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Life Groups Week of March 7, 2010 – Genesis 41:41-57 – “Joseph in Charge in Egypt”

WELCOME

OPEN – You might try asking a few questions prior to the story to prime people’s imaginations:

If you were King or Queen for a day, of what would you most like being in charge?

When in your life did you most feel like you were somebody special?

What is the story behind the ring(s) on your finger(s)?

TELL THE STORY: Genesis 41:41-57 – “Joseph in Charge in Egypt”

Open your Bible to Genesis 41 – holding it open in your lap.  This indicates that it is God’s story, not just your own.  Tell the story – “Joseph in Charge in Egypt”

RE-BUILD THE STORY FROM SCRIPTURE – Genesis 41:41-57 – “Joseph in Charge in Egypt”

Have the group members open their Bibles and re-tell the story chronologically using the Scripture.  Look for key points that might have been left out or details that might have not been correct.  You might facilitate this by asking questions such as, Several big things happened in Joseph's life, in what order did they take place?

DIG - These questions are designed to help get into the story and learn lessons God might have for us.

What trappings of leadership did Pharaoh bestow upon Joseph?  Can you think of any other biblical character to whom this happened?

Joseph was given all the vestiges of leadership, how had he proven himself to receive them?

Many people want the perks of leadership, but don’t want the responsibility.  What kind of weight comes with leadership?

Did Joseph give up his identity by becoming Egyptian in his dress?  Did that hurt or help him?

Joseph took a foreign wife.  How was this different than the actions of Esau? (See Genesis 28:6-9 / 36:2)

How is Joseph different at age 30 from Joseph at age 17 (Genesis 37)?

How can you account for Joseph’s maturity and wisdom in administration of the Egyptian government?

 REFLECTION – These questions are intended to help develop deeper discussions about how the story applies to our personal lives. 

Like Joseph, is there any past trouble that you would like God’s help to forget?

Have you ever had a dream that died, then was resurrected?

Think back 13 years…  How are you different?  What did God do during that time to mold your character?

Where has God given you a great amount of responsibility?  How were you prepared for bearing that responsibility?

Are you now experiencing abundance or famine?  How can Joseph’s example be of help to you?

PRAYER TIME – Based on tonight’s discussion, how might the group pray for you?  What “Big Prayer” is your group praying together?  (Salvation of a loved one, God to raise up leaders from our youth, neighbors to come to Christ, for instance.)

FOCUS ONSERVICE - A couple of opportunities for service are listed on the web site.  From the home page, click on the box “Outreach/Serve”.  From there, go to “iMissoula” to get some ideas!  Other ideas:  take a walk down your block.  Is anyone in need of your groups’ help?  Could your group come together to make a meal for a family in need?

WRAP UP/DISMISSAL