The Book of Job: Reviewing Context
Two weeks ago I started studying Job. I wrote a post about how important it is to know the context of the book. Who wrote it, the date that it was written, who it was written to and why it was written are all important facts to nail down (We do this the best we can based on archeological evidence.). When we know these facts, it will change how we read the book. I’m also challenging myself not to filter the story through my own life. Do you do this? You jump to where you see yourself in the story? I do so often, but in studying scripture, I want to refrain from putting my own context into the Bible and instead read it for what it actually means-not for what I want it to mean.
The Book of Job: Writing An Outline
The next goal I have for the Job study is to write an outline for the book. I want to try to write the outline without any help from outside sources. I’ll create my outline as I go through the book chapter by chapter. Now, I know that a lot of us shy away from writing-especially outlines. Please, don’t panic. Think of writing this outline sort of like you are writing the order of events in the story.
But how do I write an outline?
Here is an example of how outlines can be written. (Think of the main ideas as main events.)
Why make an outline for the book?
Now, you may be thinking, “Why? This is so much work!” Well, why not? Why not work to know God’s Word so that we can know God better? Working hard to understand will make understanding that much sweeter. Let’s spend quality time digging and laboring in God’s Word, not only because of the benefits it offers us, but more because we love the Savior who died for us.
But there are other reasons for writing an outline. First, it will help us see a very high perspective of the entire book at one time. It’s like zooming out and trying to look at the full view before diving in a little bit closer to study shorter sections of the book. It helps to break down the big story into smaller segments. For Job, it will help us get an idea of who speaks and for how long. It will also help us to see which character says what. The outline will be a guide for the rest of study through out Job.
If you are struggling with wanting to write an outline, I’d skip it altogether and just write a short paragraph of what happens in the story. Don’t give up just because of the outline. Challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to get it wrong.
Tools For The Job Bible Study
I recommend purchasing a few things for the Job Study. One is three prong folder. Does the dollar store have folders like this? I’m not sure, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. Basic will do. You will want a place to store everything, and this type of folder will work fine. You may need a hole puncher, but I cheat and just use the prongs to punch a hold through the paper. The first item you can print and put in the folder is the printable below. This printable is just pretty paper to write your outline of Job. You can use plain paper, too. I just like pretty things.
Conclusion
For the next two weeks in Job, I plan on going through the book and making an outline. If you are doing this study, please let me know! I’d love to hear from you. Maybe show me your outlines and how they are going in the comments? And if along the way, you find yourself discouraged, you are not alone. Keep chugging. Studying isn’t going to be easy, but it will be worth it. And also pace yourself. Be determined, but remember that perfection isn’t the goal. Simply go forward.
