Welcome to week six of our sermon series called Finding Hope in Family Conflict. This week our conversation will center on Joseph’s time in Egypt. We learn to how to be present even when we find our self somewhere we don’t want to be.
SHARE LIFE
Building healthy and life-giving relationships.
Updates
What has been new or challenging in your life since last time the group met? Spend 20–30 minutes checking in with each other.
Share Part of Your Story
What’s one of your favorite things to do on a sunny spring Saturday?
Care
As you think over the last few months, what prayers has God answered?
PURSUE GOD
Taking next steps toward Christ together.
Have someone read Genesis 39. Who are the main characters? What are the big issues?
Showing Up
How did Joseph get to Egypt? How do you think Joseph felt about his situation?
Just like Joseph, we can find ourselves in a space we don’t desire. What are some spaces people find themselves in that they don’t desire? What undesired spaces have you experienced?
God is with Joseph (Genesis 39:2) in Egypt, but Joseph is also present and faithful in the situation. How does Joseph handle the undesired situations he finds himself in?
How do you think you would handle something like Joseph experienced? What is your first reaction when you find yourself in a place you don’t want to be?
Compounding the Damage
Sometimes when we find ourselves in a difficult space, it can be easy to compromise. What is the opportunity for Joseph to compromise? How does he respond?
What are some ways we can be tempted to compromise our morals in difficult situations?
How do you think you can keep yourself from compromising your morals?
Meeting Needs
Have someone summarize the story of the cupbearer and the baker (Genesis 40). In the midst of a difficult space, Joseph still looks out for others. What emotions do you think Joseph traveled through while in prison? Why do you think he was willing to help others? What was the condition of his heart?
How can serving others in the midst of difficult situations change the way we view life? How do you think it can help you heal?
What does it look like for you to tell God, “I’m yours today”?
What is a situation where you have seen God’s best work done in, through and around something difficult to redeem and restore it?
Today’s conversation dealt with those times we find ourselves in a difficult situation. Joseph’s response gives us a picture of how to respond. What’s one next step you can take this week to grow in the way you trust God while you’re in a difficult situation?
INVEST IN OTHERS
Valuing people outside the group and outside the faith.
Serve
Joseph thought about those around him even in the midst of a difficult situation. How can your group be serving those around you? Who can you serve that may be in the middle of difficulty right now?
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