Intended for Good

Genesis - The Joseph Narrative

Joseph's story picks up in earnest in Genesis chapter 37. What we know initially about Joseph is that he is the son of Jacob, the grandson of Isaac and the great-grandson of Abraham. Joseph has 11 brothers. Each of his brothers is the ancestor of a tribe of Israel.

Joseph's story begins with a dream and the love of his father. We are told that Jacob loves Joseph deeply, even more than he loves Joseph's brothers. Then, Joseph dreams that his brothers will all bow down to him someday and, in his naiveté, shares this dream. As you can imagine, his brothers don't appreciate the dream.

This begins a series of challenges. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers. He is falsely accused by his owner's wife. He is thrown in jail and forgotten. But all the while, we are told, God is with him. The dream that God gave Joseph will come true.

Joseph's story is one of challenges, but also one of God's ability to triumph. Working through the events in Joseph's life, God brings about an outcome that blesses multitudes. Though many of the human characters intend harm to Joseph, God has intended good for all and God will prevail. The dream will come true.

Sermon Outline

I. Review of Joseph's Story

II. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers
A. What is his response?
B. Forgiveness

III. Forgiveness
A. What is Forgiveness?
B. Why is it important?
1. Mark 2
2. Luke 23
C. Why is it hard? (Volf)
1. Revenge
2. Justice
D. How do we practice it?

IV. Joseph's Forgiveness
A. Trust in God's plan (Dream)
1. Views of providence
2. "Soft Providence"
3. Bigger picture
B. Rest in God's forgiveness
C. View others the way God views them.
1. How Joseph sees his brothers
2. How we can see others
D. Boundaries!
1. Forgiving someone doesn't mean letting them hurt you. (Joseph is in charge.)
2. Putting appropriate boundaries in place doesn't mean you haven't forgiven someone.

V. God forgives us.

NEXT STEPS:

1) Think of someone you haven't been able to forgive.

2) Pray about this situation with someone you trust who isn't involved in the situation. Then discuss with them what forgiveness might look like. (Get an outside perspective.)

3) Find a way to forgive that person, while still upholding appropriate boundaries.

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1) How would you respond, if you were in Joseph's situation?

2) Why do you think Joseph was able to forgive his brothers in this moment?

3) Do you find forgiveness easy to grant? Why or why not?

4) In your opinion, what makes forgiveness difficult for people?

5) What have you found from scripture or from your experience that has made forgiveness easier to practice?

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