Tag: Bible study

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Living Dependent On God

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WEEK 6, DAY 3 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 49:1-28; Psalm 139:1-6 and 16 (SOAP – Psalm 139:16)

Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb.
All the days ordained for me
were recorded in your scroll
before one of them came into existence.  Psalm 139:16  NLT
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Focus Passage:

I love knowing that God is all-knowing (omniscient), all-present (omnipresent), and all-powerful (omnipotent). While we might find ourselves wishing He didn’t see and know every thought, word, deed, or – thing left undone, especially those things that we know He would be less than pleased with – the Bible makes it very clear – nothing escapes Him! He knows when we sit down and get up. He knows our motives and is aware of every word, or as David says, “thoroughly aware”. While the reality of this may be a bit daunting at times, God’s all-knowing power is a blessing beyond our comprehension. It serves as both conviction and warning, but is equally a source of encouragement to know that He has seen us and known us since before we were born. He knows everything about us, everyday of our lives from beginning to end. This is the encouragement we need to live, as Joseph did, dependent on God instead of self or the world. There is something freeing about placing my trust in the One who knows everything and everything about me.

THE GENESIS SAGA:

As Jacob nears the end of his life he calls his sons together to share what he knows about the days ahead of them. His words are both a revelation of how their choices have affected their future and confirmation of which of the twelve will receive his greatest blessing. I think what I love most about the words he spoke to and about Joseph is that they were full of encouragement. Jacob had lived 147 years and was able to assure Joseph that he would succeed because his God, the God of his father, the Powerful One, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, would help him. The Sovereign God would richly bless him. The blessings he would know would be greater than any tangible or desirable thing he could hope for.

Other Notable Observations:

  • Joseph’s line, through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would multiply greatly
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Clearly from David’s words in Psalm 139 and the example we have seen in Jacob and Joseph through this journey – we should live dependent on God – the Powerful One, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, the Sovereign God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. We would be wise to live as James taught – not as those who say, today I will do this or that – but If the Lord is willing, then we will live and do this or that James 4:14-15 As we have seen and said many times along the way, we should live by FAITH not by sight – faith not just in Jesus but in God’s omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent power.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, You have already plotted the course of my life, You know the beginning from the end. I praise You for this knowledge – it is comfort and peace and strength, as well as – much needed conviction. Help me to live in dependence on You, walking by faith and not by sight, and fully surrendered to Your all-knowing, all-wise, all powerful, and present will. To Your honor and eternal glory – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • What is your reaction to hearing that God knew all of your days before one of them came to be?
Want More?

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Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

By Faith

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WEEK 6, DAY 2 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 47:28-48:22; Isaiah 55:8-9; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 11:13 and 21 (SOAP – Proverbs 8:12-17)

13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. ... 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff.  NLT
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Focus Verse(s): Hebrews 11:13 and 21

The author of Hebrews writes of those who not only lived by faith but “died in faith without ever receiving the things promised.” Consider Jacob, who was told that he would become a great nation, but at a time very near his death he still had not seen this come to pass. Yet, like his fathers before him – he still believes and prepares for death by passing the blessing on to the generations coming behind him. The author of Hebrews makes it clear that the faith of God’s people was always looking forward to what they could not see but chose to trust was coming. This is the faith we are meant to have, which is why the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about walking by faith and not by sight.

For we walk by faith and not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Jacob had lived in Egypt for seventeen years now and was 147 years old. Scripture says, “The time for Israel to die …” After securing Joseph’s promise to bury him – not in Egypt – but in his own burial place the time came when Jacob told Joseph that his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would be like his own. Shortly after this, he pronounced a blessing on the boys. However, even though Joseph took great care to place the boys in a position that would have ensured Jacob’s blessing on the older – he looked up to find that for some reason Jacob had crossed his hands and had pronounced the blessing belonging to the oldest son, Manasseh, on Ephraim. Jacob let Joseph know it wasn’t a mistake that the younger would be greater, but assured him that the boys would both become great nations.

Other Notable Observations:

The other verses included into today’s journey point us to trusting and respecting that God is in complete and perfect control of all things.

APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

We are to walk, worship, and pray by FAITH, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

We would do well to remember that TRUST > SIGHT

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for the saints who have gone before us. Help us to walk by faith – in Jesus’ Name! – Amen

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • In what area of your life is it easiest for you to trust God?
  • In what area of your life is it most difficult for you to trust God?
  • Why is it necessary to submit to God’s plans when they are different from yours?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Wisdom and Power of God

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WEEK 6, DAY 1 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 46:31-47:27 (SOAP – Proverbs 8:12-17)

By me kings reign,
and by me potentates decree righteousness;
16 by me princes rule,
as well as nobles and all righteous judges.
17 I will love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently will find me.  NLT
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Focus Verse(s): Proverbs 8:15-17

In case you’ve ever wondered who appoints kings and rulers of all sorts, God’s Word makes it crystal clear – it is unquestionably Him. Joseph is a prime example, a 17-year-old boy who was sold into slavery, wrongly accused and thrown into a dungeon, forgotten about, and yet somehow rose to be the second in command over all of Egypt.

  • It is also helpful to understand that wisdom is a capacity to make godly decisions based on knowledge, and that God is the true source of the wisdom referred to in this passage.
  • We see this wisdom in Joseph through the span of his time in Egypt, both in the way he handles the tragic situations of his life, as well as in the interpretation and advice concerning Pharaoh’s dream and the handling of the famine.

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Picking up where we left off, Joseph has just been reunited with his father and now begins to advise his family on the next steps, which will be appearing before Pharaoh and appealing to him for the family to settle in the land of Goshen. Pharaoh is pleased to settle Joseph’s family in the best region of the land, the land of Goshen. While the land of Canaan wasted away due to the famine Jacob and his household were well provided for because God, in His sovereign goodness, had placed Joseph in a position to provide enough food for them all.

 Israel [Jacob’s household] settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen, and they owned land there. They were fruitful and increased rapidly in number.

Genesis 47:27 NLT

Things do not go as well for the Canaanites and Egyptians who were forced by the severity of the famine to use their money to buy grain that Joseph had stockpiled for this purpose. When their money was gone they were forced to exchange their animals for grain from Joseph, and eventually they were so desperate that they gave their land and themselves, as slaves to Pharaoh, in exchange for food. As Joseph’s family enjoyed the blessings of his position under Pharaoh, Pharaoh enjoyed the blessing of Joseph’s management that resulted in his acquisition of all of the animals, the land (with the exception of the portion belonging to the priests), and the people. It should also be noted that while the cost of the famine had a great and lasting affect on the people of Egypt and Canaan, they were provided for and expressed thankfulness to Joseph for saving their lives and showing them favor by allowing them to still farm the land and eat from it.

Other Notable Observation(s):

When we read that “Israel settled in the land of Egypt” (27) , we must remember that this is referring to Jacob and his family; however, the name is also the identity of the nation that God has promised will one day come from Jacob.

APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Whether we like, or appreciate, or agree with our ‘rulers’ – we must not forget that they are appointed by God –

The ones who seek Him and love Him will know His guidance.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for Your sovereign control and wisdom. Help us to seek you and love You so that we will know Your guidance and be able to make godly decisions based on the knowledge we receive from You. True wisdom is from You, and James wrote that You give liberally to all who ask for it, may we not neglect this awesome privilege.

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • Why is it important for God’s leaders to have wisdom?
  • How can you lead with wisdom today?
  • How can you also humble yourself and submit to the authorities God has placed in your life?
Want More?

Visit Love God Greatly for their latest blog or to go global with them in their effort to reach every tribe, nation, and tongue with the Word of God –

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Choosing God Instead of the World: Looking Ahead to Week-6

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A Love God Greatly Study

THE FEATURE VERSE

This week’s feature verse comes from day 4, and is found in Genesis 50:20. This most likely sounds familiar and should since Joseph said something very similar in chapter 45 verse 5. 

But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.  Genesis 45:5  NLT
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. 
He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.  Genesis 50:20 NLT

Notice, while Joseph still credits God with the power and purpose, his words are a little more specific this time concerning the brother’s actions. Earlier he states that the brothers sold him (45:5), yet here he says that they meant it for evil. I believe he restates their true role in order to make the pointed contrast that God meant it all for good (50:20). He clearly makes the point that God is in complete control. The commentary by Bibleref.com explains it like this – “Joseph insists that God’s power and God’s plan for His people are more powerful than the ability of mere human beings to do evil to each other. He is convinced that not only was God ultimately responsible for allowing the evil act to happen, but He also mysteriously built it into a larger plan to save His people—and many others—from the ravages of a deadly drought.“1

1Bibleref.com @ What does Genesis 50:20 mean?

CHALLENGE

Jacob displayed great faith in God’s promises even though he ddi not see them fully realized in his lifetime. This week, take time to find a few verses about God’s promises for His people. Write them on a notecard and place them around your home to remind you of God’s faithfulness and promise-keeping character.

  • Extended Challenge: Share at least one of the verses you find in the comments or with someone you know.
OUR MEMORY VERSE
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Reality of the Dream

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Choosing God Instead of the World – Recap of Week-5

A Love God Greatly Study

REFLECTIONS

We first heard about Joseph when God “enabled Rachel to become pregnant” and give birth to a son in chapter thirty. However, we didn’t really become acquainted with him until he was seventeen years old and dreaming dreams that seemed to imply that one day he would be in authority over his family and they would be bowing down to him. In our journey this week we have seen the reality of this dream not once but twice. We have seen the beauty of God’s sovereign control positioning Joseph just where he needed to be. We have witnessed Joseph’s raw emotions, we’ve watched battles with forgiveness, anger, sorrow, and fears, and we have seen bold steps of faith and surrender. Through it all we have seen God work in ways unimaginable to man as He positioned not just Joseph but his family and eventually the “nation of Israel” exactly where they were meant to be. Oh how I hope that you are enjoying this journey and the history of God’s people and our faith. I pray that you are finding hope for your battles – in seeing that God is in control, working everything completely and perfectly together for His people and purpose.

*I invite you to message me if you do not know know Jesus as your Savior, or if you have questions concerning faith

PREVIEW: Week-6

During our final week we will continue to explore the reasons, ways, and benefits of Choosing God Instead Of The World . We will travel the rest of the way through Genesis forty-six and complete the journey in chapter fifty with a few detours through other Old and New Testament passages. May He open our hearts and minds to see Him all along the way.

IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE POSTS or LGG Blogs YOU’LL FIND THE LINKS BELOW.

The Brothers Go Down to Egypt: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/14/7563/

Affection for His Betrayers: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/15/7580/

Love One Another: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/16/7598/

For God Sent Me: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/17/7607/

Here I Am: https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/18/7620/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Here I Am

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WEEK 5, DAY 5 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:16-46:30 (SOAP – Genesis 46:2-4)

2 During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called.

“Here I am,” Jacob replied.

3 “I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. 4 I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.”   NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: Jacob Goes to Egypt

God had endeared Joseph to those he had served, as well as those he served with through the years as the second in command to Pharaoh. So, when word reached Pharaoh and his servants that Joseph’s brothers had arrived they were pleased. Pharaoh made great gestures of caring for Joseph’s family and making them at home in Egypt. The brothers left shortly after they had learned of Joseph’s identity and began the journey to bring Jacob to be reunited and live with Joseph, where they would be spared from the remaining years of famine – and where we will see that God continues to carry out His plan to make Jacob into a great nation.

Our Focus Passage: Verses 2-4

Needless to say Jacob was shocked to learn that Joseph was still alive but Scripture says that “he was revived in spirit.” Jacob soon began his journey to see his beloved son. Along the way, God calls to Jacob and when Jacob answers, “Here I am”, God responds with confirmation that he is not to be afraid to go down to Egypt for it is all part of His plan and the place where God would make him into a great nation, as He had promised. He assured Jacob that He would go with him to Egypt and one day bring him back from there.

Other Notable Observations:

  • They settled in the “land of Goshen”. Including the two sons born to Joseph there were 70 members in the household of Jacob in Egypt.
  • Joseph and Jacob reunited with much weeping.
  • Jacob was content to die now that he had seen Joseph’s face again.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

When God calls, our answer should be, as Jacob’s was, “Here I am“. We don’t have to be afraid when He calls us to do something, even if it seems too. hard or unpleasant or takes us aways from all that we have known, because we know that God has equipped us for whatever He calls us to do (2 Peter 1:3-4), is working the details out according to His perfect will and timing, and will be with us wherever we go. It is crucial that we believe these truths, for the “Hear I am” answer depends on it. As is evident in the Scriptures, and what we have likely seen in our own lives or the lives of others – what God has started He will finish, we must believe this and act accordingly.

PRAYER: RESPOSE TO GOD’S WORD.

Father, how good it is to see Your works! How pleasing it is to watch Your plans unfold and to be reminded that we don’t have to be afraid to follow where You lead us or to end up in an unwanted position because of someone else’s actions or our bad choices – For You are in complete and perfect control. May we live and walk by this TRUTH — Trusting, obeying, following, and unafraid because You are with us and Your presence is our peace. All of this because of and in Jesus’ name I pray – Amen –

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • What promises of God can you cling to today?
  • Can you be confident that He will keep His promises? Why or why not?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

For God Sent Me –

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WEEK 5, DAY 4 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:1-15 (SOAP – Genesis 45:5)

But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.   NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: Joseph Reveals His Identity

After Judah’s plea and offer to exchange his life for Benjamin’s and his father’s, Joseph could no longer keep the secret of his identity hidden. When he had made sure that they were alone – he announced, “I am Joseph! Is my brother still alive?” The brothers were confused and gave no answer, so he said again, “I am Joseph your brother,” this time adding – “whom you sold into Egypt.” While Joseph clearly acknowledges the brothers’ part in the way his life turned out he gives God all the credit. I doubt that this was an effort of Joseph to whitewash the brothers’ betrayal, but to let them know that that God was in perfect control and had blessed Joseph despite their evil act. It was God who positioned him to rule over Egypt and God who positioned him to provide life for them, He explains to them how God had used their act of selling him to preserve their lives by making him advisor to Pharaoh, lord over all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Other Notable Observations:
  • Joseph immediately puts the brothers at ease rather than throwing blame and making them feel bad. (5)
  • He explains how the famine will play out and assures them that it was God who sent him ahead of them in order to save their lives (7)
  • Joseph sends the brothers back to Canaan to bring Jacob to Egypt, so that Joseph can provide for him and his whole household, and everyone who belongs to him. (9-12)
  • Joseph wept over his brothers and they talked with one another. (13-15)
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Again, it seems there is much we can learn from Joseph, including not throwing blame or making others feel badly for their wrongs but especially giving God all the credit that He is due, as we read in the soap verse. This is true even for ourselves. We would be wise to not look at any given situation and say look what I have done, look what I have become, or accomplished, or what ‘that person’ became because of me. Surely we can celebrate what God has helped us to accomplish at school, or work, or in life, for ourselves or for others – but we put ourselves in danger when it becomes about us and not what God has helped us accomplish. It can lead to pridefulness that may turn us to choose the world’s way instead of God’s. Instead let us To steer clear of the pitfalls of pride we would do well to deflect all praise to God as Joseph did and to set aside time daily to point our own minds to remembering what God has done for us.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for being in complete control. Thank You for using us as Your instruments to accomplish Your will and for reminding us to give You all the glory and honor due Your Holy Name. Let Your praise always be on our lips and Your goodness always on our minds. Guard us from pridefulness and boasting in ourselves. These things I pray in Jesus’ name and power – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • How is a willingness to forgive related to an understanding of God’s sovereignty?
  • Is there anyone you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with today?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Love One Another

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WEEK 5, DAY 3 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 44; John 15:12-13; 1 John 1:8-2:2 (SOAP – John 15:12-13)

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Joseph is still not ready to reveal his true identity to the brothers but is obviously wanting to keep Benjamin with him and continue to show compassion to the brothers and Jacob. However, Judah and the brothers are committed to keeping Benjamin safe and from causing their father further grief, so they replay the scenario to Joseph and plead for him to understand and relent.

Judah shows great sacrificial love by offering himself in the place of Benjamin, not just for the sake of Benjamin but in order that Jacob would not suffer more grief.

Me – from the Inside-out –
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Today’s focus passage and application might appear to be simple – “Love one another”. Yet, the passage doesn’t stop there, nor should we. To truly understand how to apply today’s passages we must read the entire focus passage from John 15:12-13 – “My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this — that one lays down his life for his friends.” We see this played out in the life of Jesus, who loved us so much that He laid down His life for us – vile, guilty sinners, enemies of His Father, We also see a similar love offered by Judah on behalf of his father Benjamin. In light of this, how then should we live? We should not simply love one another but we should “Love one another, just as Christ has loved us.” (John 13:34)

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, please help us to love like Jesus. I confess it, most often, seems like an impossible application but I remember the words of Jesus to His early disciples – “with man [this] is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”Matt 19:26 This truth, fittingly applied to all Scriptures that teach seemingly impossible tasks for man, brings much hope. May Your Spirit in us produce this Love and all else You have called us to do in Jesus’ name. – Amen –

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

  • Why is self-sacrifice the greatest display of love?
  • How was Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin a foreshadowing of what as to come in Christ?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Affection for His Betrayers

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WEEK 5, DAY 2 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 43 (SOAP – 1 Peter 3:8-9)

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.  NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: Joseph, Overcome By Affection

In our last reading Jacob had refused to let Benjamin return with the brothers even though Simeon would be held prisoner until they did. Some time passed, the famine grew worse and the food and supplies they had brought from Egypt were now gone. The brothers had another conversation with Jacob and he relented, ultimately laying aside fear’s grip on him and trusting in the mercy of His God.

When Joseph saw Benjamin was with them he arranged for them to be brought to his house for the noon meal. When they were brought before Joseph, again they bowed before him. Joseph spoke with them, inquiring about their father and asking if the one they had brought with them was indeed their youngest brother, (this must have been to keep up his pretense of not knowing who they were). When Joseph greeted Benjamin he was overcome with affection for him and had to leave the room. Scripture says, he wept in his room before returning to the brothers and enjoying the meal that had been prepared for them.

Other Notable Observations:
  • The brothers were still fearful. (18)
  • They were honest concerning the money that they had found in their sacks. (19-22)
  • Simeon was returned, as promised. (23)
Today’s Focus Passage:

Remember, on their previous visit with Joseph he had been harsh and demanding toward them. Yet, on their return there is clearly a change in his demeanor – a humbleness that led him to have them brought to his home for a meal and undoubtedly to the affections and brokenness that overcame him when he was able to speak to Benjamin. What follows is an example for us of the words we find in 1 Peter 3:8-9, where believers are urged specifically not to repay evil for evil or insult for insult. Joseph not only resisted repaying evil for evil but we also see evidence of the other qualities mentioned. He was no longer harsh but spoke to them in a way that welcomed harmony, as he showed compassion, sympathetic concern and affection so great that the brothers “bowed down in humility” and Joseph had to leave the room because he was overcome by his emotions.

APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Now that we’ve revisited Joseph’s story and his actions towards his brothers, reread 1 Peter 3:8-9 again. As you read, underline or make note of those things that remind you of Joseph’s actions toward his brother. I think you will find Joseph to be a wonderful example of how Peter encouraged the new testament believers to live.

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT

In light of these two passages and Paul’s words to Timothy that all Scripture is useful for training in righteousness, I believe we have a clear answer as to how we are to live. Like Joseph, we should be harmonious, unified around one way of thinking – namely “the way of Jesus”. We should be sympathetic and compassionate, truly caring about our fellow believers and showing them kindness – even those who have hurt us or others we love. We are to be affectionate, showing ‘brotherly love’ to all believers; and as Joseph so clearly demonstrated, we should be humble – putting others above ourselves, making Christ and them the focus of our attention.

PRAYER: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD.

Father, surely it is not easy to show love and kindness or to be sympathetic to those who have hurt us – but You have given us a perfect example in Joseph. Help us to be full of compassion, tenderhearted and forgiving as You are with us. Guide us in loving and living like Jesus – stir our affections to align with Yours so that others will see and know You and Your love in us. – To Your Glory – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • How can you develop responsibility, honesty, unity, faith, and gratitude?
  • How do these characteristics bless the body of Christ?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Brothers Go Down to Egypt

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WEEK 5, DAY 1 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 42 (SOAP – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.  2 Corinthians 7:9-10NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: The Brothers Bow Down

The famine was severe in the land of Canaan but Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt so he sent his sons, except for Benjamin, down to buy grain. Because Joseph was the ruler of the country, the one who sold grain to all the people, it was him that they appeared before with their request and him they bowed down to. Years had past but Joseph still recognized his brothers, however they did not recognize him, most likely because he would have been dressed like an Egyptian and addressed by his Egyptian name. Scripture says, he did not disclose his identity but acted like a stranger and treated them harshly. I imagine that the harshness was most likely in some ways his true emotions spilling out toward those who had betrayed him but perhaps also an attempt to keep his identity a secret not know knowing what they would do if they found out he was alive and well. He was undoubtedly curious too as to the condition of his father and other brother so he asked questions prompting the information. Unsatisfied with, or untrusting of, their answers – he sends all but one of them back to Canaan, keeping Simeon as a prisoner to be released upon their return with his brother Benjamin.

Back in Canaan they explained the events to their father but after much conversation and promises to protect him he refused to let Benjamin go.

Other Notable Observations:

  • Joseph originally had all of the brothers imprisoned for three days while he considered what to do.
  • Joseph had cried out to his brothers for mercy before they sold him into slavery.
  • At one point he turned away from them and wept because he had understood their language and their conversation about what they had done to Joseph. (They did not know Joseph had understood them because they were using an interpreter.)
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

In a previous letter Paul had rebuked the Corinthians for a particular sin. He had been concerned that his rebuke would have angered them but instead learned that they had repented – which is the best outcome to any rebuke. God intends for knowledge of our sins to make us sorrowful and lead us to repentance, which is to stop whatever worldly behavior we’re doing and choose instead to follow Him. Whether it is a repentance of the lost that leads to salvation or a repentance of the believer that leads to a right relationship with God – repentance is always best. This is what we saw with the brothers after their trip to Egypt – even before they knew that they had bowed before Joseph, they, specifically Reuben, realized the wrongness of their actions and the debt they owed.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, help us to live with yielded and repentant hearts – In Jesus’ name, amen.

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • How does sadness lead to repentance and salvation ?
  • Have you experienced the sadness of God?
  • Did it lead you to repentance?