Read: John 1:14
What two components make up the framework for the fullness of Christ?
Why was the Word becoming flesh so important to understanding this?
How was Jesus able to balance both without compromising one for the other?
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
September 29, 2014
Read: Ephesians 4:11-15
What is the goal found in vv. 13-15? How is this done? (v. 15a)
How are these two concepts difficult to balance?
Which do you need growth in? How will you accomplish this?
What is the goal found in vv. 13-15? How is this done? (v. 15a)
How are these two concepts difficult to balance?
Which do you need growth in? How will you accomplish this?
Saturday, September 27, 2014
September 27, 2014
Read: Genesis 33:4-17, 45:4-24
How was Jacob’s and Esau’s reconciliation similar and different than Joseph with his brothers? Be specific.
What does this highlight about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Why is this critical?
How have you experienced this truth? What steps can you take to transition forgiveness into reconciliation?
How was Jacob’s and Esau’s reconciliation similar and different than Joseph with his brothers? Be specific.
What does this highlight about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Why is this critical?
How have you experienced this truth? What steps can you take to transition forgiveness into reconciliation?
Friday, September 26, 2014
September 26, 2014
Read: Genesis 45:4-8, Romans 8:28-29, Luke 23:34, Matthew 18:21-22, 1 Corinthians 13:5-6
How did Joseph view the sinful actions of his brothers? How did this impact his ability to forgive?
How did Joseph model a Jesus approach? Why is this an important part of reconciliation after a betrayal?
How easy is it for you to forgive others? Why? How does God want you to apply a Joseph approach?
How did Joseph view the sinful actions of his brothers? How did this impact his ability to forgive?
How did Joseph model a Jesus approach? Why is this an important part of reconciliation after a betrayal?
How easy is it for you to forgive others? Why? How does God want you to apply a Joseph approach?
Thursday, September 25, 2014
September 25, 2014
Read: Genesis 45:4-24
Describe the way Joseph stepped into reconciliation with his brothers. Be specific.
What does this teach about the responsibility of the betrayed when learning to trust a betrayer again?
Why is this important? What can happen if this doesn’t take place? What is God teaching you?
Describe the way Joseph stepped into reconciliation with his brothers. Be specific.
What does this teach about the responsibility of the betrayed when learning to trust a betrayer again?
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
September 24, 2014
Read: Genesis 37:17-27, 42:15-22, 45:24, James 4:1-11
What connection is there between Joseph’s brothers battling each other and following the Lord?
Why is this important to recognize when you are trying to reconcile a broken relationship?
How is God prompting you to regroup with Him about a relational hurt? Take time right now to do it.
What connection is there between Joseph’s brothers battling each other and following the Lord?
Why is this important to recognize when you are trying to reconcile a broken relationship?
How is God prompting you to regroup with Him about a relational hurt? Take time right now to do it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
September 23, 2014
Read: Genesis 45:1-3, Ephesians 1:13-14, Luke 15:7
Why did Joseph reveal himself to his brothers? How does this model the way we become Christians?
Why is it important for reconciliation after a betrayal? How can a perpetual trust process become harmful?
Briefly describe a recent betrayal you’ve experienced. How do you need to step into setting trust goals?
Why did Joseph reveal himself to his brothers? How does this model the way we become Christians?
Why is it important for reconciliation after a betrayal? How can a perpetual trust process become harmful?
Briefly describe a recent betrayal you’ve experienced. How do you need to step into setting trust goals?
Monday, September 22, 2014
September 22, 2014
Read: Genesis 44:14-45:3
Why did Judah return with Benjamin to Egypt? How does this highlight how Judah has changed?
How did Joseph respond? Why? What does this imply about earning back trust after a betrayal?
Who is ultimately responsible for ending a trust process? Why? How do you need to apply this truth?
Why did Judah return with Benjamin to Egypt? How does this highlight how Judah has changed?
How did Joseph respond? Why? What does this imply about earning back trust after a betrayal?
Who is ultimately responsible for ending a trust process? Why? How do you need to apply this truth?
Saturday, September 20, 2014
September 20, 2014
Read: Genesis 37:18-28, 31-33, 43:8-9, 44:4-33
What was Judah’s role in selling Joseph as a slave? How was it covered up when presented to Jacob?
How do you see Judah changing over time when it comes to Benjamin? Be specific.
How do you see this applying to a betrayal you’ve experienced? How will monitoring progress help?
What was Judah’s role in selling Joseph as a slave? How was it covered up when presented to Jacob?
How do you see Judah changing over time when it comes to Benjamin? Be specific.
How do you see this applying to a betrayal you’ve experienced? How will monitoring progress help?
Friday, September 19, 2014
September 19, 2014
Read: Genesis 43:11-44:13, 2 Peter 1:5-8
How does 2 Peter 1:5-8 highlight “actions speak louder than words”. How does this play out in Joseph’s story?
Why is this the only way true reconciliation can take place? What do limited changes reveal?
In what way does this truth apply to both the betrayer and the betrayed? What is God challenging you to do?
How does 2 Peter 1:5-8 highlight “actions speak louder than words”. How does this play out in Joseph’s story?
Why is this the only way true reconciliation can take place? What do limited changes reveal?
In what way does this truth apply to both the betrayer and the betrayed? What is God challenging you to do?
Thursday, September 18, 2014
September 18, 2014
Read: Genesis 43:11-44:13, 37:2-4, 12-13, 18-20
How did Jacob view Joseph before he went to Egypt? How did the brothers view Joseph before Egypt?
In what way did Joseph try to trigger old feelings for his brothers? Why? What was the result?
How would this have helped Joseph trust his brothers again? Why is this critical for any reconciliation?
How did Jacob view Joseph before he went to Egypt? How did the brothers view Joseph before Egypt?
In what way did Joseph try to trigger old feelings for his brothers? Why? What was the result?
How would this have helped Joseph trust his brothers again? Why is this critical for any reconciliation?
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
September 17, 2014
Read: Genesis 43:1-10, Philemon
What rational did Paul use when trying to convince Philemon to take back his runaway slave Onesimus?
What does this highlight about the process for reconciliation? How can this be confused with compassion?
Describe a betrayal you’ve experienced. What can be done to establish a biblical reconciliation process?
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
September 16, 2014
Read: Genesis 43:1-10, Acts 3:19
Summarize what is required for someone to become a Christian and be reconciled to God.
In what way was Joseph’s process modeling God’s process for reconciliation? How does this provide hope?
What are some ways compromise can happen over time? How is God encouraging you? Be specific.
Summarize what is required for someone to become a Christian and be reconciled to God.
In what way was Joseph’s process modeling God’s process for reconciliation? How does this provide hope?
What are some ways compromise can happen over time? How is God encouraging you? Be specific.
Monday, September 15, 2014
September 15, 2014
Read: Genesis 42:18-24, 43:1-10
Why did Joseph put Simeon in jail? How long did it take before the brothers came to get him?
Why was it important Joseph didn’t release Simeon before they returned? What would have happened?
What does this teach about not lowering the standards of a reconciliation process?
Why did Joseph put Simeon in jail? How long did it take before the brothers came to get him?
Why was it important Joseph didn’t release Simeon before they returned? What would have happened?
What does this teach about not lowering the standards of a reconciliation process?
Saturday, September 13, 2014
September 13, 2014
Read: Genesis 42:24-38, Matthew 13:1-23
In the parable of the soils, what did all the soils have in common? How did they differ in the long run?
What does this reveal about how God tests our words? How is this similar to Joseph testing his brothers?
Given betrayal is a breach of trust, how can applying a Matthew 13 test provide a path for reconciliation?
In the parable of the soils, what did all the soils have in common? How did they differ in the long run?
What does this reveal about how God tests our words? How is this similar to Joseph testing his brothers?
Given betrayal is a breach of trust, how can applying a Matthew 13 test provide a path for reconciliation?
Friday, September 12, 2014
September 12, 2014
Read: Genesis 42:24-38, John 16:7-8, 2 Corinthians 7:10
In what way were Joseph’s brothers wedged between a rock and a hard place? Why would Joseph do this?
Explain the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. Why is this important to understand?
How can this help with reconciliation after a betrayal? Specifically, how do you need to apply this truth?
In what way were Joseph’s brothers wedged between a rock and a hard place? Why would Joseph do this?
Explain the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. Why is this important to understand?
How can this help with reconciliation after a betrayal? Specifically, how do you need to apply this truth?
Thursday, September 11, 2014
September 11, 2014
Read: Genesis 42:24-38
Why did Joseph keep Simeon in jail and release the brothers? Why was the returned silver a problem?
In what way was Joseph testing his brothers? Why? What does this teach about trust and betrayal?
What can happen if this process is not put in place for reconciliation? How have you seen this happen?
Why did Joseph keep Simeon in jail and release the brothers? Why was the returned silver a problem?
In what way was Joseph testing his brothers? Why? What does this teach about trust and betrayal?
What can happen if this process is not put in place for reconciliation? How have you seen this happen?
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
September 10, 2014
Read: Genesis 42:1-23, Psalm 7:15-17, 37:14-15
Explain the truth of Psalm 7:15-17 and 37:14-15. In what way did Joseph’s brothers experience this truth?
What does this imply about God and our past sin? How can this help prevent future betrayal by others?
How have you betrayed someone? Be specific. How does God want you to take steps of reconciliation?
Explain the truth of Psalm 7:15-17 and 37:14-15. In what way did Joseph’s brothers experience this truth?
What does this imply about God and our past sin? How can this help prevent future betrayal by others?
How have you betrayed someone? Be specific. How does God want you to take steps of reconciliation?
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
September 9, 2014
Read: Genesis 42:1-23, Luke 15:11-24
In what way did Joseph’s brothers experience the same personal conviction as the younger son in Luke 15?
What did it take in order for this to happen? Why is this critical for any hope of reconciliation with others?
What will happen if “personal” conviction isn’t in place? How does this reflect how we are reconciled to God?
In what way did Joseph’s brothers experience the same personal conviction as the younger son in Luke 15?
What did it take in order for this to happen? Why is this critical for any hope of reconciliation with others?
What will happen if “personal” conviction isn’t in place? How does this reflect how we are reconciled to God?
Monday, September 8, 2014
September 8, 2014
Read: Genesis 42:1-23, Psalm 51:16-17
How did Joseph treat his brothers after 20 years of separation? Be specific. How did the brothers respond?
What was Joseph trying to accomplish? Why is this important for reconciliation after a betrayal?
How have you been betrayed by others? How was reconciliation approached? What is God teaching you?
How did Joseph treat his brothers after 20 years of separation? Be specific. How did the brothers respond?
What was Joseph trying to accomplish? Why is this important for reconciliation after a betrayal?
How have you been betrayed by others? How was reconciliation approached? What is God teaching you?
Saturday, September 6, 2014
September 6, 2014
Read: Genesis 39-41, 2 Peter 1:5-8
Describe the different ways God challenged Joseph to be flexible and adapt to his surroundings.
In what way can a comfort zone prevent spiritual growth? Give an example of this in your life.
How easy is it for you to adapt and change? Why? What is God teaching you about flexibility?
Describe the different ways God challenged Joseph to be flexible and adapt to his surroundings.
In what way can a comfort zone prevent spiritual growth? Give an example of this in your life.
How easy is it for you to adapt and change? Why? What is God teaching you about flexibility?
Friday, September 5, 2014
September 5, 2014
Read: Genesis 41:33-57
Describe how Joseph was required to be flexible and adapt to his surroundings and God’s leading.
In what way could Joseph have resisted these changes? What would have happened?
What does this teach about being spiritually comfortable? How is God prompting you to change?
Describe how Joseph was required to be flexible and adapt to his surroundings and God’s leading.
In what way could Joseph have resisted these changes? What would have happened?
What does this teach about being spiritually comfortable? How is God prompting you to change?
Thursday, September 4, 2014
September 4, 2014
Read: Genesis 41:15-42, 39:1-3, 6b-9, 40:1-8
List the ways you see Joseph being bold about God throughout his life. What was the result?
Why is being bold for the Lord an essential part of spiritual growth? What does it prevent?
How often do you verbally brag about God? Why? What specifically will you do to grow in this area?
List the ways you see Joseph being bold about God throughout his life. What was the result?
Why is being bold for the Lord an essential part of spiritual growth? What does it prevent?
How often do you verbally brag about God? Why? What specifically will you do to grow in this area?
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
September 3, 2014
Read: Genesis 41:15-32
In what way was Joseph upfront about God in his conversation with Pharaoh? (Give three examples.)
Based on Pharaoh’s response, what might have happened if Joseph had omitted any talk about God?
What does this teach you about being bold for the Lord? What is at stake when Christians become silent?
In what way was Joseph upfront about God in his conversation with Pharaoh? (Give three examples.)
Based on Pharaoh’s response, what might have happened if Joseph had omitted any talk about God?
What does this teach you about being bold for the Lord? What is at stake when Christians become silent?
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
September 2, 2014
Read: Genesis 40:23-41:1, Psalm 37:7-8
Describe how you might have felt being Joseph in a prison for two years. Be specific.
According to Psalm 37:7-8, explain what it means to practice patience and wait on the Lord.
How can impatience prevent spiritual growth? How do you need to practice waiting on the Lord?
Describe how you might have felt being Joseph in a prison for two years. Be specific.
According to Psalm 37:7-8, explain what it means to practice patience and wait on the Lord.
How can impatience prevent spiritual growth? How do you need to practice waiting on the Lord?
Monday, September 1, 2014
September 1, 2014
Read: Genesis 41:1-14, 40:14-23, 39:3-20, Galatians 5:2, 1 Peter 5:6
How many times do you see Joseph practicing patience and trusting the Lord? What was the result?
What might have happened if Joseph was impatient and tried to control things on his own? Be specific.
What does this tell you about spiritual growth and waiting on the Lord? What is God teaching you?
How many times do you see Joseph practicing patience and trusting the Lord? What was the result?
What might have happened if Joseph was impatient and tried to control things on his own? Be specific.
What does this tell you about spiritual growth and waiting on the Lord? What is God teaching you?
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