Brookwood Church
January 23, 2022
Use this guide by yourself or with friends to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus. To connect with others, visit https://www.brookwoodchurch.org/adults.
Conversation Starter
Name someone you had a hard time loving when you were growing up. Why?
Begin your study with prayer
Pause for a few minutes to quiet your heart and mind. Then ask God for insight and direction as you study and reflect on this week’s lesson.
1. What details does the writer include about Joseph and his family (vs. 1-4)? How would you describe the family dynamics?
2. Describe a time you either experienced or witnessed favoritism. How did it affect the people involved?
3. Why do you think Joseph told his father and brothers about his dreams? Would you have done the same thing? Why or why not?
4. Because of their envy and jealousy, the brothers responded with hatred and violence. Why do you think none of them stepped up to say this is wrong? How could Reuben and Judah have followed through with their objection?
5. How could the brothers have resolved their anger before acting on it?
6. What are examples in our culture of people justifying their mistreatment of others?
7. Do you know anyone who’s holding onto resentment? What role do you have in that situation?
8. Describe a time you felt resentment toward someone. What did you do? How did it turn out?
9. What happens when people refuse to let go of resentment?
10. The brothers lied to Jacob about what happened. How did he respond?
11. How are Jacob’s family dynamics the same as they were before? In what ways are they different?
12. Read the passages in this week’s Daily Reading. Which one resonates the most with you? How is God leading you to respond to this week’s lesson?
Spiritual Practice
A spiritual practice is training for the soul. If you build these into your everyday life, you’re sure to strengthen your relationship with God.
With a friend or in your group, share any feelings of resentment you have. Ask them to pray for you. Seek God’s forgiveness so you’ll experience His love and kindness. If you don’t feel resentment right now, ask God to protect you from anger and bitterness. Seek to live with a heart of peace and compassion.
Memory Verse
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200
Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.
Brookwood Church App
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