From the Prison to the Pharaoh

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 41:1-37

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From the Prison to the Pharaoh — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 41:1-37
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 13, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What makes the story of Joseph so compelling? What does it teach us about the nature of God’s providence?
2.   What do we observe here about God’s timing? How does this help us in times of waiting?
3.   How are Joseph and the magicians contrasted?  What would this have communicated to Pharaoh and the Egyptians?
4.   What positive effects of God’s testing do we see in Joseph? How does this encourage us to rejoice during trials?
5.   How does this story anticipate the in-gathering of the Gentiles through Christ?

References: Psalm 105:20; 1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4; Genesis 12:3; Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:9; Ephesians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:16.

Preparations in Prison

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 40:1-23

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Preparations in Prison — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 40:1-23
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 6, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How have you seen God providentially connect you to other people in order to accomplish his purposes? Discuss any adverse circumstances that you had to endure in order to get to that point.
2.   Discuss the theme of humiliation before exaltation or the cross before the crown. How do we often lose sight of this in the Christian life?
3.   Where do we see Joseph’s faith in this narrative? How does it convict us and drive us to Christ?
4.   Where have we seen God’s “kindness” and “remembering” in Genesis so far? How do these characteristics of God give us courage to face any circumstance?
5.   How does this narrative help us to wait on the Lord?

References: Genesis 39:2, 22; Psalm 105:18-21; Philippians 2:8-9; Genesis 22:1; Hebrews 11:1; Genesis 39:21; 8:1; 19:29; 30:22; 41:1

Enslaved In Egypt

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 37:12-36

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Enslaved In Egypt — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 37:12-36
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 15, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does the context of this story show us the relationship between sin, the heart, and our actions?
2.   How do the mysterious “man” and the mention of Dothan encourage us to trust in God when facing danger?
3.   What details in the text tell us that the brothers are fighting against God?
4.   Discuss the wickedness and cruelty of the brothers’ actions against Joseph. How did this backfire on them at home?
5.   How does the method of deception used by the brothers remind us that we reap what we sow?
6.   How does this passage end in a hopeful way? How does this encourage us as we face trials?

References: Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15; 2 Kings 6:16; Genesis 42:21; 2 Samuel 12:23; Psalm 105:16-17.

Hatred in the Household

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 37:1-11

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Hatred in the Household — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 37:1-11
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 8, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where have we seen God’s providence in Genesis so far? What do you anticipate most about getting into the story of Joseph?
2. What from the background of Genesis 37 helps us understand Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph? How has Genesis encouraged you to avoid this in your own family?
3. Discuss the envy and hatred of Jacob’s brothers throughout the narrative. How have you seen envy play out in your life?
4. What does it mean that Jacob “kept the saying in mind” when Joseph told him about the second dream? How do Joseph’s dreams relate to Jacob’s past experiences?
5. What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty?
6. As you think about the brothers’ response to Joseph’s dreams, discuss how you respond to the grace of God in other people’s lives.

References: Matthew 10:29-30; Romans 8:28; Genesis 24; Genesis 29:30, 31; 30:22-24; 33:2; Romans 3:13-14; Romans 1:29; Galatians 5:19-21; James 3:16; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Genesis 41:26, 32.