THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Genesis 40 & 41

REMINDERS

Summer at Magnify

The gears of summer planning are turning and the activities are about to begin!

We have many ways that we gather together as a church – from little kiddos through our “Just Older Youth (JOY)” groups. We want to help all our church family grow in community and in Christ.

Be sure to check out the events page for the Summer at Magnify details.

You can keep up with all our current news and events through our online bulletin.

See the events page on the website for more updates.

TOGETHER IN LIFE

• How was your Memorial Day weekend? Did you do anything special? 
• Are you a veteran or have veterans in your family? How did you honor those who have fallen in defense of our country?

TOGETHER IN THE WORD

Give an overview of Genesis 40 & 41

KEY QUESTION:  What parallels are there between Jesus and Joseph?

QUESTIONS:

• Living a life of suffering: Stu reminded us that “Life is full of suffering and you are remembered by God even when your circumstances shout that you have been forgotten.”
  • What current or past life circumstances have made you feel forgotten?
  • How do you correct the lie of being forgotten by God?

• Our example: Joseph is an example of how we ought to live out pain, difficulty, and suffering. He is willing to state that really bad things have happened to him but he doesn’t do so with grumbling, gossip, or slander.
  • We tend to deal with pain in two extremes. One extreme is making pain an idol the other is making strength an idol. 
  • Why do you think that we would have a tendency to idolize our pain or strength? 
• In the face of pain:
  • What were the three things we should do when facing pain?
    • Be clear about what hurts.
    • Accept your weaknesses.
    • Actually talk to God.
  • Which one of these three are easier for you? Why? 
  • Which one is the hardest? Why?
  • What things should we not do when facing pain?
    • Stay trapped in blame. 
    • Be blind to God’s goodness.
    • Disguise slander as processing. 
    • Recruit others into your pain.
  • Which one of these are you most tempted to do in the midst of pain? Why?
• Jesus is the greater Joseph: Joseph is a shadow to someone much greater than himself. 
  • What parallels are there between Jesus and Joseph?
  • Who is someone in your life who has been an example of faithfulness in the midst of pain and grief? 

TOGETHER IN PRAYER & ACTION

• Spend some time praising God for ways that He has restored you from suffering and remember God’s hand in it. 
• Preach God’s promises to yourself. Find a verse about God’s faithfulness to meditate on this week. 
• Talk with someone about whether you’re clinging more to changed circumstances than to Christ.