fbcwf.org · Web viewTake the time to practice seeking out blind spots through meditation on God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to bring them to your attention. Once He does, confess

Life’s Not Fair: The Story of Joseph

Lessons Included:Introduction

Riches to Rags (Gen. 37 & 39)Dream a Little Dream (Gen. 40-41)

Testing Time (Gen. 42-44)The Great Reveal (Gen. 45-46)

The Blessing (Gen. 47 & 50)

We want this study to be a blessing to you and work in whatever life stage you are in. We

have designed the study with three tiers. Each week, choose the tier that fits your schedule and life. You can choose a different tier each

week or do the same one throughout the entire study.

Tier One: Read (or listen to) the chapters we will cover.

Tier Two: Read (or listen to) the chapters we will cover

and SUGAR them (see back cover).Tier Three:

Read (or listen to) the chapters we will cover. SUGAR them. Work through the “digging

deeper” questions.

Introduction

Week of January 9 - 15

Tier One: Read Genesis 37 & 39.Tier Two: Tier 1 plus SUGAR the chapters.

Genesis 37

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Tier Three: Tiers 1 & 2 plus “Digging Deeper” Questions

Digging Deeper Questions – Genesis 37

Joseph is always portrayed as the guy with the colorful jacket. Whether it is technicolored or not, we know that it was a statement piece. Have you ever wondered why Joseph’s brothers would hate him so much because of a simple clothing item? Haven’t most of us had a family member that received a cool outfit that we wanted? Why the severe animosity?The Hebrew word for this varicolored tunic means simply “a tunic reaching to the extremities, and describes a garment commonly worn in Egypt and the adjacent lands. Imagine a long white linen robe extending to the ankles and wrists, and embroidered with a narrow stripe of color round the edge of the skirt and sleeves…this sort of robe was worn only by the opulent and noble, by kings’ sons, and by those who had no need to toil for their living.” (Meyer pg. 12)

Jacob grew up in a family ripped apart by favoritism. Esau (his older twin brother) was his dad’s (Isaac) favorite. Rebekah (their mom) favored Jacob. Favoritism wreaks havoc in families.Why would Jacob show such obvious favoritism when he had witnessed firsthand the destruction it caused? Do you think he was aware of how it affected every member of his family?

Blind spots. Jacob may have had a blind spot when it came to how he treated different members of his family. Think carefully about possible blind spots in our own lives.Read Psalm 19:12-13 & 139: 23-24. What is the cure for blind spots? How do we uncover them and get rid of them?

Psalm 32 contrasts the difference between the chaos of unconfessed sin and the peace God gives when we do confess.

Take the time to practice seeking out blind spots through meditation on God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to bring them to your attention. Once He does, confess quickly and completely and walk in the freedom He offers!

Jesus: The True and Better JosephIn what ways do Joseph’s circumstances, attitudes, and actions point us to Jesus?

Genesis 39

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Joseph’s riches to rags story seems to take a positive turn at the beginning of chapter 39. Reading through this chapter, you will see a few phrases repeated. Record those phrases below.

Why would Moses, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, record these repetitive phrases?

No matter what circumstance Joseph finds himself in, we see God’s consistent presence. Is that a promise we can hold onto in our own lives?

Read each Scripture reference below and record what you learn about God’s presence. Which one(s) really stick out to you?1 Chronicles 16:11

Psalm 23:4

Psalm 55:22

Psalm 139:7-10

Zephaniah 3:17

Romans 8:38-39

1 Corinthians 3:16

Revelation 3:20

Jesus: The True and Better JosephWe have to remind ourselves that we don’t just approach the Bible for lessons in how to be a better person. We also read Scripture to see how much we need a Better Person to save us. Joseph honored God yet he was thrown into jail. It doesn’t seem fair. He did what was “right” and still was imprisoned. How do we see Jesus in this part of the story?

January 16 Teaching Notes

Week of January 16 - 22Tier One: Read Genesis 40 - 41.

Tier Two: Tier 1 plus SUGAR the chapters.

Genesis 40

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Joseph had always been a dreamer. Do you remember the two dreams he had that he shared with his family before he was sold into slavery? Flip back to Genesis 37:5-11 if you need a refresher. Summarize Joseph’s dreams below.

Years later, Joseph is in prison. Had he seen the fulfillment of his dreams?

What was Joseph’s job in the jail? (40:4, 6-7)

Joseph could have become embittered and reclusive because he was unjustly thrown into jail. But we see he has compassion on his fellow prisoners and notices their pain. Have you ever noticed when we take our eyes off of our own circumstances and notice what is going on around us, it helps change our perspective and or attitudes? Have you experienced this? Record it.

Why is Joseph able to help and serve others even though he is in the middle of a tough season? (Read Galatians 6:9 and Philippians 2:3-4 to help you answer.) How would you respond if you were in his sandals?

The end of Genesis 40 is one of the saddest verses in Joseph’s story. Read 40:23. Joseph had been given dreams over a decade before. While his dreams had not come to pass, his fellow prisoners’ dreams did. God was continuing to teach Joseph that God was in control of Joseph, his situation, and his circumstances. God orders our steps…and our stops. How have you experienced this in your own life?

Jesus: The True and Better Joseph

When thinking about Joseph’s circumstances, attitudes and actions in this chapter, how does he point us to Jesus? Mark 10:44-45 and Luke 23:42-43 may give you some insights.

Genesis 41

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Genesis 41 is where Joseph’s riches to rags story returns back to riches. We are tempted to interpret the story as, “’Let ‘em hate you. If you’re faithful, you’ll end up rich, powerful, and vindicated.’ This interpretation not only misses the mark, it also perverts the very message of the narrative in particular, and the Bible in general. Joseph is not a mere example of what awaits us if we’re “good enough.” His story, like every story in the Bible, is part of the broader redemptive narrative designed to cause us to recognize the glory of our great God.” (Baucham, Jr. p. 15)

Joseph’s life has had some major highs and lows. In 13 years, he has gone from favored son to slave and prisoner in a foreign land to second-in-command of the largest dynasty in the world. While our lives may not seem as dramatic at times, we all experience life’s highs and lows.

Record some of your personal highs and lows. Was there a time that caused you to turn to/from God. When? Why?

Joseph is a good example of a faithful follower of God. While in Potiphar’s house and in prison, he credits God. When elevated to the palace, he names his children Hebrew names that honor God’s work in his life.In our ups and downs, it is vital we know and believe that our God is consistent, faithful and unchanging. Let’s study some of the characteristics of God today.Omniscient (all knowing) – Job 37:16; Psalm 139:106

Omnipotent (all powerful) – Job 42:2; Psalm 33:6-9

Omnipresent (everywhere) – Prov. 15:3; Jer. 23:23-24

Eternal (no beginning/no end) – Rev. 1:8; Isaiah 57:15

Immutable (doesn’t change) – Malachi 3:6; Heb. 13:8

Sovereign (control) – Daniel 4:34-35; Isaiah 46:8-11

Gracious (gives grace) – Ex, 34:6-7; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Just (perfectly fair) – Ps. 89:14; Num. 14:18; Rom. 9:14

Merciful (compassionate) – Ps. 86:15; Lam. 3:22-23

Loving – Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:17-19

Truthful – John 17:17; Titus 1:2

Faithful – Deuteronomy 7:9; 2 Timothy 2:13

Jesus: The True and Better JosephWhy is it so important that we understand that God doesn’t change even when our world is full of ups and downs?


Week of January 23 - 29Tier One: Read Genesis 42 - 44.Tier Two: Tier 1 plus SUGAR the chapters.

Genesis 42

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Can you imagine what it must have felt like for Joseph to see his brothers bowing before him without any hint of recognition on their part? His dreams had been fulfilled. What was he going to do now?

Before Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, he is going to examine them. The last time they had been together had been heart-wrenching. Were these the same men? Had time and circumstances changed their hearts and actions?

In his book Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors, Voddie Baucham, Jr. lists seven areas that Joseph tested his brothers:Test 1: Is Benjamin Alive? (vs.12-15) Joseph had been the target of hatred because of his position in Jacob’s eyes. Benjamin, being the last son of Rachel and the youngest would have assumed that position. How did his brothers relate to Benjamin?

Test 2: Will someone volunteer to get Benjamin? (vs. 16-17) Was there a leader in the group of brothers that stepped up?

Test 3: Will someone volunteer to stay? (vs. 18-20) Do these brothers take care of each other and trust each other?

Test 4: Will someone come for Simeon? (21-24) Look at 42:21. Even though Genesis 37’s account did not include this, what do we find out about Joseph’s state of mind before being sold into slavery? Vs. 24 shows us how raw the wounds still were. Now Simeon was going through a similar experience just as Joseph had endured. How would the brothers handle it?

Test 5: How will they respond to the money? (25-28) What was the men’s reaction to seeing the money returned in their bags?

Test 6: Have they earned Jacob’s trust? (35-38) How do we see both Jacob’s mistrust in his sons and his favoritism still reeling its ugly head in his response?

Test 7: Have they earned Benjamin’s trust? Benjamin is not a little boy but a man (most likely) in his mid-thirties. What do we hear from Benjamin in this chapter? Does he respond to his brothers? Does he advocate for Simeon?

How did the brothers do at their tests?

Some thoughts for us: Do the sins of our past continue to characterize our present? Have we learned to love others? How will we respond when faced with a moral dilemma? Have those closest to us seen a change?

Genesis 43

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Today, let’s take some time to look at Joseph’s father. He is called by two different names throughout Scripture. What are they?Genesis 25:22-26; 27:36

Genesis 35:9-10

Names hold important meanings. When we read through Scripture, we see many names are prophetic in the lives of those mentioned. This is definitely the case when looking at Jacob/Israel’s name.Jacob means “supplanter” (to trip up or overthrow) or “deceiver.” From what you know of Jacob, does any of this ring true? How has Jacob acted like his name suggests?

Israel means “to strive with God and with men, and to prevail” or “El (God) fights.”

Read Genesis 32:24-32 to learn more about this name change.

I love this story because it shows us that God doesn’t define us by our past sins and poor choices. When God asks him his name, Jacob submits and confesses at the same time. He says “I’m Jacob,” “I’m a cheater,” “I am a deceiver,” “I am terribly crafty.” God already knew all of this, but confession is key to repentance and heart change. God responds in a way to say, “yes, that’s who you were but not who you are going to be”! A change has happened. And while Jacob, in pain, hangs on to the Lord, His name and future are changed.

Have there been times you have struggled with God? Times you want to walk away from His truth? Times you want your way more than His way?

Years later, we see this same man still struggling with trusting God. How do Jacob’s comments to his sons show this inward struggle in 43:11-14?

We know the rest of the story and the joy that awaits Jacob/Israel, but in the middle of the struggle, the wrestling can feel so overwhelming.

Jesus: The True and Better JosephNames are important to God. Read Revelation 2:17 & 3:5. What does this teach us about our names?

Genesis 44

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Today we are going to look closer at Joseph’s brother, Judah. What is so important about him?

Where does Judah come in the birth order of Jacob’s sons?

Who is his mother?

What did he do in Genesis 37 in regards to Joseph?

We skipped over Genesis 38 because we wanted to focus our time on Joseph but, if you have time, go back and read that chapter. It will give you some more insight into Judah. Record any observations below.

When looking at Judah’s character sketch up to this point, it is pretty sketchy. Anyone want to emulate him? But we know we read Scripture not to just “be better” but to realize our need for a Savior. We may be more like Judah or more like Joseph, but we all need Jesus!Somewhere over time, Judah has begun to change. What happens in Genesis 43:8-11a?

Jacob trusts Judah. Benjamin trusts Judah. Judah has become trustworthy.

Now let’s look at the scene that unfolds in Genesis 44. What does Judah do? How does this differ from his past thoughts and behaviors?

Scripture is full of people’s stories. Many times we see incredible transformations. Can these dramatic changes happen to us today?

Read Isaiah 43:18-19 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 and record your thoughts.

Jesus: The True and Better JosephBrowse Matthew 1:1-17. See any names you are familiar with? Jesus’ physical lineage is full of messed up sinners…liars, adulterers, murderers, thieves, cheats, those who are prideful and legalistic and more. Do you ever struggle with past sin and worthiness? Think you can’t ever be “good enough for God”? Well, you’re right. NONE OF US WILL EVER BE GOOD ENOUGH! Thank goodness for the truth in John 1:12-14. Respond to this hope!


Week of January 30 – February 5 Tier One: Read Genesis 45 - 46.Tier Two: Tier 1 plus SUGAR the chapters.

Genesis 45

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Imagine being one of Joseph’s brothers when he reveals who he truly is. Up until now, Joseph had been speaking through a translator and looked, dressed, and acted like an Egyptian. Never would these men have thought they were face to face with the brother they had sold into slavery over 20 years earlier.How did his brothers describe Joseph to their father after their first encounter with him? Look back at Genesis 42:30.

What had they seen Joseph do and how had he acted during their times together?

Was their impression of Joseph accurate? Why or why not?

Let’s go back and look at some references that help fill in the gaps. What does each reference say about Joseph and his thoughts towards his family.Genesis 42:23-24

Genesis 43:23, 27-30, 33-34

We know the “rest of the story” so we can see the compassion, grace, mercy, and love Joseph had for his brothers from the time he had set eyes on them. But his brothers had a different impression…they only thought him harsh and rough.What was their reaction when Joseph told them who he was? Where did you find your answer?

Jesus: The True and Better Joseph

Joseph’s brothers struggled to trust Joseph’s love and goodness for them. Why? Because they had sinned so greatly against him. How could anyone forgive them for what they had done?It can be the same with us and God, can’t it? When we don’t know the true picture of God, He can seem distant, uncaring, and harsh. But is that what the Bible says?

Find a Scripture about God’s love, mercy, grace and/or compassion that really resonates with you and write it below.

Genesis 46

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We all have special places that invoke sweet memories or mark important milestones in our lives. Where are some special places for you and what makes them special?

Israel (Jacob) has received miraculous news that his beloved son is alive. Not only is he alive, but he is in charge of all the food in Egypt during a terrible famine and he wants to take care of his father! How old Israel’s heart must have flipped when he heard.You would think after decades of missing his son Joseph that he would be on the fastest route to Egypt. “No stopping for potty breaks. No fast food or gas station stops. We need to get to Egypt pronto!”So it is interesting that the Bible records Israel (Jacob’s) stop in the desert. Where was it and what did he do there?

Why was Beersheba such an important place to Jacob? What else had happened there?Genesis 21:14-20

Genesis 21:22-33

Genesis 22:19

Genesis 26:23-25

God had met with both Abraham and Isaac at Beersheba. These men had built altars and sacrificed to God in that same place. God had sustained and cared for Hagar and Ishmael in this land as well. Beersheba is located in southern Canaan, the land that God had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 12 and 15). As old Jacob (Israel) was about to leave this “promised land,” he needed to hear from God that it was good for him to depart.

Jesus: The True and Better JosephWhile its always important to seek God’s direction for our life and commit our decisions to Him and His will, this was so much more than that for Israel (Jacob). God had entered into covenant with Abraham and had confirmed it to Isaac and Jacob. What were the three promises God had made to these men? (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-6, 13-14, 18-21).

February 6 Teaching Notes

Week of February 6 - 12Tier One: Read Genesis 47 & 50.Tier Two: Tier 1 plus SUGAR the chapters.

Genesis 47

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In our world today, I don’t think we can quite grasp the seriousness of the concept of covenant. The closest

thing we can compare it to in our culture is marriage and the commitment of the marriage relationship has seriously waned. At the beginning of our study, we discussed the fact that Joseph’s story is just a part of the main story of the Bible. God made man to be in relationship with Him. Man sinned and lost relationship with God. God put a rescue plan into motion through Jesus and fellowship with God was restored and will be fully restored when Jesus comes again - The now and the not yet…1 John 3:2.Genesis 12 and 15 outline the covenant promises made by God to Abraham and his descendants. They were:

1. Land (Canaan)2. Descendants (as many as the stars)3. A blessing to all mankind (Messiah would be from

Abraham’s lineage)

Remember how many of Jacob’s family went into Egypt? (Gen 46)

How does Genesis 47:27 speak to the covenant promises God had given Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel)?

Skip ahead for fun and see how many Israelites left Egypt about 400 years later.Exodus 12:37

Scholars believe that the total number of Israelites who left Egypt during the exodus, women and children and old men included, was around 2.4 million people.

What covenant promise(s) is Jacob holding onto in Genesis 47:29-31?

Does God keep His promises? Do you think Israel (Jacob) believed that? Do you?

Jesus: The True and Better JosephLook at Genesis 47:25. The Egyptians looked at Joseph as their savior and pledged their lives to him. How does Jesus make a true and better Joseph for us?

Genesis 50

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We have come to the final chapter in our study of Joseph’s life! Well done, friends! We made it!

One of the most well-known Scriptures in Joseph’s story is in Genesis 50:19-20. Read Romans 8:28-30. How do

these two Scriptures apply in Joseph’s life? What about in ours?

As I read over this chapter again, I was struck by Joseph’s brothers’ fears of retaliation once their father was gone. They just couldn’t accept that Joseph’s forgiveness was unconditional.

But how often do I struggle with the same thing? Sometimes I struggle with the fact that God could forgive all the ugly things I have done. Other times, I struggle with extending unconditional forgiveness. If I am honest, I probably struggle more with extending forgiveness than accepting it.

What does God’s Word say about forgiveness?

Colossians 2:13-14

Romans 4:7-8

Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-13

Matthew 6:9-15

A holocaust survivor who stood face to face with the former prison guard who killed her sister offered this man genuine forgiveness. She later said:

“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” –Corrie Ten Boom

Elisabeth Elliot, who endured the death of two husbands, reminds us that:

“Obedience to God is always possible. It is a deadly error to fall into the notion that when feelings are extremely strong we can do nothing but act on them.”

Jesus: The True and Better JosephHow does Jesus forgive in a truer and better way than Joseph ever could? What does this mean for your life and future?

February 13 Teaching Notes

Sources Used to Compile this StudyBe Authentic by Warren Wiersbe (2012)

Bible Gateway (biblegateway.com)

Blue Letter Bible (blueletterbible.org)

Genesis (part 5): Keeping your Focus when your Dreams are Shattered (Precept Upon Precept Study) (1999, 2007)

God Meant it for Good by R.T. Kendall (1986, 2003)

Joseph by F.B. Meyer (1955 edition)

Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors by Voddie Baucham, Jr. (2013)

Precept Austin (preceptaustin.org)

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World by Warren Wiersbe (2012)

How to SUGAR Scripture“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey

to my mouth.”

- Psalm 119:103

S = Summarize(In your own words, summarize the chapter in a few

sentences.)

U = Underline(Underline a verse(s) that really stood out to you.)

G = Gospel(Look for where the Gospel was mentioned or referred

to.)

A = Apply(Record one “walk-out” challenge you can take from

what you learned and apply it in your life.)

R = Response(Spend a few minutes in prayer responding to what the

Holy Spirit has taught you in this chapter.)

Documents

fbcwf.org · Web viewTake the time to practice seeking out blind spots through meditation on God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to bring them to your attention. Once He does, confess