Joseph

Message Summary

Joseph found himself in radically different places than he ever expected. He went from pampered son to a slave in a foreign land. Then, he went from favored steward to unjust imprisonment in Pharaoh’s dungeon. In all, he spent 13 years in slavery and prison. But God used him in each place and situation. Then God miraculously orchestrated circumstances to not only free Joseph but get him the best job in the land—Governor of Egypt! So you might not be where you want to be, but God can use you where you are—and may have something amazing in store for you. Your job, like Joseph, is to be faithful in whatever circumstances you are.

1) Can you share a time when you found yourself in an unexpected situation that at first seemed bad but turned out to be beneficial?

2) What are some of the things you can do to demonstrate faithfulness to God in an unpleasant situation?

Consider This

Joseph showed quality, amazing courage and faithfulness, but he wasn’t perfect.
1) Describe Joseph’s character in Genesis 37:2, 5-11.

2) How did good come out of these bad situations? (See Genesis 39:2-6, 21-23)

3) What can we learn about resisting temptation from Joseph according to Genesis 39:7-12?

4) How does Joseph’s character in Genesis 40:6-8 and 41:16,50-52 compare with his character in question 1 (Genesis 37:2, 5-11)? What do you think caused this transformation?

God planned to bless the seed of Abraham by bringing Israel to Egypt, where they could multiply into a great nation. He used Joseph to facilitate that plan. Joseph was unjustly sold into slavery, but developed faithfulness through adversity. Now, God wanted to develop repentance and faithfulness in Joseph’s brothers. When the brothers came to Joseph for food, he feigned severity and put them to the test.

5) How did Joseph’s brothers react to Joseph’s tests, Genesis 42:21-22, 28? What does this reveal about their character transformation? How did Joseph react? (verse 24)

6) Read Genesis 44:16-33. Do you think Judah’s offer of self-sacrifice was more out of guilt over what they had done to Joseph, or concern for his father, Jacob?

7) What was Joseph’s attitude toward his father, brothers and God in Genesis 50:1-5, 14-21? Do you think he truly forgave his brothers? Why?

8) How was God involved in this story according to Genesis 45:5-11, 50:20?

Moving Forward

God has a plan for your life, ultimately he wants to bring you to faith, and then grow your faith to conform you to the image of Jesus

1) Read Romans 8:28-29. What is the promise? What is the purpose of it all (verse 29)? How does this apply to your life today?

2) Read James 1:2-4. Are trials inevitable? What do they do (v 3)? And what is the goal (v 4)? How can you practically “consider it all Joy” today?

3) Read John 10:9-10. What (who) is the key to finding salvation? What do you think it means to have an abundant life? How is your life abundant today?

4) Do you think trials are normal, according to John 16:33? What truths in this passage help us to remain faithful during times of trial?

5) What are the promises of Philippians 3:20-21? How do these promises help you deal with today?

6) Read 1 Corinthians 15:48. What does this verse tell you about your efforts to work hard to do the right thing and follow the Lord?