Gen.39:1-18
In Gen.39:2-3, what do we read about God and Joseph two times?
The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered
Why was Joseph thrown into prison?
Potiphar's wife accused Joseph of inappropriate behavior, she told Potiphar, he became angry with Joseph and threw him in prison.
How did Joseph treat the cupbearer and the baker? (40:1-19)
Joseph attended them as assigned; noted both men seemed dejected so he asked them about it. Joseph showed he cared about them, he listened to their need and gave honest interpretations giving credit to God. Joseph was just the agent.
What is the purpose of my life?
To Know God, Love God, Enjoy God, Glorify God and when I do these things I am truly satisfied. God made me for Himself. I belong to God because He created me.
God is always _________ us.
with
How did God help Joseph at Potiphar's house? (39:3-4)
Potiphar liked Joseph and put him in charge of his household and everything he owned.
What was still true about God when Joseph was in prison and what is revealed about God through his relationship with the warden?(39:19-21)
God was present with Joseph. God showed kindness and granted Joseph favor with the warden. God was working for the future good of Joseph, working for the good of the warden and the prisoners.
What could Joseph's fellow prisoners have learned about God from Joseph and the outcome of the dreams he interpreted? (40:8, 20-22)
Joseph responded to their needs with concern and with truth and solutions from God. The outcome demonstrated the omniscience of God and the truthfulness of His Word.
Isn't my life about knowing myself?
We cannot know ourselves, the world or how we should live without knowing the one true God. We know ourselves by looking to God, not inward. God made all people to be like Him - in his image.
When his master saw that the _________ was with him and that the Lord gave him __________ in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Genesis 39:3-4a
Lord
success
What truths about God's character are revealed in Genesis 39:1-6?
God is omnipresent (He is with us) God is at work in pain and suffering; He is kind and gives blessings.
What might Joseph have learned in his trials that prepared him for future leadership?
Joseph learned he could trust God's presence and power with him; God's comfort satisfied him in all things; he was humbled; when Joseph was tested he stood firm upon God's Word. He was honest, responsible, wise and administrator in Potiphar's household and in the prison; he learned the customs and language of Egypt.
After the cupbearer told Joseph his dream, what did Joseph tell him? (40:9-15)
Joseph interpreted the dream--after 3 days Pharaoh would restore the cupbearer to his position. Joseph also asked the cupbearer to mention him to Pharaoh so he could get out of prison b/c he had been unjustly sold into slavery and later put in prison for something he did not do.
Isn't it just as important to achieve my potential, make friends and enjoy life?
True success is glorifying God in whatever He calls us to do. Our life goals will always be small until we understand God made us for Himself. Other things like school, friends, marriage, or career matter and are important but these things will never completely fulfill us. The more time we spend getting to know God, the more we will enjoy Him and enjoy life itself.
God is at ______ in his children's suffering.
Work
What did Joseph do when Potiphar's wife wanted him to sin? 39:8-12
He said, "No, it is a sin against God, my master has put me in charge of his household and everything and he has withheld nothing from me but you. How can I sin against God.
How has God shown His love for you in a difficult situation in your life?
Personal
What happened to Joseph at the end of the passage? (40:20-23)
The chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot about him.
What does it mean to glorify God?
God is glorified when His character is revealed and people understand what He is like. Everything God created reveals something about Him, His greatness and His goodness. This glorifies God. God made people to display His character. Everything expressing God's character glorifies Him. God's pleasure with us gives our hearts joy.
God is present everywhere. There is no where in the universe or spiritual world where God is not. God is with His children no matter where they are.
Omnipresent
How does remembering God's presence help you in hard circumstances? Where do you need to remain faithful to God even if it might cost you something?
Personal
Can God bring good from sin, pain or suffering? What good?
Yes, can teach us courage, dependence on God
Which attributes of God can help you when you are suffering?
Omnipotent (all powerful); Omnipresent (everywhere); Comforter; Omniscient (all knowing); just; kind; loving;
God never __________ His children?
o g e t f r s