THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Women’s Ministry invites you to join in a fun evening of relaxation and connection at the PICNIC ON THE PATIO on Thursday, August 8, from 7-8:30 pm at the East Paris Campus Warehouse. Enjoy a delightful dinner, lively music, opportunities to connect with other women and an exciting raffle for some fun prizes! Learn more and register at AdaBible.info>Info & Events.
GROUP VALUES. This July, we’re focusing on FORMATIVE CONVERSATIONS. Formative Conversations in a small group can redirect, refresh and re-engage your group. This sometimes requires creativity and boldness in getting everyone to share. Look for an opportunity this week to ask a follow-up question that draws out a group member’s heart.
GROW AS A LEADER. Rooted in providing practical advice for emerging and veteran leaders, the Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast equips leaders with the necessary tools for continuous improvement and lasting impact. Listen to recent episodes at andystanley.com/podcast/.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the ninth week of our sermon series, GOD IS. This week, we discuss how God is creative by examining God’s work through Joseph’s challenging situations.
ICEBREAKER
If you could instantly master any creative skill (painting, music, writing, cooking, etc.), what would you choose and why?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
As a group, retell the main events of Joseph’s story as told in Genesis 30, 37, 39-50.
Have someone read Genesis 50:15-21 aloud.
Put yourself in Joseph’s brothers’ place. How would you have felt when Joseph said the words in Genesis 50:20?
What does this conversation reveal about God’s character?
What do you learn from Joseph’s example in response to the wrongs done to him?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Jeff Manion continued our God Is sermon series by discussing God’s creativity through Joseph’s painful story. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
How does our culture view the idea of finding meaning or purpose in suffering?
Joseph’s story shows that God can use “bad” raw materials to bring about good ends. How does this idea impact your view of God’s creativity?
How can we support and encourage others who are going through painful experiences without minimizing their struggles?
Scripture records that God was “with Joseph” in his waiting-room situations (Genesis 39:2, 21). Share a time when you felt like you were in a waiting room.
Looking back on that waiting room situation, how do you see God was with you?
Joseph didn’t numb out or check out but was faithful in his painful places. Where do you currently need to not check out but be present and faithful?
What would being present and faithful in that situation this week look like?
The greatest example of God’s creative work in taking unspeakable bad and turning it into something beautiful and good is Jesus’s death on the cross. How can this truth shift your perspective on any current pain?
What spiritual habits can help us develop a bedrock faith in God’s goodness even when we can’t see it in the present moment?
Have someone read Revelation 21:3-5. Pastor Jeff talked about “future grace” and that we might not see the result of God’s work in our lifetime. How might the perspective of God eventually undoing pain change how you persevere in your current struggles?
WRAP UP
This week, we discussed God’s creativity in using bad things for good. What from this conversation or the sermon encouraged or challenged you the most, and why?