JOSEPH FAMILY BIBLE STUDY SERIES TEEN MANUAL
Family Bible Study Series is a curriculum that is designed to return the present day Vacation Bible School to deeper Bible study. Many Vacation Bible Schools today have digressed from focusing on Bible study. Bible study had its beginning at the directive of God. God and Moses, at God s commands, wrote scripture for Israel to have and they began studying and memorizing it at the directive of God (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). In the New Testament, the Christian is directed to Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Family Bible Study Series is designed as a five lesson series to involve the entire family in the study of the Bible. The publishers of the Family Bible Study Series (Family Bible Publications) encourage elders and those who are responsible for curriculum to return the focus of classes to Bible study and to return the focus of devotional periods to worshiping God. May all be done decently and in order and may the glory be given to God. Questions concerning Family Bible Publications and its materials may be sent to: David Dalton; 1625 Bilbrey Park Drive; Cookeville, TN 38501 or FamilyBiblePublications@gmail.com. ALL LESSONS FAMILY BIBLE PUBLICATIONS, 2012 This publication may not be copied or reproduced in any form whatsoever or stored in a retrieval system of any type without the express, written permission of Family Bible Publishers. Front cover pictures Mission 316 and licensed for use in this publication. Cover design by Joshua Knight.
TABLE OF CONTENTS JOSEPH, A YOUNG MAN... 1 by Jonathan Dalton JOSEPH, A BROTHER... 15 by James H. Dalton JOSEPH, A HOUSEHOLD SERVANT... 27 by Daniel Dalton JOSEPH, A PRISONER AND A GOVERNOR... 37 by Troy Leland JOSEPH, A LEADER OF ALL EGYPT... 49 by David Dalton APPENDIX... 61 ABOUT THE AUTHORS... 63
JOSEPH, A BROTHER A Lesson in Persecution Genesis 37:12-36 The first part of Joseph s life showed him as a teenager beginning to develop the characteristics which would eventually be needed in his role as ruler over all the land of Egypt. Although Joseph was very clearly shown favoritism by his father, he continued to be obedient to his father, and to treat his brothers properly. When Joseph was seventeen, his ten brothers sold him into slavery. The account of Joseph s brothers selling him as a slave can teach people today many things about persecution. Persecution is a reality of life for those who are faithful. Teenagers today very often face persecution, especially when they try to be faithful to God. The Bible s accounts help to show that persecution has always been in existence, and today s teenagers are not the first to face strong temptation and persecution. In fact, Joseph s example teaches teenagers today that they are capable of living righteously even in the face of strong persecution, just like Joseph. Therefore, the events Joseph faced are both relevant and applicable to Christians and teenagers today. Persecution at times comes from family members, sometimes from friends, and sometimes from others of the world. In this lesson, persecution will be examined as presented in the text of Genesis 37:12-36. The passage presents the events and attitudes which led up to persecution, the motivation for persecution, and the effects of persecution. Precursors to Persecution Generally something contributes to individuals being persecuted. That which contributes to persecution is called a precursor or cause of persecution. The first precursor seen in the account of Joseph s persecution, was that he was obedient to authority. Joseph showed obedience to his father when he was asked to go to Shechem to see how his brothers were doing. When Joseph did not immediately find his brothers at Shechem, he continued his search until he was directed to Dothan, and finally was able to find his brothers. It is important to note that 15
Joseph s account not only shows that obedience can lead to persecution, but first teaches the traits of true obedience. As demonstrated by Joseph, obedience involves multiple steps. Obedience first involves acceptance of a responsibility. When Joseph s father, Jacob, approached him, Joseph was willing to go (Genesis 37:13). Obedience to God today begins with acceptance of responsibility. The individual who desires to be obedient to God must desire to be God s servant (Romans 6:16). As a servant of God, the individual will be willing to yield to God s will in every area of life. In the area of evangelism, obedience requires that the individual first accept the responsibility that exists to become a teacher (Hebrews 5:12). This responsibility does not exist only for certain individuals, but for all who have knowledge of and have obeyed God s word (2 Timothy 2:2). In the area of worship, obedience requires first accepting the responsibility to worship God with the proper attitude, in spirit, and in the ways He has commanded, in truth (John 4:23-24). Many adults seem to excuse teenagers from taking on the responsibilities of obedience to God. However, since God did not state that these commands are only for adults, neither can anyone today limit these commands in that way. Therefore, all individuals (including teenagers) must accept the responsibility to yield to God s will to be truly obedient. Joseph s example of obedience highlights that the second step of obedience is taking action to fulfill the responsibility. Joseph demonstrated this step as he immediately left to fulfill the job assigned to him by his father. Obedience to God today still requires that action be taken to fulfill the responsibilities given by God. Jesus teaches that obedience only occurs when one takes action to actually do what God has commanded (Matthew 21:28-31). In the area of evangelism, that action takes place in multiple ways. Action is taken to go, preach, baptize the obedient, and then teach more (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20). When one worships God, obedience requires action to fulfill God s command. One example of this can be seen within the worship involved in partaking of the Lord s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-34). This worship involves the actions of coming together in assembly before God, partaking of the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, and following the example given by Christ in the partaking of the emblems (including doing so with prayer). Individuals today, including teenagers, must take action to fulfill God s commands if they are going to be obedient to Him. Finally, Joseph s example 16
demonstrates that obedience involves persistence to fulfill the responsibility. When Joseph did not find his brothers at Shechem, he did not give up and go home. Instead he demonstrated a godly attitude in being persistent to complete the responsibility which had been assigned to him, and continued to search for his brothers until he found them in Dothan. Obedience to God today still requires persistence. One must persistently strive to be obedient to God regardless of the discouragement and even orders to be disobedient which come from the world, some family members, and at times the law (Matthew 10:37; Acts 5:29). As Paul strove to obediently declare the message of the Gospel, he often was faced with resistance and rejection in those he had tried to teach. Instead of giving up, Paul persistently worked to teach, and simply began to teach different people at these times (Acts 13:46). When one strives to be obedient to God today, they will accept the responsibility given by God, take action to fulfill that responsibility, and then persistently continue striving for the fulfillment of the responsibility. When this true obedience is demonstrated in one s life, it is often a precursor to persecution, just as it was for Joseph. Jesus himself taught the disciples that being obedient to Him and God the Father would lead to the disciples being different than the world, and therefore being hated by the world (John 15:18-20). This difference from the world occurs every time one lives in true obedience to God. Therefore, persecution has consistently been faced over time by those who live righteously. Teenagers today must decide whether they will strive to be truly obedient to God, and face persecution (Matthew 5:10-12), or to be separated from God due to disobedience. It should also be noticed that Joseph was obedient to his father. It is often difficult for teenagers to accept the role that God has given to parents. Ultimately, though, God commanded children to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1). In this account, Joseph becomes an example of a teenager still being obedient to his father. Esther serves as an example that when one s biological parents are not living or in their life, young people still must be obedient to the adult serving in the role as a parent (Esther 2:7, 10). Jesus as a teenager was obedient not only to his mother, but also her husband, Joseph, who was essentially his step-father (Luke 2:51). The Bible s lesson to teenagers today is that they still must be obedient to their parents. A second precursor to persecution seen in Joseph s example, and still in effect today, is the proclamation of the word 17
of God (Genesis 37:19). When Joseph told his family about the two dreams he had (of the sheaves and planets bowing down to him), he was in fact proclaiming the message of God. Sharing the message of God had resulted in his brothers becoming envious of Joseph and hating him (Genesis 37:5, 11). There is no doubt that Joseph s family understood the message God had communicated through the dreams. Jacob understood that the dreams communicated that Joseph would one day be elevated above his brothers and his parents, and questioned Joseph about the message of the dreams. Sharing the message of God directly contributed to the hatred Joseph s brothers had for him, and therefore contributed to the persecution he faced. Sharing the message of God today often still leads to persecution. Persecution for sharing God s message often begins by simply telling the messenger to no longer preach to them. Amos was told by the king and other Israelites that they did not want to hear him teaching God s word in their area any more (Amos 7:12-15). Many times Christian teens today face rejection from peers when they try to share the message of Christ, but at times persecution goes far beyond a refusal to listen. In Lystra, the Jews attempted to kill Paul for preaching the Gospel (Acts 14:19-20). In Jerusalem, Stephen was killed for preaching the message of Jesus (Acts 7:57-58). During Jesus life there were times when the people were ready to kill Him for teaching that He was the Son of God (John 10:31-32). The persecution of those who have followed and taught righteousness is often documented in the Bible. However, there have been many faithful teachers of God s word who were persecuted for teaching truth whose accounts are not recorded (Hebrews 11:36-38). Most American teenagers today, like the recipients of the book of Hebrews, have not yet faced persecution severe enough to lead to them shedding blood (Hebrews 12:4). This blessing should be recognized instead of being taken for granted. The opportunity to teach without facing the most severe forms of persecution should lead Christians to widely proclaim God s word today. Christian teenagers should let nothing stop them from telling others about Christ (Acts 5:28-29). The third precursor to persecution demonstrated in the account of Joseph is being a recipient of blessings from God (Genesis 37:23). Since Joseph was Jacob s most loved son, he gave him good things like the coat of many colors. On Jacob s part this was favoritism, but on Joseph s part it was simply accepting blessings. When Joseph met his brothers in Dothan, it 18
does not seem to be accidental that the coat of many colors was immediately torn away from him. His brothers understood that the coat signified Jacob s greater love for Joseph (Genesis 37:3). Though unrighteousness occurred in this example of favoritism, it was Jacob s sin, not Joseph s. Joseph had been blessed, and his brothers hated Joseph for the blessing that he had received. Every truly good thing in life is in reality from God (James 1:17). The good things, or blessings, in one s life today can often be a precursor to persecution. At times in today s society people are despised, thought evil of, or even slanderously spoken of because they have received blessings from God. The ability to work, riches, and other good things are given as blessings from God (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). To speak evil of someone because they have been blessed by God is persecution. It should be kept in mind that blessings from God do not demonstrate who is righteous. All people receive blessings from God (Matthew 5:45), and some very unrighteous people receive many financial things which ultimately are blessings from God. On the other hand, some righteous people have had very few physical blessings (Matthew 8:20; 17:24-27; Philippians 4:12). Whether a person is poor or wealthy must not be the standard by which individuals are judged or evaluated (James 2:1-4), since the only standard which matters is the standard of obedience to God s will (John 12:48). It is disappointing to see how much influence the wealth of one s family has upon the popularity of teenagers. The possession of a nice car, modern and in-style clothes, and the latest cell phone means nothing to God. The presence or absence of things should not lead to persecution, but it sometimes does. In Joseph s example, blessings from God were a precursor to persecution, and many times today blessings continue to lead up to and contribute to persecution. Discussion Questions 1. What things led up to Joseph facing persecution? 2. Beyond the precursors to persecution examined in this lesson, what other characteristics or actions can lead up to one facing persecution? 3. What forms of persecution are most prevalent today? 4. When can you stop obeying your parents, and still be pleasing to God? 19
Motives of Persecution When individuals persecute others, it is generally to fulfill some motive or desire. Often these motivations are connected to the characteristics which have contributed to the persecution, but at times the motivation arises from an evil desire to do more than eliminate certain good characteristics. Three motivations of persecution are demonstrated by Joseph s brothers. First, persecution is sometimes motivated by a desire to eliminate the message being taught. Joseph s brothers were motivated in part by their desire to put an end to the message from God that he had shared with them. They stated that they would kill him and then see what will become of his dreams (Genesis 37:20). It seems that their goal was to kill Joseph to put an end to him telling them about the dreams that to them seemed foolish and boastful. Motivation to put an end to the message of God has led to the persecution of other righteous people. When Micaiah prophesied truthfully that Ahab would die in the battle with the Syrians, Ahab put him in prison (2 Chronicles 18:25-27). Ahab commanded that Micaiah was to be fed with meager rations until Ahab returned from battle. Ahab, like others, persecuted in order to put an end to God s message that he did not want to hear. When the apostles were beaten by the Sanhedrin council for preaching about the resurrection of Jesus, the motivation was to put an end to the message they were teaching (Acts 5:28, 34-40). This is apparent from the commands the council gave to the apostles to no longer speak in his name. Finally, at times the Jewish leaders desired to put Jesus to death because they wanted to stop Him from teaching things that pointed out their errors (Mark 12:12). A desire to eliminate the message is therefore one motivation which at times leads to persecution. At times peer pressure and ridicule is leveled against teens who speak about God because these peers do not want to think about how the Gospel applies to them. A second motivation that at times causes persecution is a desire for personal gain. In Joseph s case, it was Judah who raised this motive. He pointed out to his brothers that if they killed Joseph, it would not bring them any profit (Genesis 37:26). Instead, he noted that they could sell Joseph into slavery. His suggestion was followed, and the brothers made 20 pieces of silver (Genesis 37:27-28). This was not the only time in the Bible that persecution was motivated by personal gain. Jezebel once had false testimony brought against Naboth so that he would be 20
killed in order to be able to give Naboth s vineyard to her husband, Ahab (1 Kings 21). When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, it was because they had inadvertently caused financial loss. They had cast an unclean spirit out of a slave girl whose masters were making money off of her gifts that she had from the spirit (Acts 16:18-21). In Ephesus, Demetrius led the other silversmiths in a persecution of Paul and his companions because teaching about God was putting their livelihood of making silver shrines to the goddess Diana in danger (Acts 19:24-29). Finally, in the most famous betrayal of all time, Judas betrayed Jesus to be killed in order to gain 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Personal gain can be a motive for persecution, even when it is not a gain of money. At times persecution comes against the righteous by a person who believes that making fun of one individual can make them more popular in the eyes of other individuals. Personal gain, whether it is monetary or otherwise, is at times a motive for persecution. A final motivation that causes persecution is envy, jealousy, and hatred. Joseph s brothers persecuted him partially to put an end to his message, partially for personal gain, but also partially simply due to their desire to hurt him. Their hatred for Joseph becomes clear when they immediately begin plotting to kill him as soon as they recognize him coming at a distance (Genesis 37:19-20). Only two things spared Joseph s life that day initially it was Reuben speaking up, and later it was Judah s greed to turn a profit. Hatred and envy have led to the persecution of others as well. The Old Testament tells of a hateful king who was conquered by Israel as they invaded the promised land. The king, Adonibezek, showed his hatred and desire to cause pain in his tradition of cutting off the big toes and thumbs of all the kings he conquered. These conquered kings then were made to spend the rest of their life eating scraps off his table (Judges 1:7). In Paul s day, some were preaching the Gospel for the specific purpose of making his imprisonment harder on him (Philippians 1:15-16). Jesus at one time even mentioned that Pilate had mingled the blood of some Galileans with their sacrifices, an action of hatred (Luke 13:1). Therefore, it should come as no surprise when peers today sometimes are mean just to be mean. Persecution is sometimes motivated simply by a desire to hurt, cause pain to, or kill someone else. Persecution is motivated by several unrighteous desires. At times it is motivated by a desire to stop the teaching of God s 21
word. When Christians face such persecution they must remember to follow the example of Peter, obey God rather than men, and therefore continue to teach (Acts 5:29). Other times persecution is motivated by a desire for personal gain. When Christians today face such persecution, they should be reminded of the reward they have in store in heaven if they continue to be faithful despite persecution (Revelation 2:10). At other times, persecution is motivated simply by hatred and a desire to harm. During these times, Christians should follow the example of Jesus, turn the cheek, and humbly desire God s forgiveness of those who are persecuting them (Matthew 5:39; Luke 23:34). Persecution is motivated by different things, yet regardless of the motives, the effects of persecution are generally the same. Discussion Questions 1. Think about some times that you were persecuted in some way. What motivations led to this persecution? 2. Is it possible to say something that will hurt someone s feelings, and still be right? What if you intend to hurt their feelings? Effects of Persecution Persecution has many different effects upon different groups of people. The account of Joseph s persecution, like other examples in the scriptures, helps to highlight the effects persecution can have. Persecution affects the persecutors. In the account of Joseph s persecution Reuben s role helps to demonstrate how persecution affects even the one doing the persecution. When Reuben heard his brothers plotting to kill Joseph, he attempted to do part of what was right. He spoke up enough to spare Joseph s life, and intended to try to accomplish his freedom, but Reuben did not entirely stand up for righteousness. His actions no doubt soothed his conscience that day, since he could say he was trying to spare Joseph, but they did not accomplish what was right. Partial righteousness is still unrighteousness. That is, when one does part of what is right, but ignores other things that are right, they are still guilty of violating God s law (James 2:9-11). Reuben should have been bold enough to stand up to his brothers that day. When Reuben returned to find Joseph had been sold, his actions showed that he immediately recognized what the others would only later understand persecution has an effect upon the 22
persecutors. Reuben immediately recognized that he would experience guilt for the rest of his life for allowing his brother to be harmed. Over the coming years, the guilt these ten brothers felt did not diminish, but instead it continued to grow (Genesis 42:21-22). Many brothers and sisters have felt guilty for a long time because of the way they treated their sibling. Additionally, most adults have some regret over the way they treated someone when they were a teenager. The decisions made today must be lived with tomorrow. There is another, and more significant, effect that persecution has upon the persecutors - those who are persecutors face separation from God. When one walks in darkness, or sin, they cannot have fellowship with God (1 John 1:5). Even if persecution is hidden from everyone else, sins cannot be hidden from God (Numbers 32:23). Therefore, when one persecutes others, this wrong will be known by and judged by God. Those who persecute others face effects from the persecution they render they face guilt and separation from God. Persecution also has effects upon the individuals being persecuted. In Joseph s case, he was sold into slavery to Potiphar (Genesis 37:36). Joseph would face many hardships and tribulations during his years in Egypt. He would be falsely accused of adultery, placed into prison, and forgotten by those he had helped. He would face all of these while separated from his family. All of this tribulation can be traced back to the persecution he received from his brothers. Regardless of the form of persecution, those who are persecuted have their lives, and at times their livelihoods, affected by the persecution (Hebrews 11:35-38). Modern persecution often includes being separated from social circles and even family members. This separation occurs because the world hates those who are different than the world (John 15:18-19). Since those who are faithful to God will always be very different than the world (Romans 12:1-2), Christians will always be hated by the world. Following Christ leads to division from others always division from those of the world, and at times division from one s own family. Christians are exhorted by Jesus to be willing to take up His cross, even when it means separation from family and friends (Matthew 10:34-38). Christians must be willing to be different from their family and friends, and even to be separated from, or persecuted, for these differences. When a Christian is not willing to face persecution for being different, peer pressure begins to have an effect upon them. Peer pressure causes many people to give in to unrighteous 23
demands. Ultimately, peer pressure is only effective because of people s desire to be popular, and an unwillingness to lose popularity, to look different, or to be separated from a desired circle. Two Biblical principles take away the power of peer pressure. First, even when a multitude is doing evil, it must not be followed (Exodus 23:2a). Secondly, it is better to trust in the Lord and His way than to follow the way of any person including those who are princes, wise, or popular (Psalm 118:8-9). If these principles are held to firmly, peer pressure will lose its power. Giving in to peer pressure will yield popularity with some people for a short time; firmly holding to righteousness will yield fellowship with God for eternity. Those who are persecuted are affected by persecution in many negative ways, but they should remember that there is the promise of salvation to those who are persecuted for righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12). Persecution affects those who are persecuted in many different ways. Finally, persecution affects others beyond the persecutor and the one directly being persecuted. In the case of Joseph, their father, Jacob. was quite affected by the persecution, even though he was not the direct recipient of the persecution. Jacob would continue to mourn the loss of Joseph (to some degree) for the next 22 years (see Appendix). It seems that Joseph s brothers had not fully considered how their actions would affect their father and the interrelationships of their entire family. Often actions have consequences which extend beyond the direct recipient, and in the case of persecution this is definitely the case. Persecution often affects the family of the one being persecuted to suffer loss, pain, and anguish. When Pharaoh s orders were to put the baby boys of the Israelites to death, his command affected not just those boys, but also their families. In Moses family Amram, Jochabed, Miriam, and Aaron would all have been affected by Moses death had his parents and God through providence not worked to spare his life (Exodus 2:1-4). When Jesus was crucified, his mother was affected and deeply grieved by the pain she saw her son facing (John 19:26-27). Beyond one s physical family, when a Christian is persecuted, the spiritual family, the church, is also affected. When Peter was in prison, the Christian family gathered together and prayed on his behalf. Some were already somewhat mourning the death they thought was about to happen (Acts 12:12, 15). When Philip and other Christians of Caesarea heard that Paul was going to be bound and suffer harm in Jerusalem, they were upset and desired him to avoid going to 24
Jerusalem at all costs (Acts 21:10-14). Persecution has an effect upon the family, spiritual family, and even the broader support system of those who are persecuted. Persecution affects the persecutor, the persecuted, and others connected to the persecuted. Discussion Questions 1. Why is peer pressure powerful? What factors can help faithful Christians be faithful when facing peer pressure? 2. Reuben attempted to be faithful to his father and yet still kept up the appearance of fitting in with his brothers. What are some ways Christians today attempt to keep up the appearance of fitting in with the world? If one appears to fit in with the world, are they really different? Conclusion Within Genesis 37:12-36 is the account of Joseph s persecution. Joseph faced persecution from his physical brothers, yet his persecution was realistic and posed very serious consequences. An examination of this passage reveals precursors to persecution, motivations for persecution, and the effects of persecution. Within the account of Joseph s persecution there were three groups the persecutor, the persecuted, and the one riding the fence. The Bible teaches what persecutors should do to be saved. Those in this group need to follow the example of Saul. Those who are persecuting the people of God persecute Jesus Himself regardless of whether they realize it or not (Acts 9:5). Like Saul, those in this position need to be baptized to be saved from their sins (Acts 9:6, 18). The Bible also contains a message for the persecuted faithful children of God. Those who are faithful to God despite persecution should continue on in faithfulness to God (Revelation 2:10). These faithful Christians, however, need to continue to examine their lives, recognize any faults that do exist, and repent of and confess these faults (1 John 1:8-10). Finally, the Bible has guidance for those who attempt to partially hold to the world and follow God at the same time. These individuals are much like Rueben they try to hold to both sides. These individuals are attempting to satisfy the desires of the world, yet still somewhat do what is right. Those in this category should first recognize that Jesus taught it is impossible for them to 25
hold to both masters (Matthew 6:24). It is therefore impossible for people to continue to satisfy and fit in with friends of the world and be pleasing to God. Those who try to please both God and the world often face persecution themselves, since they are not completely like the world. It is important to note that just because one faces persecution does not mean they are righteous. The standard of righteousness is obedience to God s word (John 12:48). Therefore, whether one is righteous is not determined by whether they are persecuted, but instead by whether they are obedient to the word of God. Ultimately, those in the company of Reuben who try to hold to both sides need to recognize they have been setting themselves up for disappointment. One day these individuals will realize that their halfhearted attempts to do right are not enough. For those in this category, repentance and complete submission to God are required (Romans 6:22-23). Examining the account of Joseph s persecution should help individuals today understand persecution more fully. Persecution is often led up to by obedience to God, teaching truth, and being blessed by God. Persecution is motivated by a desire to stop the message of God, obtain personal gain, or harm those who are hated. Finally, persecution affects the persecutor, the persecuted, and others connected to the persecuted. The examination of persecution is only complete, however, if it causes individuals to examine their life and move forward in faithfulness to God, regardless of what persecution may come in the days ahead! Discussion Questions 1. What factors and supports can help the Christian be faithful today when facing persecution? 2. What should the Christian s response to persecution be when they are persecuted for doing what is right? What if they are persecuted and their action is one of unrighteousness? 26