Big Idea:
As a Christ-follower we have to be faithful for the long haul, regardless of the results or obstacles.
Key Verse:
Read Genesis 39:20-23
But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.
The Scoop:
Many people who are admired or respected have earned that admiration through difficult choices they have made despite opposition. You’d be hard pressed to find an honorable historical figure who did not suffer greatly for the exact thing for which made them famous or well respected.
There is no guarantee that obeying God will keep us out of trouble. This goes against most of what we were taught as children, but as Joseph’s story illustrates, sometimes we have to suffer the consequences and endure hardship.
Every day we are faced with decisions. If we make our decisions based upon the initial response of those around us without taking into account our own moral values, we may fall short. Joseph knew God’s law. He knew what it meant to be an honorable man and he chose to keep himself pure and honest before God and Potiphar. The consequences of this choice were dire. Joseph was in prison for years, forgotten and alone. He paid a high price for obeying God, but the God didn’t forget him.
1. Have you ever done everything in your power to remain innocent in a situation only to have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s deception?
2. What are some areas that you feel blessed because of your sacrifice and obedience to God?
3. Is there an area in your life where you are missing out because you are choosing to take the easy way out?
What’s Next? (take home/further processing/application)
As you go through your day tomorrow, be aware of who you are living to please.
• Is it others or God?
• Identify the places you have avoided doing the right thing for fear of what others might think.
• Ask someone in the group to hold you accountable to taking an action step you are convicted you need to take to become a person of obedience.
As a Christ-follower we have to be faithful for the long haul, regardless of the results or obstacles.
Key Verse:
Read Genesis 39:20-23
But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.
The Scoop:
Many people who are admired or respected have earned that admiration through difficult choices they have made despite opposition. You’d be hard pressed to find an honorable historical figure who did not suffer greatly for the exact thing for which made them famous or well respected.
There is no guarantee that obeying God will keep us out of trouble. This goes against most of what we were taught as children, but as Joseph’s story illustrates, sometimes we have to suffer the consequences and endure hardship.
Every day we are faced with decisions. If we make our decisions based upon the initial response of those around us without taking into account our own moral values, we may fall short. Joseph knew God’s law. He knew what it meant to be an honorable man and he chose to keep himself pure and honest before God and Potiphar. The consequences of this choice were dire. Joseph was in prison for years, forgotten and alone. He paid a high price for obeying God, but the God didn’t forget him.
1. Have you ever done everything in your power to remain innocent in a situation only to have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s deception?
2. What are some areas that you feel blessed because of your sacrifice and obedience to God?
3. Is there an area in your life where you are missing out because you are choosing to take the easy way out?
What’s Next? (take home/further processing/application)
As you go through your day tomorrow, be aware of who you are living to please.
• Is it others or God?
• Identify the places you have avoided doing the right thing for fear of what others might think.
• Ask someone in the group to hold you accountable to taking an action step you are convicted you need to take to become a person of obedience.
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