Good evening. As we continue to work our way through the book of Genesis, tonight we will come within 10 chapters of being finished with our first book of the Bible. Tonight we are going to attempt to get through chapters 38, 39, and 40. We will work our way through chapter 38 in discussion, and then take a look at what the commentary had to say about the chapter, and then we will look at chapters 39 and 40 together and read what the commentary had to say about those 2 chapters in summary.
Before we begin tonight, let’s open with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray
How many unpaid IOU’s do you have that you need to pay up to people?
Well in the first chapter that we are going to read this evening, we see Judah extend an IOU to a daughter-in-law. And later we find that he does not pay the way that he said he would. Let’s take a look at what happened and the consequences of his actions. Whoever has the first 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us at this time please. (READ)
Okay, why do you think this story was added here in the narrative of Joseph? And what is its lesson to us?
Now in that time, they believed that if a husband died, it was the family’s responsibility to take care of the wife. Turn with me to Deuteronomy 25:5-10, and let’s read about a brother-in-law’s responsibilities. Here is what it has to say. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 says, “1”
Why do you think this law would have been important to women in ancient Israel? (There was no system in place to take care of them, women could not survive on own.)
Do you think that Tamar acts morally here in this story? Why or why not?
Judah says that Tamar is “more righteous” than he is. Why does he say this?
We always hear the saying that says, “The end justifies the means!” What situations, if any, justify wrong actions to achieve something good?
How is your answer to the above questions supported in this passage that we just read?
Are there any deals or bargains that you have made that you are finding it hard to live up to your end of the deal? If so, what and why?
Judah’s role in salvation history is crucial. Yet, as with his forefathers, perfection was not a requirement in order to be a part of God’s purposes. In Judah’s case, sexual sin was part of his imperfection. Do you consider any of your sins, sexual or otherwise, as too shameful to allow you to glorify God and fulfill His purposes?
What do you think God would say about those thoughts?
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what my commentary has to say about chapter 38. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on to the next chapter, does anyone have anything that they would like to add about this first chapter this evening?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s prepare to move on and look at chapter 39. When is a time that you have been accused of something that you didn’t do?
Well, in the next chapter that we look at, we see Joseph being accused of something that he really didn’t do. Things in Joseph’s life are just starting to go good for him, and then something happens and he gets wrongly accused. Let’s go ahead and read that chapter. Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us now. (READ)
Well, we already know that due to his brother’s jealousy, Joseph was sold onto slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelite merchants on their way to Egypt. As the story of Joseph unfolds, his brothers’ actions were just the beginning of much stress and crises that he would face in his life.
As Joseph gets put in charge of everything, how do you think he is feeling about his dreams?
What tactics does Potiphar’s wife use to tempt Joseph? (v. 7, 10, 12)
In each case, how does Joseph respond in resisting the temptation?
How does Joseph’s resistance to temptation help you?
Do you think that Potiphar buys his wife’s story “hook line and sinker?”
(If so, why doesn’t Joseph receive the death penalty for adultery?)
“Lord, I can resist anything but temptation.” “Tough times never last, tough people do!” “The Lord gave him success in whatever he did.” How do those sayings fit Joseph?
How do they fit you?
Turn with me to Romans 8:28-29, and let’s read that passage. Here is what it says. Romans 8:28-29 says, “2”
How would that passage sound to Joseph right now?
And how does it fit you in your life?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on and look at chapter 40?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s turn out attention to chapter 40. Here in this chapter we see Joseph dealing with some dreams again, but this time they are not his own. Let’s go ahead and jump right into this passage. Whoever has the last 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us please. (READ)
So now Joseph goes from the dreamer, to the dream interpreter. And through that, we see God’s power, His presence in Joseph’s life, and we see Joseph’s destiny really taking form. Even if it isn’t evident right away.
Why do you think Joseph winds up in prison with officials of the Egyptian government?
How does Joseph show concern for the cupbearer and the baker?
What strikes you the most about these 2 dreams in their interpretation and fulfillment?
Now Joseph tells the cupbearer to remember him when he is restored to the king’s side. Why might the chief cupbearer forget Joseph?
If you where Joseph right now, forgotten in prison, foiled in your hope for release, but secure in your roles as a dream interpreter, how would you view you own God-given dreams? (37:5-11)
Okay, now, where in your own life are you feeling imprisoned?
What are some of your “dreams” for the future?
Do you feel that your dreams will be realized or not?
Well let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about chapters 39 and 40 as a whole. Here is what it says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add about our chapters this evening?
Well, if there is nothing else, for next week we are going to try and get through Genesis chapters 41-44. Now we may not get there, but I want to give it a try and see what happens. So if you want to read ahead, read chapters 41-44.
Prayer Concerns or announcements?
Let’s Pray |
