Misfit: The Story of Joseph

Transcription

1 Misfit: The Story of Joseph A misfit is someone who does not fit into normal society. While a misfit can be someone who excels past the rest of society, we usually save this term for those who fall far behind the average members of society. In this series, we are looking at someone who could have been labeled a misfit of society and forgotten about. He was a shepherd, then a slave, and finally a prisoner. This isn t exactly how one wants to see their life progressing. However, God loves to take misfits and use them to do great things. He does not give up on us when we are at our darkest moment, but uses us to burst into the light and be used to do significant things for His kingdom! Join us on this journey of misfits and find your name being called by God to fulfill his dream for your life. Schedule April 22: Genesis 37 (page 2-3) April 29: Genesis (page 4-5) May 6: Genesis 40 (page 6) May 13: Genesis 41 (page 7-8) May 20: Genesis (page 9-10) May 27: Genesis 45 (page 11-12) Resources 1. Creation & Blessing by Allen P. Ross, Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, Dictionary of the Old Testament Pentateuch, Serendipity Bible for Groups, World Biblical Commentary, Vol. 2 by Gordon Wenham, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Vol. 1 by John H. Walton, PAGE 1 OF 12

2 The Man Behind the Robe Genesis 37 Week of April 22, 2012 Background We begin our story of Joseph s life when he is 17 years old and his oldest brother was years old. He had 10 older brothers and one younger brother (Gen. 35:22-26). This family was raised on deception and running away from responsibility. Their family history is full of deceit, lies, murder, plundering, jealousy, anger, and evil. It is hard to think of anything good coming out of this family, yet God does the impossible. The story begins with Joseph bringing back a bad report about his brother s behavior to his father. Not surprisingly, it did not go over well with his brothers and they tried to reject God s servant and His plan. However, we learn through this story that no one or anything can stop God s plan from being fulfilled. This is a story of God s plan coming to fulfillment through unlikely odds. While everyone dreams, there are some people who remember their dreams and others who don t remember their dreams. Do you remember your dreams? What are some funny dreams you have had? Have you ever felt God has spoken to you through your dreams? If so, share with the group. Discussion 1. Read chapter 37. Summarize what happened. 2. What is the most shocking thing that happened in this chapter? Why is it shocking? 3. Why would God give Joseph these two dreams? Do you think it was for Joseph alone or for him to tell his brothers? Why? 4. What are all the things that went wrong in this story? How did God use all the things that went wrong to make his will known in Joseph s life? Read Genesis 50:20. Do you think he always had that kind of faith or spent time wallowing in If only... type of thinking (e.g., If only I didn t tell my brothers my dreams, then... or If only my father didn t send me to Shechem, then... )? Explain. 5. What does this story teach you about God? 6. Apply: How can you apply the truths about God, his will, providence, human nature, family relations to your life this week? PAGE 2 OF 12

3 7. Pray: Take time to meditate and thank God for being able to make his will done in our lives (and other s lives) even when things appear to work against his will. 8. Announce: Communicate important events on the calendar (weekly church ) and remind the group when it is your turn to set-up and take-down the church on Sunday morning. PAGE 3 OF 12

4 Lead Me Not Into Temptation Genesis Week of April 29, 2012 Background Chapter 38 is a strange interlude in this story. But remember that in Gen. 37:2, it says, This is the family record of Jacob, so this story does fit into this narrative. In this chapter, we see how Judah avoided the law of carrying the family name when a son died without producing offspring (Deut. 25:5-10). We see some some interesting supporting of the birth of Perez and Zerah (38:27-30) and the birth of Jacob and Esau (25:24), plus the outworking of the younger son taking preeminence in the family. Judah can t escape how God wants to use the younger sons to accomplish his plans. Furthermore, it is another example of this families depravity, proclivity to evil, and avoidance behaviors. Chapter 39, picks up where chapter 37 left off. Here, we see Joseph s rise in Potiphar s house, his fall through a false accusation, and his rise in prison, but this chapter is essentially about the temptation of Joseph in Egypt. It is another test of God s future leader--if he was going to be the leader of God s people, then he had to show himself faithful to God (which is not easy to do when you are anonymous and alone)! In many ways, we see a comparison between Judah, the new leader of Jacob s family (since Reuben, Simeon, and Levi were rejected by Jacob) and Joseph (the first born of Rachel). Judah is lured in by a prostitute, but Joseph ran from Potiphar s wife. Have you ever wondered how two kids can grow up in the same family, yet turn out completely different? What makes one child turn out completely different from his/her sibling? How similar or different are you from your siblings? Discussion 1. Read (or summarize) chapter 38. Now read (summarize) chapter 39. What are some of the repeating themes in these stories? (Both men far from home, both are presented with temptation, etc.) How do the two brothers handle temptation? What are the differences? 2. In the story of Judah (ch. 38), how do we see the effects of evil on his family? What are the consequences from failing to live an upright and faithful life? -Why is it evil for the younger brother to not produce offspring with Tamar and why was Judah not righteous when he did not give her his youngest son? -Why was Tamar more righteous than Judah? PAGE 4 OF 12

5 -What situations, if any, would ever justify wrong acts to achieve something good? How is your answer supported by Genesis 38? 3. In the story of Joseph (ch. 39), what are the effects of his righteousness? Does being righteous mean you will not be persecuted or face difficult times in your life? Explain. 4. Why do you think God allowed the situation with Mrs. Potiphar to end the way it did (especially in light of God s favor in the other areas of his life)? 5. Verses 2-6 describe Joseph as a trusted slave and verses describe him as a trusted prisoner. How are these passages similar? What do they teach us about God? 6. Remember the dreams God gave to Joseph in 37:5-9? How do you think these dreams encouraged Joseph during his time as a slave in Egypt? 7. Apply: What is tempting you to turn your eyes from God s blessing? In Gen , there are two images of the consequences of temptation (one from falling into temptation (Judah) and one from fleeing from temptation (Joseph). What can you do to follow in the steps of Joseph rather than fall in the trap of Judah? How can you specifically follow Joseph s example to run from temptation (sexual temptation or other kinds)? 8. Pray: Once again, read 39: Meditate on these verses and the people who supervise you. What would it look like if God showed kindness to you and granted you favor with your supervisors. Pray for God to keep you upright, faithful, and pure. Pray for favor with your boss/supervisors, peers, etc. 9. Announce: Communicate important events on the calendar (weekly church ) and remind the group when it is your turn to set-up and take-down the church on Sunday morning. PAGE 5 OF 12

6 The Impossible Challenge Genesis 40 Week of May 6, 2012 Background Once again, dreams play an important part of the narrative. As Joseph sits in a Egyptian prison, the question is did he give up on the dreams God gave him in Gen. 37:5-9? Based on his response to the cupbearer and bake, this indicates he did not give up on the message in God s dreams. This passage makes it clear that God is testing Joseph s perseverance in the promised hope. What recurrent dreams do you have? Often times our dreams illuminate our past, but have you ever had dreams that reveal the future? How much faith do you put in them? Discussion 1. Read chapter 40. Joseph was given an opportunity to interpret two dreams. How do you think he felt when the dreams came about just as he predicted? What do you think that did for his faith in God s promises? 2. What does Joseph say in this chapter that shows he still has faith in God for a future outside of the prison? 3. Most people in prison get hard and tough, yet Joseph seems to be sensitive to peoples needs. What are some of the ways we see Joseph s compassionate heart? 4. How do you see Joseph passing God s test by persevering in the promised hope? 5. In verse 23, we are told that the cupbearer forgot to mention Joseph to Pharaoh. In 41:1, we are told it was 2 years before he remembered Joseph again. What might have happened if he told Pharaoh about Joseph when he was freed? How might things have changed for the worse? 6. Apply: Not many of us have divine dreams every night, but we all are called to preserve through dark times. Are you in a dark or lonely time? How can you put your trust in God s Word and increase your hope in God s promises during these times? 7. Pray: Consider some of the promises in God s Word. Think of one and make it a prayer for your life this week. 8. Announce: Communicate important events on the calendar (weekly church ) and remind the group when it is your turn to set-up and take-down the church on Sunday morning. PAGE 6 OF 12

7 Right Place, Right Time Genesis 41 Week of May 13, 2012 Background This chapter is an important turning point in relating how Joseph went from a prisoner to second in power of Egypt. When Joseph stands before Pharaoh the favor of God and the destiny of God comes into sharp focus. By interpreting Pharaoh s dreams, Pharaoh would know that God was sovereignly controlling his land and that Joseph was God s spokesman. It would be deeply foolish for Pharaoh to ignore this message. This chapter has many similarities with Daniel (Daniel 4). Both stories took place in a foreign land and the dreams the rulers had demonstrate that God was controlling the destiny of those nations. In both cases, the ruler and their wise men were unable to do anything other than submit to the counsel of the Hebrew interpreter, in whom the wisdom of the Spirit of God resided. Who was the most important person you were called into meet with (president, principal, boss, etc.)? Was it a good reason or a bad reason? How did you feel going into the meeting? Discussion 1. Read chapter 41. Summarize what happened. 2. How do you account for the significant role of dreams in chapters 37, 40, 41? What evidence do you see that God is in control of the events of this story and that God (not Joseph) is the hero? 3. It had been about 13 years since he was sold into slavery and he has been in prison for about 2 years now. What quality in Joseph s life stands out most in this story? Why? 1. patience-as he sat in jail 2. intimacy with God-as he interpreted dreams 3. humility-as he gave God the credit 4. diplomacy-as he related to people 5. wisdom-as he designed a solution for a problem 6. faithfulness-as he endured much suffering 4. Look at the list above. Do you think he always had these qualities or did he learn these through the dark times in his life? How do you think prison taught him these things? What is the difference between Joseph of chapter 37 compared to chapter 41? PAGE 7 OF 12

8 5. If we see many good things happening in our lives through sickness, trials, etc., then why do we try so hard to avoid them? What might a better attitude/prayer be? 6. What does this passage teach us about God? 7. Apply: How has God changed your life in the past 13 years? What would you like God to do in the next 13 years of your life? What can you do today to move in that direction? 8. Pray: Take time to thank God for all the ways he has protected you during tough times. If you are in a tough time, ask God to meet you in the darkness and strengthen your faith. 9. Announce: Communicate important events on the calendar (weekly church ) and remind the group when it is your turn to set-up and take-down the church on Sunday morning. PAGE 8 OF 12

9 Full Circle Genesis Week of May 20, 2012 Background These stories lead up to the climax of the story (chapter 45), as they demonstrate that the brothers have changed. If the brothers failed these tests, God could have started over with Joseph, just as he said he would with Moses when the Israelites kindled his wrath (Exodus 32:10). The brothers ultimately show they were aware God was moving against them (42:21-22, 28) and soften their hearts to God by being remorseful over their evil many years before. The first test comes in chapter 42:15 as Joseph seeks to prove if they are honest men. In chapter 43, Joseph tests them by favoring Benjamin to see if their jealousy would cause them to harm him. Chapter 44 shows the last test would show him if the brothers would abandon Benjamin's life, in order to save their own. It is important to see that the brothers acknowledge that God had found out their iniquity (e.g., found out appears eight times in this narrative) and are ready to take responsibility for their evil actions. This passage teaches that in order for brothers to live together in unity, they must have self-sacrificing love for one another. We see those who did not have this kind of love were able to eventually possess and demonstrate it. What was the longest time you have been separated from your family? What was memorable about your reunion? Was there anything that was hard about reintegrating back into the family system? Please explain. Discussion 1. Read quickly though chapter 42. It is clear the brothers think they are honest men. Describe the test Joseph gave them to prove their honesty? Did they give the full truth to Jacob or did they try to deceive him again? How would you feel if you were Jacob? Simeon? Reuben's sons? Benjamin? 2. Do you think Joseph is seeking revenge? Repentance? or something else? Explain. Why doesn t he reveal himself now, since they did bow down to him, as was shown to him in his dreams many years before? 3. Read quickly through chapter 43. What plot twist develops in this chapter? -Why did Jacob accept Judah s offer and not Reuben s cruel offer (42:37-38)? -Compare Judah s words in 37:26-27 with 43:8-9. How has he changed? -How do the brothers demonstrate they are honest men who have changed? Why was there not more urgency to return to get Simeon from prison? What does this tell you about the family? PAGE 9 OF 12

10 4. The brothers were clearly scared to eat in Joseph s house (43:18). How reassuring do you think they were when Joseph s steward told them it is alright and their God had blessed them? -Why did Joseph not reveal himself after all the brothers bowed down to him a second time (v. 28)? What more does he want to test them about? -Why do you think Benjamin got five times more food than the other brothers? How did they respond (or how did they not respond)? 5. Read quickly through chapter 44. What is the next test he gives his brothers? What is he trying to find out? What is their response? -Judah is the focus of this passage. How has he demonstrated that he has changed? 6. Apply: Like Jacob s sons (42:21-22), are you still paying the price or reaping the effects of a mistake you made in the past? Is God speaking to you through this passage? If so, what is he saying to you now? -Jacob seems pretty hopeless (42:1-2, 36-38) at this moment. Are you feeling hopeless due to some circumstance in your life? What promises can you cling to that will bring you hope in your present and/or future? -We finally see how the brothers talk matched their walk. In what areas do you need to line up what you say with what you do? -This story is about reconciliation and Joseph wanted to see if they were still evil and ruthless or changed and able to be trusted. Do you have people in your life that you need to reconcile with? What steps do you need to take to heal a strained or severed relationship? 7. Pray: Ask God to bring about healing in your past and present relationships. Where injury has happened, ask God to bring healing. Ask him to help make you a man/woman of peace, truthfulness and humility. 8. Announce: Communicate important events on the calendar (weekly church ) and remind the group when it is your turn to set-up and take-down the church on Sunday morning. PAGE 10 OF 12

11 Beyond Forgiveness Genesis 45 Week of May 27, 2012 Background We conclude this narrative with an amazing story of forgiveness. As Joseph reveals himself to them, he gives an emotional speech to relieve their guilt, ease their fears, and prevent bitterness. Now that he sees they have changed and do love one another, more than they love their own life, he reveals who he is. There is no retaliation from Joseph and shows he has a proper understanding of how God has been working in his life. One thing is clear: God is sovereign and works many years in advance to save lives and establish the nation of Israel. The focus is on how forgiveness makes reconciliation possible. Think about a time you reconciled with someone after a fight or some tension. Explain the situation and what it took to make reconciliation possible. Discussion 1. Read chapter 45. In chapter 44:20, 28, for the first time, Joseph learns what his brothers told Jacob about his disappearance. The brothers probably believed he was dead by this point. Why doesn t Joseph get angry at the lies they told his father? Why does he instead embrace them with hugs and kisses? 2. What impresses you most about Joseph? What impresses you most about his brothers? 3. While Joseph doesn t say, I forgive you, what does he say that implies he has forgiven them and not holding any grudges? 4. Compare 45:5, 7-8 with 50: Describe his theology of suffering, patience, sovereignty, etc. 5. As we have said in earlier studies, Joseph is not the hero of this story, but God is the hero. What do you learn about God s wisdom and care for his people? How can you praise God next time you are in a dark valley? 6. Apply: Joseph saw that God was in control of every aspect and every day of his life. How similar or different is your attitude in relation to the trials in your life? What can you learn from this whole story to see things more like how Joseph saw them? 7. Pray: Reflect on this whole story. What parts stand out in your mind? What does that tell you about yourself and God? Talk to God about what is on your heart. If you cannot praise him right now due to pain, be honest with him and ask him to see you through this time, in order that you can praise him down the road. PAGE 11 OF 12

12 8. Announce: Communicate important events on the calendar (weekly church ) and remind the group when it is your turn to set-up and take-down the church on Sunday morning. PAGE 12 OF 12