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JOB 1:20-22

"BLESSED BY THE NAME OF JEHOVAH"

Intro: The real test of the value of my Christian experience comes in
       adversity. How  do I react to tragic losses? Anybody can smile on
       a sunny day. In Job, we find a  man who was suddenly stripped of
       everything.

I. THE REASONS BEHIND JOB'S LOSSES.
        A. God had been bragging on Job.
                1. A complete man, upright man, loves good, hates evil.
        B. Satan's philosophy.
                1. Job is a mercenary.
                        a. He is only serving for the material prosperity
                           God has given him.
                2. "Doth Job serve God for nothing?"
                3. Let me strip him and he will curse you.
                4. You have protected him from me.

II. JOB'S STRIPPING.
        A. Sabeans stole oxen and asses.
        B. "A fire of God is fallen from heaven."
                1. Destroyed sheep.
                2. This was not really a fire of God.
                3. How often man blames God for Satan's work.
        C. The Chaldeans stole the camels.
        D. Sons and daughters all killed when a great wind collapsed their
           house.
                1. Would be classified by insurance company as an "Acts of
                   God."
                2. These are the very things God had been protecting him
                   from by the hedge around him.

III. LET US NOW LOOK AT JOB'S REACTION.
        A. The crisis hour has come.
                1. Satan's work for a time is finished.
                2. As Job stands will he curse God?
                3. I am sure all heaven was hushed.
        B. The heavens watch as Job tears his robe, shaves his head, then
           falls on the ground and worships God.

V. JOB'S PHILOSOPHY CONCERNING HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS.
        A. "Naked I came into the world..."
                1. When I started I had nothing.
                2. When I leave I am taking nothing with me.
        B. What I have has been given me by God.
                1. Thus it is really His.
                2. It is only mine to use as He sees fit.
        C. Job possessed his possessions.
                1. Many men are possessed by their possessions.
                2. Their lives governed by the material.
                3. Your life is governed by spiritual or material.

V. GOD'S VICTORY.
        A. Job did not curse God.
        B. Yet more. He did not charge God foolishly.