Church at Martinsburg, It is with great excitement that this study guide for Joseph: The Gospel of Many Colors! As we focus on the life and character of one of God’s children it’s important for us to remember that our story fits into the greater narrative God is writing across all of history. Joseph’s story is one filled with joy, difficulty, betrayal, hope, opportunity, disappointment, pain, and triumph. A survey of this man’s life lead us to draw conclusions about God, life, and the intersection of the two. We’ll want to be careful not to conclude the account of Joseph’s life is simply a treatise on mortality, faithfulness, and God’s deliverance of the just. This is a rich story filled with deep theological truths that are satisfying and challenging for both the here and hereafter. From faithfulness in the midst of rejection to walking with God when you’ve been forgotten by those closest to you, Joseph’s life will provide encouragement, hope, and reassurance of God’s presence from the cradle to the grave! These sermons will start in the first book of the Bible. Genesis is filled with beginnings and chapters 37 through 50 continue the story of God’s faithfulness to himself, his promises, and his people! As we study Joseph’s life together we’ll notice the grandeur of God's glory, the presence of his loving kindness, and be stunned with his careful attention to every detail in life. May this resource and the sermons that follow be a blessing to you and a constant encouragement to your life with God and his church. Until the Nets are Full, Pastor Jacob 2 Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors1 Sermon Series Study Guide from the Church at Martinsburg Table of Contents Introduction to Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors p. 4 Sermon Series Schedule & Sermon Outlines p. 4 Scripture Reading Calendar p. 7 Genesis 37:1-36 p. 8 Theme p. 8 Literary Context p.9 Historical & Cultural Background p. 9 A Closer Look p. 9 Throughout the Bible p. 12 Study Questions for 11/16/14 - Family Matters (Genesis 37 and 38) p. 14 Further Reading p. 15 Genesis 38:1-39:23 p. 16 Theme p. 16 Literary Context p. 16 Historical & Cultural Background p. 17 A Closer Look p. 17 Throughout the Bible p. 19 Further Reading p. 20 Genesis 40:1-23 p. 21 Theme p. 21 Literary Context p. 21 Historical & Cultural Background p. 21 A Closer Look p. 22 Throughout the Bible p. 23 Study Questions for 11/23/14 - Plodding Providence (Genesis 39 and 40) p. 25 Further Reading p. 26 Genesis 41:1-57 p. 27 Theme p. 27 Literary Context p. 27 1 This study guide has been adapted from Joseph: Understanding God’s Purpose by Derek Brown, Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum and Matthew M. Whitehead. 3 Historical & Cultural Background p. 27 A Closer Look p. 28 Throughout the Bible p. 31 Study Questions for 11/30/14 - Generous Exaltation (Genesis 41) p. 33 Further Reading p. 34 Genesis 42:1-38 p. 35 Theme p. 35 Literary Context p. 35 Historical & Cultural Background p. 35 A Closer Look p. 36 Throughout the Bible p. 39 Further Reading p. 41 Genesis 43:1-44:34 p. 42 Theme p. 42 Literary Context p. 42 Historical & Cultural Background p. 43 A Closer Look p. 43 Throughout the Bible p. 46 Study Questions for 12/7/14 - Prevailing Providence (Genesis 42-44) p. 49 Further Reading p. 50 Genesis 45:1-47:31 p. 51 Theme p. 51 Literary Context p. 51 Historical & Cultural Background p. 51 A Closer Look p. 52 Throughout the Bible p. 55 Study Questions for 12/14/14 - Family Portrait (Genesis 45-47) p. 57 Further Reading p. 58 Genesis 48:1-50:26 p. 59 Theme p. 59 Literary Context p. 59 Historical & Cultural Background p. 60 A Closer Look p. 60 Throughout the Bible p. 62 Study Questions for 12/21/14 - A Hero Emerges (Genesis 48-50) p. 64 Further Reading p. 65 Conclusion to the Joseph Narrative p. 66 4 Introduction to Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors Joseph’s life provides one of the most colorful narratives in the book of Genesis. Surprisingly, beyond the initial mention we don’t hear much else from his life, except a couple quick hits in the New Testament. He’s altogether different than Abraham, Moses, Isaac, and Jacob, yet he’s very much like you and me. His story is one of sibling rivalry, betrayal, suffering, despair, faithfulness, restoration, and a future hope. Many remember his story with a bent toward moralism, but there’s so much more! Joseph’s great hope didn’t reside in provision, deliverance, making right decisions, or being good enough. No, Joseph was reaching for something much richer and deeper. He knew the story of a people from whom will come a Savior, through whom will come redemption! Sermon Series Schedule & Sermon Outlines 11/16/14 – Family Matters Genesis 37 and 38 Families are formed in various and often interesting ways. The story of the patriarchs in Genesis is no different. Picture this: a man has 12 sons by way of 4 women and only 1 of those sons will be the heir of the father’s greatest possession. That possession, by the way, is an intangible, but certain promise given by God. Think for a moment the discord that must have been pulsed through the relationships of the brothers as they were aware that one day their father would favor 1 son more than the others in order to secure not only a name for the family, but for the lineage of the messianic King. This is a story wrought with bad parenting, sibling rivalry, jealousy, anger, vengeance, forgiveness, restoration, and ultimately redemption. It’s filled with twists, turns, providence, and lots of grace. Jacob, Joseph, and Judah all play central roles as God unfolds his plan for fulfilling promises, granting forgiveness, and making all things new! Outline • Moralism and Redemption (the real narrative of Joseph's life) • Jacob - The Patriarch of the Promise (37:1-2) • Joseph - The Pathway of Protection (37:5-36) • Judah - The Preview of Provision (38:1) 11/23/14 – Plodding Providence Genesis 39 and 40 Genesis 39 and 40 have a clear theme. Multiple times we see that the Lord was with Joseph. This is not a lesson about fleeing sexual temptation (though the passage does provide the most vivid picture of such) or how to behave in a bad situation (wrongfully accused and put in prison); this is a lesson in divine providence. God works in our lives in every situation...even the ones we don’t necessarily like or even understand. Joseph’s “misfortune”, betrayal, and continued downward spiral in circumstance provide a wonderful backdrop for God’s glory and Joseph’s good. Living in a culture that directs individuals to focus on themselves and adorn themselves with self glory collides with the narrative found in these chapters. Joseph was living for a purpose greater than the possession he amassed or the betrayals that followed him through life. His circumstances point us to the God who is present and the God who never forgets just how precious and loved his sons and daughters are. Outline • God is Present When Things Aren’t Good • Obedience Doesn’t Equal Favor or Flourishing • Our Service Is Valuable Regardless of Circumstance • God is Always Present 11/30/14 – Generous Exaltation Genesis 41 Often seen as the big payoff, Genesis 41 chronicles Joseph’s exaltation to prominence and power. He gains position, wealth, and a family. Unfortunately, an improper reading of this chapter has lead many to conclude that long term faithfulness equals God’s hand of favor, provision, and reversal of misfortune. A closer reading of this text makes clear God was raising Joseph for a purpose far greater than soothing wounds from the past and securing immediate blessings. Through the life of Joseph God’s greatest plan was unfolding. Flirting with possessions and positions can seemingly bring momentary joy but lasting pain. Joseph's life pictures for the reader one who was willing to endure hardship, rely on God, and stay faithful regardless of poverty or prosperity. God was faithful to Joseph and because of that Joseph was faithful to God in all circumstances...even when it came to naming his children something culturally irrelevant and potentially polarizing. Outline • Life is Hard...We’re Not Home Yet • Faithfulness in the Midst of Famine • Different Position Same Perspective 12/7/14 – Prevailing Providence Genesis 42-44 Old habits die hard for just about everyone. Jacob continues to pick favorites even after his family has been plummeted into turmoil as a result of his favoritism. As the patriarch’s family faces a severe famine he dispatches his sons to find food and supplies. Word has gotten out that Egypt has more than enough food for themselves and those surrounding them. God has given to them while there’s no food in the “promised land”. Certainly questions rise about God’s care, God’s sovereignty, and God’s ability. As Jacob works through the season of famine both Joseph and Judah undergo significant changes and growth. Life has, at some points for both of them, dealt them a bitter blow, but God’s grace and presence has changed them from who they were in Genesis 37 to men who provide and protect! The story begins to take shape around the goodness of God and the plan he’s unfolding for his greatest work and greatest promise which is to come! 6 Outline • Jacob - A Season of Famine • Joseph - A Season of Testing • Judah - A Season of Transformation 12/14/14 – Family Portrait Genesis 45-47 After a long period of suffering and separation Jacob’s sons are reunited with tears, celebration, and hopefulness for what’s ahead.