God is Good: Genesis chapters 37 thru 45 - a Bible study on the Story of Joseph.
Read Joseph’s story in Genesis 37, 39-45, or listen to the summary on the CD “God is Good”.
Devotions for a week: take 15 minutes a day to write your answers in a notebook in your own personal study, or Small Group Discussion: Read or listen to Genesis 37, 39-45; and use these as discussion questions:
Observation/ Interpretation:
1. Beginning with chapter 37, describe Joseph’s relationship with his family.
2. What does he experience in this chapter?
3. How would you react if you were in his shoes?
4. Read chapter 39. How is Joseph described? What happens to him? How is God involved?What do you notice about Joseph’s faith?
5. How long is Joseph in jail? What do you imagine is going through his mind during this time?
6. Genesis 41:41- Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt. His brothers come to Egypt but do not recognize this powerful ruler. What does Joseph do? (Chapter 45)
7. Read Genesis 45:5-8. What does Joseph know? What is God’s purpose?
Reflect/ Apply:
1. Joseph had a lot of ups and downs in his life. He’s experienced hatred and betrayal, fear, and bondage. He’s been powerless and faced an unknown future. No one comes to his rescue when he’s thrown into the well as a young boy. If you were Joseph would you be afraid? Angry? In despair?
2. Think about your life. Tell God about your own situation. What help do you need from Him?
3. What help does God give Joseph consistently? What difference would this make?
4. Finally Joseph is in a position of power when he’s in charge of Egypt. How does he use his power?
5. Joseph said to his brothers, “you didn’t send me here, God did. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…Joseph trusted that God was in charge of his life.Do you believe that God is in control of your life?Do you believe that God is in control of your present and your future?Tell God what you believe to be true, and be honest about any areas of unbelief.
6. Wherever Joseph went, the Lord was with Joseph. And whatever he did prospered… Do you want a life like that? Wherever you go the Lord goes with you. Even in the dark places God brings His presence and His favor on what you do. Joseph could have become bitter and angry, but instead he still chooses to trust God and serve others. Reflecting on all this, what do you want to say to God? What is He saying to you?
By J.Ruark, 10/24/11
Read Joseph’s story in Genesis 37, 39-45, or listen to the summary on the CD “God is Good”.
Devotions for a week: take 15 minutes a day to write your answers in a notebook in your own personal study, or Small Group Discussion: Read or listen to Genesis 37, 39-45; and use these as discussion questions:
Observation/ Interpretation:
1. Beginning with chapter 37, describe Joseph’s relationship with his family.
2. What does he experience in this chapter?
3. How would you react if you were in his shoes?
4. Read chapter 39. How is Joseph described? What happens to him? How is God involved?What do you notice about Joseph’s faith?
5. How long is Joseph in jail? What do you imagine is going through his mind during this time?
6. Genesis 41:41- Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt. His brothers come to Egypt but do not recognize this powerful ruler. What does Joseph do? (Chapter 45)
7. Read Genesis 45:5-8. What does Joseph know? What is God’s purpose?
Reflect/ Apply:
1. Joseph had a lot of ups and downs in his life. He’s experienced hatred and betrayal, fear, and bondage. He’s been powerless and faced an unknown future. No one comes to his rescue when he’s thrown into the well as a young boy. If you were Joseph would you be afraid? Angry? In despair?
2. Think about your life. Tell God about your own situation. What help do you need from Him?
3. What help does God give Joseph consistently? What difference would this make?
4. Finally Joseph is in a position of power when he’s in charge of Egypt. How does he use his power?
5. Joseph said to his brothers, “you didn’t send me here, God did. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…Joseph trusted that God was in charge of his life.Do you believe that God is in control of your life?Do you believe that God is in control of your present and your future?Tell God what you believe to be true, and be honest about any areas of unbelief.
6. Wherever Joseph went, the Lord was with Joseph. And whatever he did prospered… Do you want a life like that? Wherever you go the Lord goes with you. Even in the dark places God brings His presence and His favor on what you do. Joseph could have become bitter and angry, but instead he still chooses to trust God and serve others. Reflecting on all this, what do you want to say to God? What is He saying to you?
By J.Ruark, 10/24/11
