As Matt Blake reviews the story of Joseph and shares his own story, listen for evidence of God using this broken world and our broken lives to bring about glory for Himself and good things for both us and for others.

SMALL GROUP GUIDE

Welcome
Weekly Vision Casting  Take time to review the story of Joseph, taking note especially of God’s role in this story and Joseph’s response to God. Then think through how Jesus’ words in John 15:4 might help us imitate Joseph.
*Small Group Guideline*s (if necessary)

Warm Up Question

Study: Head, Heart, and Hand Questions

Personal Prayer Requests

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

WARM UP: Life is hard sometimes. It doesn’t always make sense to us. If you could ask God to clarify just one thing about this life, what would you ask?

HEAD: These questions help us examine the Word.
1. Genesis 37:2 & 41:46 tell us that Joseph was between 17 & 30 years of age when he experienced a series of crushing blows. Review these events including his relationship with his brothers and its result (Gen 37:8, 18, 28, 36), his relationship with Potiphar’s wife and its result (Gen 39:7-19), and his relationship with a fellow prisoner who could have helped him and its result (Gen 40:14-15, 23).
2. The Bible tells us nothing about Joseph’s thoughts concerning his circumstances. But it does tell us what his thoughts were about God during this time. What were they? (Gen 39:9, 40:8, 41:16, 25, 28, 32, 39, 51, 52, 42:18, 45:5-7, 50:19-20, 24)
3. What was God’s relationship toward Joseph during his struggles? (Gen 39:2-6, 21-23, 41:39, 51-52, 50:20)
4. Read John 15:4. How does this teaching relate to the story of Joseph? Why does it matter?

HEART: These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.
5. What do you think Jesus means in John 15:4 when He says, “Remain in Me.” How would you help someone else know how to do this?
6. Why is it difficult to “remain in” Jesus during hard times?
7. What are some practical ways that might help us “remain in” Jesus – or help others remain in Jesus?

HAND: These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday life.
8. What do you need from God right now – and from other people – in order to stay fruitful for Jesus?
9. Who has God put in your life today who you may be in a position to help? What will it require of you to maintain a fruitful relationship with this person?