Since the focus of the class this semester is “God and evil”, and considering the reading she assigned, then I am focusing on the relationship between God, Lucifer/Satan, and humankind.
You can see from my second post that for the class discussion I am looking at the relationship between the serpent and humans in Genesis, and his influence on us.
For Job then I think turning the focus of the discussion towards the relationship between the Lord God and Lucifer/Satan would be interesting. And of course Job’s steadfastness in faithfulness to God, even in the midst of great troubles.
That sounds very good. Here are a few suggestions to help you to that end:
Obviously this has the potential to do much good for the souls of your audience. Therefore, I suggest couching each of your ideas in the framework of redemption.
I understand you may not agree with all of the theological implications in the following suggestions, but you may some of it helpful.
You may want to begin with the nature of Adam and Eve’s relationship with God before the incident at the tree. Sin was not yet present in the created order which means they were able to perfectly fulfill the purpose for which God had created them. They were able to enjoy perfect fellowship with God. In a word, we could describe it as a literal, ‘Heaven on earth.’
When discussing the incident at the tree, emphasize the significance of Adam and Eve’s sin and what theologians refer to as the ‘Fall’. This indicates their fall away from God and from righteousness. They were banished from the Garden! Because of their sin, human existence would never be the same.
Also explain the significance of Moses’ description of Eve’s experience when she was tempted: She saw it was pleasant to the eyes, good for food, and good to make one wise. Do this together with a reference to 1 John 2:16 where the apostle uses language which parallels Moses description of Eve’s experience. This would allow you demonstrate the universal effects of the fall on all mankind.
You could also point to Eve’s first child, Cain and that he inherited his parents fallen, sinful condition (this would lead naturally into chapter 4 especially verses 6-7) also quote Jesus (Matthew 15:19).
As far as the serpent, Revelation 20:2-3 would make a clear reference to his identity and his work as a deceiver. His cleverness is shown in his subtlety and ability to turn our attention from what’s important to the mundane and vain.
Then, immediately after the Fall, God restores (to some degree) the broken relationship between Him and them. You could emphasize that they are hiding from and avoiding their Creator, yet the offended, angry God comes to them in order to re-create (creating new creatures in Christ-2 Corinthians 5:17) God declares the Gospel for the first time to Adam and Eve, referring to the ‘seed of the woman’ which would ‘crush the head of the serpent’. And by this, God restores the broken relationship. Notice He gives them animal skins which strongly implies that animal sacrifices had been instituted (atonements for sin which pictured the Sacrifice to come.)
Then, from there you could move naturally to Job as a trophy of God’s redeeming work. Job pictures one who’s relationship to God was in the process of restoration through the Gospel. Satan is the antagonist (the accuser of the brethren). He accuses Job of obeying God because he is blessed by God. But God, who knows those who love Him, says ‘you’re wrong and I’ll prove it.’ In order to prove (try, test) Job’s faithfulness, God sets the parameters by which Satan would be allowed to afflict Job. The Puritans referred to Satan as ‘God’s ape on a chain.’
God was confident that Job would not fail the test because God had
‘begun a good work in him and would bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.’(Philippians 1:6) One verse that profoundly demonstrates Job’s faith in the coming Messiah and hope for his own completed redemption is chapter 19:25-26,
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” Paradise restored!
I hope this helps you and let me know I can help further. May God bless your efforts at this choice opportunity, and who knows, maybe He’ll cause some of your colleagues to think more deeply about these things.
good luck!