January 20, 2009

Disciples Group Meeting

January 20, 2009

Lesson 15 – When Trouble Comes

Gathering and Prayer (5 min)

Prayer

Scripture: Job 3:24-26

Theme: When Trouble Comes

Theme Word: Suffering

Video Segment (20 minutes)

Listen for the following responses to Job’s suffering: Job’s, Job’s friends, and God’s. Discussion Question: What do the responses of Job, Job’s friends, and God convey about the message of the book? How do you respond to Job’s suffering?

Scripture and Study Manual / Encounter the Word / Marks of Discipleship (combined) (60 minutes)

Read the Excerpt from Job (20 minutes)

Break into Groups: (20 minutes)

1. What are the different kinds of counsel offered by Job’s friends? Be specific. Do you see any patterns?

2. Identify one or two of the arguments offered by the friends. In what ways are these explanations partly true but not completely appropriate?

3. Some people have said Job is a book about “patience,” yet the story depicts the character of Job as so much more. Identify ways in which Job is patient, pious, blasphemous, self-loathing, and self-righteous.

4. The story of Job has been classified by some scholars as a folk tale or fable. Most fables have a moral. What is the moral of this story?

5. Read “Our Human Condition” and “Marks of Discipleship.” What are some of the ways we keep from becoming bitter when we do not understand what is happening to us and why? How can we learn to trust God when we have no answers?

Group Reports (20 minutes)

Closing and Prayer (5 minutes)

Prayer Requests

Closing Prayer

Reminders:

Jan. 27 – People Hope for a Savior – Rev. Melody L. Seaton

Feb. 3 – The Time of Transition - Shirley Hall