“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me." Psalm 23:4

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:24

Father, thank You for the assurance that You walk before me and live Your life in me.  With You as my Shepherd and Guide, I have nothing to fear. .  

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I.    Read Genesis 37:1-17.   

A.     What factors may have contributed to the jealousy and resentment of Joseph's brothers toward Joseph?

B.     (Challenge) As you consider God's purpose for our lives, list some of the reasons why God might allow circumstances which to us seem hard and unfair.  What does God know that we don't know?

C.     Describe Joseph as you see him in vs. 13-17.

2.    Read Gen. 37:18-36.  God's wise and loving plan for each of our lives may lead through excruciating pain and almost unbearable circumstances. (Isaiah 55:8-9, John 16:33, Phil.1:29). Ask God to help you understand Joseph in his emotional and physical pain, as you recount what he experienced in these verses.

3.   Read Genesis 39:1-20.

A.     1. In the first part of v. 2, we see five words which show us God's covenant relationship with Joseph.  Fill in your own name, as you write this short, beautiful statement, which is so rich with promise.

 

2. Do you believe this is true for you as it was for Joseph? How can you know it is true? (For assurance see Rom. 8:35-30 and Heb. 13:5b-6 and  What it means to be a Christian)

 

(Personal) 3. What is your attitude toward God when He allows you to experience difficult or "impossible" situations?

4. Read Isaiah 43:2-4a.  Ask God to speak to you personally through these verses.  Write down what He says to you. (Then "hide these words in your heart," so that they may continue to give you strength and comfort.  Remember John 16:33.)

B.     What "fragrance" (II Cor. 2:14-15) or character do you think others saw in Joseph?  Why?

C.    1. How did Joseph respond to temptation?

               2. Read I. Cor. 10:13.  What is God's promise to you in your temptations?

D.     What was the consequence of Joseph's obedience to God?

  4.    Read Genesis 39:21-40:23.

A.      1. Which verses tell you about God's love and presence with Joseph?  

 

2. Read II Cor. 3:5-6.  How do you see God's sufficiency manifested through Joseph?

B. What does each of the verses of Gen. 40:6-8 tell you about Joseph?

C. It would seem that the cupbearer would have been most eager to carry out Joseph's request.  What actually happened? (Personal) How do you respond when others disappoint you?

D. In all our suffering we can know that Jesus is with us and has shown us the way to walk in victory.  What do you learn from His example in I Pet. 2:23b?

5.    Read Genesis 41:1-52

A.      1. How did God remind the cupbearer of Joseph's request?  

 

2. What does this tell you about God's timing and plan for your life?

B.     In v. 16, how does Joseph see himself, and what does he know about God?

C.    What is Pharaoh's response to the interpretation and exhortation?

D.    Paul said, "Whatever gain I had I count as loss for the sake of Christ... that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.." (Phil. 3:7-10) Do you know Him better after seeing Him in Joseph's life?  Explain.

SUGGESTED HYMN:   All the Way my Savior Leads me

 Next: Lesson 10: God's Forgiving Love