SURREY CHAPEL – Fellowship Group Notes for the 11th/12th January 2012
Genesis - - Life of Joseph

Chapter 37:1-36 Family Life

The final chapters of Genesis zero in on the life of Joseph. What a remarkable story of God’s sovereignty and keeping power. These events begin in the family life, and then move on in his betrayal at the age of seventeen. At that age he has clearly the qualities, which when refined and tested, show how a good kid becomes a great man and leader. We shall learn much from Joseph both from what he did right and what he did wrong. In Joseph’s life of suffering and glory you also see something of the life of Christ our Saviour. It has also been described as the ‘finest and highest type of regenerate life in Christ’. (Sidlow Baxter)

DREAMS  v 1-11
Joseph was amazingly susceptible to God, and he ‘dreamed dreams’. (v5 & 9) The dreams 
of the O.T. are the touch of God on the spirit of a man; always reverence such dreams. 
										(Oswald Chambers)
Why did the brothers hate Joseph? (v2-4)
What good things can you find in Joseph’s life and character?
What things do you find in Joseph that would cause concern?
Joseph was the first son of Jacob’s favourite wife. In what ways was Jacob unwise in the way he brought up his sons?
For today –what lessons do we learn from this family?
What was the meaning of the two dreams? (v8 & 10)
Does God speak to us through dreams today? In what other ways does He speak to us?

DEATH PLOT v 12-24
All seemed well with the brothers – ( v2) – when Joseph was tending the flock with them.
Jacob sent Joseph out – do you think he regretted that later?
What are the brothers’ immediate thoughts as they see Joseph coming to them? (v18-20)
The brothers had thought about Joseph –as in v11 –now came their chance for action.
Never say –‘Oh well, it does not matter much what I think about in secret’. It certainly does –as so often the time will come when opportunity with spring into some action.
What was Reuben’s advice?
What did Reuben intend to do afterwards?  (v21-22) 

DEPARTURE TO EGYPT  v 25-36
Isn’t it amazing how things just happen –timing seems to be good (v25). Something like the boat available for Jonah when he wanted to go away from God’s call.
What was Judah’s new idea?  (v25-27)
v27 -Brother’s ‘listened’ NKJV & ESV –‘agreed’ NIV – ‘content’ AV
How does Reuben, when he returns, react to the new situation? (v29-30)
Note –v32 – The brothers do not even use his name – but refer to ‘your son’s robe’.
What conclusion did Jacob come to and why? (v31-34)
v36  Where did Joseph end up –and in what position?

What warning/s (from the brothers) do we find here for us today?
(Think of their jealousy, hatred, lies, self-interest, profit motive, murder intent etc.)
How overall do we see the sovereignty of God?
												D.J.
Prayer Points - -
Families in the Church – especially in what we learn from Joseph’s family.
Surrey Smarties.
Pastor and Assistant Pastor and their families.