Rest in the providence of God. (Genesis 37:12-36)
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SERMON NOTES:
The Providence of God
Genesis 37:12-36
Rest in the providence of God.
God is provident when we feel lost. (12-17)
God is provident and cannot be stopped. (18-24)
God is provident when evil appears to be winning.(25-28)
God is provident when we feel overwhelmed with the hard-things of life. (29-35)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson - Genesis 37:12-36
1.Read verses 12-17. First, what was the attitude of Joseph’s brothers toward him and why (see verses 37:4-5, 8, 11)? What did Jacob ask Joseph to do? Where are the cities of Shechem and Dothan in relation to Hebron? In that time in history do you think it was safe for Joseph at 17 years old (37:2) to be traveling to find his brothers by himself? Why or why not? Has God ever asked you to do something that required great effort, risk or sacrifice? How did you respond? How might God be calling you right now to do something outside of your comfort zone?
2.Read verses 18-24. What did the brothers plan to do? Why do you think Reuben intervened? What did the brothers end up doing? Why do think it is significant that they took his robe (see 37:3-4)? How do you think Joseph was feeling during this encounter? Have you ever felt deeply wronged or betrayed by someone? What was it like, and how did you respond? How do you think God wants us to respond, and what Scripture support your answer?
3.Read verses 25-28. What did the brothers end up doing with Joseph? What do you think it felt like for Joseph, the favored son of a rich man, to be sold into slavery by his brothers? What thoughts do you think rolled through his mind?
4.Read verses 29-36. How did Reuben respond to Joseph being sold into slavery? What did they tell Jacob, and how did Jacob respond? What was happening to Joseph while Jacob was grieving (vs. 36)? Many of us know the rest the story… after years of hardship Joseph rises to great power and authority in Egypt. Read Genesis 50:20. As you consider Genesis 37 and Genesis 50:20, what do you learn about God’s providence (working for our good and his glory) in this situation?
5.So what. As you consider difficult things in your past, how would you have responded differently if you truly trusted in the providence of God? As you face hard things now, and in the future, what can you do to cultivate a trust in the providence of God?