Genesis 37

 

Big Idea of the Series: Because God is a work in every detail of your life, you can trust Him through every season—confident that He’s unfolding His bigger purpose in your life. 

 

Four Truths

  1. Family dysfunction often leads to more family dysfunction (vv. 1-4). … The man named Israel in these verses is also called Jacob. He was the son of Isaac, who had another son Esau. The twin brothers were considerably different and both parents had their favorite. This favoritism eventually led to lying and deception that would separate the brothers for many years. This dysfunction continued onto the next generation. Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons and showed favoritism towards him. 
  2. God has a plan for Joseph's life—and yours too (vv. 5-10). … Why did God let Joseph know He had a plan for him? Perhaps so the knowledge could help keep Joseph positive and faithful throughout the events that would happen to him. God has a plan for you and for me too. Knowing that a plan exists can help us stay faithful. 
  3. Jealousy leads to terrible decision making (vv. 11-27). … Joseph's own brothers plotted to kill him. They took the bloodied coat to their father and deceived him. The man who had deceived his own father had now been deceived by his own sons. Joseph's brothers allowed their jealousy to influence them. 
  4. Life's detours are part of God's plan (vv. 28-36; 50:20). … As the brothers prepared to kill Joseph (except Ruben who was planning to save him later), a group of slave traders went by and they sold Joseph. This would be a major step in Joseph's life that would lead him to the fulfillment of the promises God made to him in the dreams. The evil done to Joseph by his brothers would be used by God for good, to save His people. 

 

Four Lessons 

  1. How can we stop the cycle of dysfunction? 
    1. Have a relationship with Jesus. 
    2. Grow in Jesus. 
    3. Have a church family. 
  2. God has a purpose for you, a tailor-made plan. 
  3. Jealousy is a major force of temptation. We can counteract it by looking at what we do have and being thankful for it. 
  4. The detours we take in life can seem daunting and troublesome, but they are part of God's plan and we need to trust in Him.