TITLE:  Who moved the fence?
TEXT:  Job 1:6-12
PROPOSITION: Christians must understand the protection God gives to us.
QUESTION:  When?
KEY WORD:  Changes
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Hedge – wall, fence, enclosure
2. Hebrew word – thorns, spikes, fish hooks, barbed wire, razor wire
3. Not just a border, but protection, keep the enemy away
4. Also – in OT – marking the border, legal property line
   1. Deuteronomy 19:14 – Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s landmark
   2. Proverbs 22:28 – Do not remove the old (ancient) landmark

Job – text

1. Satan says, “Of course Job worships you. You protect him.”
2. You hedge (protect) him, his family, and his property. (10)
3. Hedge = thorns, spikes, fish hooks – modern term – razor wire
4. Remove the fence of protection – he will curse you to your face (11)
5. Job 1:22 – In all this God did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
6. Job 2:10 – In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

 Israel – Numbers 14:8-9

1. If we please God, He will bring us to the land of milk and honey (8)
2. Do not rebel against God, do not fear the people of the land
3. God has removed the hedge (protection) around them.
4. God is with us. (9)

 Christians – Romans 8:31

1. If God is for us – on our side, caring, protecting
2. Who can fight against us, whom should we fear?
3. Psalm 27:1 – Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life
4. Psalm 118:6 – The Lord is on my side, I will not fear what man will do to me
5. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – Lord will establish you and guard you from evil
6. 2 Timothy 1:12 – I know whom I have believed, able to keep (protect)

 What about us, today?

1. Do you have the hedge of protection around you?
   1. Philippians 4:19 – My God shall supply all your needs
   2. Psalm 23:1 – Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
   3. Matthew 6:33 – Seek kingdom first – all these things added
   4. 2 Corinthians 9:8 – God is able to make all grace abound toward you
   5. John 10:10 – I am come that you might have life more abundantly
2. What if the hedge is removed?
3. Does that change your love for God? (See Romans 8:35-39)
4. Is your love for God based on the blessings only?