Unfolding Grace – Week 6

Israel comes to Egypt (Genesis 45-48)

Read pages 73-85 in Unfolding Grace this week.

1. Joseph’s story in Genesis 37 begins with Joseph having two dreams that he tells his family about. Whydo you think God gave Joseph those dreams, and what purpose did they serve in his life?

2. We’d like to believe that if we belong to God and we are living lives that are pleasing to God, then his presence in our lives will protect us from significant suffering. We have to wonder if Joseph thought to himself, “I believed in that dream you gave me; I ran from temptation. Is this how you reward those who serve you, Lord?” What aspects of Joseph’s experience, as well as that of other people in the Bible, help us see that obeying God does not necessarily protect us from suffering?

3. What does this reveal about God’s character?

4. The theme of Joseph’s story is found in his words, “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen. 45:8), as well as, “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Gen. 50:20). Are there any experiences in your life that, although painful or hurtful, you can already see God using for good?

5. How does Joseph foreshadow Jesus?

6. Why do you believe it is important to develop a God-centered view of life? What are steps to take to aid in that process?

7. Joseph came to understand his personal story in terms of God’s larger story. Why was that understanding important?

8. Joseph avoided the debilitating effect of seeing himself only as a victim. Why was that important? What are some of the signs that a person sees themselves as a victim? How can you take steps to avoid seeing yourself as a victim?

9. From Sunday’s sermon, what did you find either most encouraging or most challenging?