Key Verse
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” I Peter 1:7
Read the Key Verse with your class. Explain that gold is purified with fire. When it is hot enough to become liquid, the impurities can be skimmed off. When we have trials (a time of testing), it is to purify us – making us better Christians. Even though we don’t like trying times, they are to help us become better Christians as we wait for Jesus’ return.
Summary: Today we begin studying the first of the five Personal Books, Job. We will continue with Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon in the following weeks of this quarter. They are all books written as poems. They each deal with individuals’ very personal experiences with God. We will see how they specifically deal with the individual’s heart issues as they seek to know and understand God better.
The book of Job opens with a behind the scenes event that Job never knew about (a very important fact for us to consider!) Satan presented himself before God’s throne after walking to and fro over the face of the earth. God (knowing all) asked if he had set his heart upon God’s servant, Job. God then gave Satan permission to afflict Job. The rest of the book records the events that transpired. Today in our lesson we will see both sides, heavenly and earthly, of the afflictions of this upright man Job. A most important thing to note: through the events that take place in this book, a man God described as a “perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth (turns away from) evil” (Job 1:8), Job still grew in his knowledge of God – Job 42:5-6: “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Many believe the book of Job takes place about the same time as Abraham, but most all agree that this is the oldest book written.
Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!
Emphasis: Even though we may have been in Sunday School or church for most of our lives, and think we know “enough”, we can still grow in our knowledge of God’s Word. We should never lose that desire to learn more about God. Job didn’t!
Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:
Lesson 40 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1
Lesson 40 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet
Ideas for children:
Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.). I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash! Pinterest always has great ideas!
You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.
One idea for today’s lesson: (See picture below). For today’s lesson I had a list of some people in our church who were sick (or some of our shut-ins that no longer are able to physically attend church). We made and colored cards to send to them. It is important to minister to others when they are sick or afflicted. We may not understand what is going on in their lives (much like Job’s friends had no idea what was really going on in his life), but it is a blessing to be kind to them.
Mural idea:
Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.
By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives. Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural. Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.
Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall. Encourage everyone to participate.
