ST. PAUL SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP

"Be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1)

(With Frank Eiklor and Walter Contreras)

WINNERS AND LOSERS

(The Book of Job)

LESSON 61

INTRODUCTION

When Jesus and the Apostles pointed out the Scriptures, they were referring to the 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures that we refer to as the Old Testament. As the New Testament was being written, its writers stressed the importance of the Old Testament examples-good and bad-and the wisdom in learning from them. Twice Paul repeats warnings to pay attention to those examples (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11).

We are now going to continue our exciting journey as we view Old Testament examples of those who obeyed God and were winners as well as those who chose to rebel against the Lord and ended up losers. I especially love all the lessons of life found in the book of Job. Let's get started.

JOB

1:1                               Example-God's definition of a perfect man (see 1:8).

1:14-22                        Example-Recognition of God's sovereignty-even in catastrophe.

2:9, 10                         Example-The world's most foolish counsel can come from the most

                                    unexpected sources.

3:20-22                        Example-The bitter soul that cries for comfort and rest.

CONDITIONS AND PROMISES

11:13-19                      Example-Conditions and promises for entering God's rest and

                                    experiencing His favor (see also Hebrews 4:7-11).

16:1-5                          Example-Difference between miserable and merciful comforters.

19:23-27                      Example-Love for God in the very worst of circumstances (view his                                             situation in chapter 19).

20:4-10                        Example-Triumphing of the wicked is short (v 5).

LOVERS OF DARKNESS

24:13-17, 19, 20, 22,   Example-The end of lovers of darkness.

24

27:13, 16-19                Example-Eternal lessons left behind by crooked men.

28:12-28                      Example-How "fear of the Lord" and "depart from evil" constitute

                                    wisdom and understanding that outweigh all the world's riches.

29:13, 15-17                Example-The unsought blessing that comes to those who relieve the pain

                                    of others.

GOD'S ANOINTING

32:18-22                      Example-God's anointing brings forth powerful, not flattering, words.

36:8-12                        Example-God's purpose in discipline.

40:2-4; 42:5, 6             Example-The revelation of God that lowers self to the dust.