples of natural evil. These are non-moral calamities that affect humanity.
b. Moral Evil - Moral evil originates in the heart or mind of God’s creatures (angels –man). Moral evil is contrary to God’s nature, character, and Law. When people, created in the image of God, choose to act in defiance of God through sinful acts of commission or omission, the result is moral evil. Examples of moral evil include: Murder, rape, robbery, embezzlement, hatred, jealousy, etc.,
C. Biblical Examples of Moral and Natural Evil [Luke 13:1-5]
D. Reconciling the Problem of Evil-
a. God had a reason for Evil in His plan, known at least to Him [Eph.2:4-7]

II. Job’s Piety (1:1-5)
A. Job was a man from Uz, who feared and worshipped God.

III. God’s Proposition (1:6-12)
A. In heaven, God enters in a cosmic contest with Satan.
B. Satan can only touch Job by and through divine permission.

IV. Satan’s Persecution (1:13-19)
A. Satan afflicts Job through natural (wind, fire) and moral evil (theft, murder).

V. Job’s Praise (1:20-22)
A. Job worshipped God in spite of his loss (1:20-22)

VI. God’s Second Proposition (2:1-6)
A. God again challenges Satan regarding Job’s piety (2:1-6)

VII. Satan’s Second Persecution (2:7-9)
A. Satan is responsible for Job’s physical affliction.
B. Job is afflicted by sores and disease.

VIII. Job’s Profession (2:10)
A. Job realized that both positive and negative circumstances come from God.
B. Job remained faithful in his affliction.

IX. Job’s Pain (2:11-13)
A. Job’s friends respond to his calamity by visiting him.
B. Their response to Job is comforting silence then wrong conclusions.

1st Cycle
(4-5) Eliphaz & Job (6-7)
(8) Bildad & Job (9-10)
(11) Zophar & Job (12-14)

2nd Cycle
(15) Eliphaz & Job (16-17)
(18) Bildad & Job (19)
(20) Zophar & Job (21)

3rd Cycle
(22) Eliphaz & Job (23-24)
(25) Bildad & Job (26-31)
(32-37) Elihu

a. Eliphaz- If Job feared God, he has the right to expect he will not suffer long.
b. Bildad- God’s punishment is fair. Job has some sin in his life for which he must reconcile.
c. Zophar- suffering is always the result of sin. It is a warning against future sins.

Points to Ponder:
1. God includes evil in His sovereign purposes but He is not the blameworthy cause of it.
2. God has a morally sufficient reason for the evil that exists, which always works to the Christian’s good and spiritual growth [Rom. 8:28].

Greg Bahnsen, The Problem of Evil (Part 2) Online. Accessed Jan. 19, 2019. http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/pa105.htm

John MacArthur. Why Does Evil Dominate the World? Online. Accessed Jan. 19, 2019. https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/90-333/why-does-evil-dominate-the-world.

James E. Smith, The Wisdom Literature of Psalms, Old Testament Survey Series (Joplin, MO: College Press, 1996), Job 2: 7-13.