Why? Discussion Guide - Week 3

Welcome
In the first part of this sermon series, we looked at the story of Job and the question, “Will we receive good from God but not also receive bad?” In part 2 we looked at the first conversation between Job and Eliphaz focusing on the question, “What is the purpose of suffering?” This week we are moving on in the conversation between Job and his friends to ask the question, “Is God fair or just?”


Opening Prayer
Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, come and be with us as we gather and talk about your word. Speak to our hearts as we share with each other and help us to better understand what you are trying to teach us. Thank you for everyone in this group and be with those who may not have been able to join today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Ice Breaker
Share about a time when you felt like the circumstances or the rules of something were unfair. This could be a game, a contest, a policy, or even a situation with friends or family growing up.


The Head
In Job 7 and 8 we see Job defend his anger and continue to argue that what is happening to him doesn’t seem to be fair. Job knows that he has done nothing wrong and yet he is being “punished.” His friends believe God must be fair and therefore Job MUST have done something wrong. Both Bildad and Zophar understand God’s justice as retributive justice – the idea that bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people.

Bildad from Shuah responded: “How long will you mouth such things such that your utterances become a strong wind? Does God pervert justice, or does the Almighty distort what is right? If your children sinned against him, then he delivered them into the power of their rebellion. If you will search eagerly for God, plead with the Almighty. If you are pure and do the right thing, then surely he will become active on your behalf and reward your innocent dwelling.” [Job 8:1-6]

• Which line in these verses sticks out to you the most?
• Bildad asks, "Does God pervert justice, or does the Almighty distort what is right?" What does this question reveal about Bildad’s understanding of God's justice?

Then Job’s friend Zophar describes a similar understanding of God’s judgement:

If you make your mind resolute and spread your palms to him, if you throw out the sin in your hands and don’t let injustice dwell in your tents, then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and not fear. [Job 11:13-15]

• These verses suggest that righteousness leads to security and peace. How do you interpret this in light of what we know about Job’s situation?
• Do you think Zophar’s view of God’s justice oversimplifies the connection between sin and suffering? Why or why not?

The Heart
Under the definition of justice given by Job’s friends, God appears unjust and unfair. But there is another way to understand justice. Justice can be retributive or restorative. Retributive justice emphasizes punishment for wrongdoing. In contrast, restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by the wrongdoing. It seeks to involve all victims, offenders, and the community in a process that addresses the needs of everyone affected.¹

• What have you personally believed God’s justice to be: retributive or restorative? Why?
• What does “restoration” look like in your life, in your relationships, and in your faith?
• How does the concept of justice shift when seen through the lens of eternity?
• In your own life, how have you wrestled with the tension between God's justice and the reality of suffering, especially when it's hard to see the reasons behind the suffering?

The Hands
Continue to meditate and journal about the story of Job. It can also help to practice positive affirmations. Say these out loud to yourself each day this week as you spend time with God.

• “Everything will be alright in the end. Love ultimately wins.”
• “We live in a fallen, broken world. My struggle is not evidence that God hates me. God loves me unconditionally and is always fighting for me.”
• “God will use my struggles to strengthen me. God will never abandon me.”

Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the discussions we have had and the time we have spent together today. Help us to feel and experience your love even in the midst of great suffering. Strengthen us through our struggles and help us to draw closer to you in hard times as well as good times. Reveal your heart to us this week as we go about our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


References
1. A great, in-depth look at retributive justice vs. restorative justice: https://callforjustice.org/restorative-vs-retributive-justice/


A CoreGroup Podcast with Pastor Charity
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From Pastor Charity
BAPTISM SUNDAY
Sunday, November 24

Join us on November 24th for Baptism Sunday! Whether you’ve never been Baptized, don’t remember your Baptism, or desire to mark a new season in your faith, you are welcome to come forward and respond to God’s grace in this way. Click HERE to learn more or to sign up.


FAITH IN PRACTICE CLASSES: WORSHIP WITH OTHERS
Thursday, December 5 from 6:30 – 8:30pm
McCausland Site Sanctuary

The Gathering has six shared practices: prayer, worship, grow in groups, serve, give, and invite. In the coming months, Pastors and Staff will lead classes on each of these practices. Whether you're questioning, curious, or committed to Jesus or the church, these classes are for you! This month we will dig deeper into the practice of Worship. Click HERE to learn more or to sign up.