Good evening. Tonight we continue to get closer and closer to being finished with Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Now last week I told you that we were going to go over chapters 41 through 44 if at all possible. Well guess what, I don’t believe that is going to be possible. Instead, we are going to break things down and not combine them in the way that the commentary does. Instead, tonight we are going to look at Genesis chapters 41 and 42, and then move on to the rest in the next few weeks.
Before we get started though tonight, let’s begin with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray.
As a child, what would you do when you had a bad dream?
What do you do today, when you have bad dreams?
Well, in this first chapter that we will look at this evening, we see the cupbearer finally remembering Joseph when Pharaoh has his bad dreams. Let’s take a look at Pharaoh’s dreams and what Joseph has to say about them. To do that we are going to read Genesis chapter 41. Whoever has the first 3 keys, go ahead and read them for us at this time please. (READ)
Well, first, Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He then came to be in charge of his master’s household in Egypt, until he was falsely accused of assaulting his master’s wife, for which he was thrown in prison. While in prison he accurately predicted the dreams of 2 of his fellow inmates.
Then, of course, he was forgotten by the one who was supposed to remember him. And now finally, he is remembered, and given a great opportunity from God.
Imagine that you are Joseph. As this chapter begins, you have been in prison for at least 2 years. How are you feeling?
In Pharaoh’s dreams, is the famine that is coming a judgment or a punishment on Egypt, or is it just one of life’s unfortunate disasters?
In all of these dreams that Joseph interprets in prison, and now here with Pharaoh, what do they teach us about Joseph? (His relationship w/ God – Gave God the credit.)
What do you see as God’s role in all of this?
What quality in Joseph’s life stands out to you the most in this story? (Patience, as he sat in prison; Intimacy with God, as he interpreted dreams; Humility, as he gave God the credit; Diplomacy, in relating to people; Wisdom, as he designed a solution for the problem; Faithfulness, as he endured much suffering; Or something else)
Which of the qualities above do you need or desire most in your own life?
When was the last time that you wondered if God had forgotten about you?
How did He show you that He hadn’t forgotten about you?
How might this story remind you that God is always there?
How do you feel God usually gives you guidance? (How does He speak to you?)
In your spiritual life, have things been more of a feast, or a famine in the last few months?
Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s move on to the rest of chapter 41. Here in this passage, we see Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. Before we move on though, let me ask you a question. What is the story behind the rings on you fingers?
Well, in this passage, we see in the beginning, Joseph getting a ring that carries with it great significance and power. Let’s go ahead and read the rest of chapter 41. Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us. (READ)
Well, I don’t have a lot from this passage, so let’s dive right in and then we will take a look at one last chapter this evening. In this passage, we see Joseph being put in charge of everything in Egypt. He is equal to Pharaoh, minus the actual title. And it is at this point, that the dreams of Joseph, received from God, begin to take true form and begin to be realized.
As we look at Joseph taking a wife that is of a different land, why does the Bible not criticize Joseph for taking a foreigner as a wife, contrary to his family values?
How is the Joseph of chapter 41 unlike the Joseph of chapter 37?
How do you attribute his maturity, zeal, and wisdom to be able to run and travel all throughout Egypt?
Might the 13 years of humiliation and prison have energized, gifted, and prepared him for this newfound power?
Like Joseph, what past trouble would you like God to help you “forget?”
In what ways have you changed from what you use to be 13 years ago?
What did God do during those years to help mold that character in you?
Think to yourself, where are you now facing a “famine” of sorts: Physically? Socially? Culturally? Spiritually? And then answer me this question: What traits of Joseph’s will help you survive such famine-like trials?
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary had to say about this chapter as a whole. Here is what it said: (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on to the next chapter, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s move on and take a look at chapter 42. To get us ready for this chapter, I have a question to set the scene. When there is “more month left at the end of the money,” what things do you do without?
Well, in this chapter, we see the famine actually hit Egypt, and we see how Joseph takes care of people, and how he comes in contact with his family once again. Whoever has the last 3 keys, go ahead and read them at this time please. (READ)
Okay, in this chapter, we see Joseph come in contact with his family, and we see how the dreams that God had given him many years ago are finally playing out for everyone. At this time, let’s take a better look at this passage.
As this chapter begins to unwrap, what vantage point does the reader have that the brothers do not?
By forcing his brothers to endure all the things that they made him endure, is Joseph seeking revenge, repentance of his brothers, or what?
Why do you think Joseph reacts the way that he does in verse 24?
Why doesn’t Joseph go ahead and reveal himself at that time?
When someone has deeply wronged you, do you usually seek revenge or reconciliation? Why?
Like Jacob’s sons, where are you still paying the price or reaping the effects of mistakes you have made?
Like Jacob, what situation seems “hopeless” at this time?
From this chapter, what will you keep in mind as you face your situation with hope?
What does this story tell you about the phrases: “What goes around, comes around” and “You reap what you sow.”?
What can you do to avoid later repayment for ways that you have mistreated others?
Well, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add about what we have looked at tonight?
Well, if there is nothing else, for next week we are going to look at chapters 43 and 44. If you have already read them, then you are a step ahead of the game, if not, that is what we will be discussing.
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