• Join us at 7:00 am in the Parlor at The Shepherd’s Church. (Come a little early for coffee and a light breakfast.)
• Do you have a health risk related to COVID-19? You can participate via Zoom using THIS LINK.
• Immediately following the large group, we break into discussion / prayer groups. If you are not yet in a group, contact Scott Wylie.

Outline and Discussion Questions:

Introduction

The Scheming of Joseph’s Brothers (Genesis 37:18-20)

• QUESTION: When have you seen or experienced a time when envy or hatred caused someone to plot the downfall of another? Have you ever taken delight when harm came to someone you did not like? What does God’s Word say about feelings like this?

The Strategy of Reuben (Genesis 37:21-22)

• QUESTION: Can you think of an example from scripture or from your life when someone’s actions were good, but fell short of what really needed to be done? Why are we tempted to try and do the minimum instead of taking a stand, and going all-in to do what is right? When have you allowed the pressure of a group to keep you from following God fully? 

The Selling of Joseph (Genesis 37:23-28)

• QUESTION: What are some other examples of a hard, callus heart that resulted in acts of cruelty? Based on your experience or knowledge, what are some warning signs that our heart is growing hard toward someone? What are some practical steps we should take when we sense a hardness in our heart?

The Sorrow of Jacob (Genesis 37:29-36)

IMPLICATIONS

• QUESTION: Some helpful New Testament verses to keep in mind when trouble comes are Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4; Hebrews 10:32-34; and James 1:2-3. If you have time, or else later in the day, look up these verses and think about how you should respond to trouble in your life. 
• QUESTION: What bible verses or biblical principles can you think of that would help us when we are mistreated, abused or taken advantage of?