StoneBridge Community Church
Senior Pastor Jon Saur
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.
Genesis 46:28-34 NRSV
Sermon Outline
I. Goshen
II. Grace
III. Joseph's example
IV. Jesus' story
V. What grace looks like.
Frederick Buechner Quote
Here is the quote Pastor Jon mentioned in the sermon this week:
"The grace of God means something like: "Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are, because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you."
There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it.
Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too."
NEXT STEPS:
1) Think of someone in your life in need of grace.
2) Pray that God would extend grace through you to that person.
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1) How would you define "grace?"
2) What is the clearest example of grace that you've witnessed first hand?
3) How do you think most people, were they in Joseph's shoes, would have responded to Joseph's brothers?
4) Why do you think Joseph gives them land in Goshen?
5) In what ways does Joseph reflect God at this part of the story?
6) In what ways have you received God's grace?
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