Joseph Lesson 8: Joseph and Judah

Apr 25, 2021 | Joseph

Quest Men’s Bible Study  | April 28, 2021  |  Genesis 44

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • 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:

 

 

KEY TRUTH: Deal with your sin quickly, simply, humbly and while you still can.

Outline

  1. Joseph’s Masterful Plan (Genesis 44:1-17)
  2. Judah’s Moving Plea (Genesis 44:18-34)

Implications

  • The adversities you face bring out your true character and level of maturity.
    • QUESTION: Look through Genesis 44:18-26. What does Judah’s appeal on behalf of Benjamin illustrate about his character? Read 1 Corinthians 11:18–19. How does the Principle Paul teaches play out in your life? In other words, how does the way you handle conflict and division reveal that you are mature and genuine – or not?
  • God pursues you in your sin with a view to your repentance.
    • QUESTION: God is dealing with the sin of Joseph’s brothers. What tendencies do you see in men, or see in yourself, that cause us to hide our sin instead of repent of sin? Read Hebrews 9:27. Based on what you know of Scripture, how does that passage apply to Christian men? In other words, why is it important to deal with our sin while we are still living?
  • God has built the principle of cause and effect into the moral fabric of your experience.
    • QUESTION: Read Galatians 6:7-8. How is that principle being played out in this section of Genesis? What are some illustrations of how you’ve seen this principle at work in your own life? Sometimes you’ll experience the effects that other people have caused. What are some principles to keep in mind when you experience the consequences of other people’s actions?
  • You must never commit a wrong to try and correct a wrong.
    • QUESTION: The brothers might have been tempted to do to Benjamin what they did to Joseph, and cover one sin with another. Why do you think we’re constantly tempted to follow our sin with more sin? We’re also tempted to sin in response to other people’s sin. How does Romans 12:19 apply to those situations? What are some principles we should keep in mind when others are committing a sin and seemingly getting away with it?
  • You must not be “soft” on sin. You need to face up to your sins, including the spiritual and natural consequences, even though others may seem to get by with sin.
    • QUESTION: How does a casual view of sin lead to wrong views of God?
  • Learn to trust God when He allows trials to come into your life.
    • QUESTION: Joseph’s brothers are going through a time of serious trial and testing. What are some things that you’ve learned, or some ways that you’ve grown, that could only come through trials?