Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible ReadingGenesis 37:1-11 (ESV)> Jacob lived in the land of his father's sojournings, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob.
> Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father.
> Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.
> But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.
> Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.”
> His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
> Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”
> But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?”
> And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)> And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:17 (ESV)> “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;’”
Observation Questions- What are some of the signs of dysfunction and favoritism in Jacob’s family as described in Genesis 37:1-11?
- According to the sermon, how did Joseph’s brothers respond to his dreams, and what does this reveal about their relationship? [[43:21]]
- In Philippians 1:6, who is responsible for bringing God’s work in us to completion?
- What does Acts 2:17 say about who receives the Holy Spirit and what happens as a result?
Interpretation Questions- The sermon says, “God’s promises are not hindered by our family dysfunction, personal failures, or spiritual immaturity. He remains faithful even when we are not, working through our mess to fulfill His covenant.” How does this truth challenge the way people often view their own family or personal struggles? [[34:44]]
- Why do you think God allowed Joseph to have dreams that would cause tension and jealousy in his family? What might God have been doing in the bigger picture? [[54:53]]
- The pastor shared that “God’s favor is not a reward for good behavior or a sign of worldly success. It is the unearned, lavish grace of God poured out on all who believe.” How does this understanding of favor differ from how people usually think about God’s blessings? [[36:06]]
- The sermon mentions that rejection and setbacks are often the soil in which faith grows and matures. How might this perspective change the way someone views their own disappointments or failures? [[58:10]]
Application Questions- The sermon described church and small group as a “no-judgment zone” and a “place of grace.” What would it look like for your group or your family to truly be a place where “it’s okay to not be okay”? Are there specific ways you can help create that environment? [[14:34]]
- Think about your own family or upbringing. Are there patterns of dysfunction, favoritism, or brokenness that you see? How does knowing that God works through imperfect families give you hope or change your perspective? [[28:09]]
- The pastor said, “God’s favor is at work in you, shaping you for His purposes,” even when you don’t feel worthy. When have you struggled to believe that God’s favor is for you? What would it look like to rest in God’s grace this week instead of striving for perfection? [[38:03]]
- Joseph’s dreams were misunderstood and even resented by his family, but they were part of God’s plan. Have you ever felt misunderstood or rejected because of something you believed God was calling you to do? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [[54:53]]
- The sermon talked about “waiting seasons” and how God uses pain and setbacks to shape our character. Is there an area of your life right now where you feel like you’re “in the pit” or on the “struggle bus”? How can you trust God’s timing and look for what He might be doing in you during this season? [[57:35]]
- Acts 2:17 says God pours out His Spirit on all believers, not just a select few. How does this truth encourage you about your role in God’s mission, even if your life feels messy or ordinary? [[01:08:19]]
- The pastor shared personal stories of God leading through dreams and unexpected circumstances. Can you think of a time when God led you in a way you didn’t expect? How did you discern it was from God, and what was the outcome? [[49:05]]
