Midweek Bible Study - Joseph
Session 3
“The Lord was with Joseph”
Passage for Study: Genesis 39
Outline of Talk:
* This chapter is largely taken up with temptation, resisting temptation and the consequences that this may sometimes bring to us. Above all it is concerned with the fact that “the Lord was with Joseph” and with how this lay behind his resistance of temptation and his success – before and after imprisonment! Along with this passage notice how chapter 38 (no mention of Joseph!) seems to intrude into the account we are given of Joseph. Why is it there? What purpose does it serve? This what you need to explore in the first question using the points set out there.
* The existence of temptation in the experience of Christians is an important feature in their understanding and development. This passage gives us information about one type and source of temptation, but there are many more mentioned in the Bible. All these stem ultimately from either our own corruption or from the malign actions of Satan. Joseph’s way of dealing with his temptation provides us with a principle which we ought always to resort to when tempted – “how then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (verse 9).
* Another important feature of this passage is the way in which Joseph did not keep his faith to himself but made it obvious to his employer and master Potiphar, as well as to his wife in response to her temptation. This has obvious implications for our own Christian witness. It also highlights the importance of resisting calls to remove the influence of God’s truth from public life.
* The repeated reference to God’s presence with Joseph teaches us to value and cultivate God’s presence in our lives. While God promises never to leave or forsake his people, nevertheless our experience of this, and the assurance that comes from knowing it, must be pursued using the means God has given us - through worship, Bible study, prayer and fellowship with other Christians.
Questions for Discussion Session:
1. Notice how chapter 38 seems to intrude into the account we are given of Joseph. Why is it there? What purpose does it serve? Your discussion of this should include the following:
a. the contrast between Judah and Joseph in how they dealt with sexual temptation. Compare 38:16 with 39:9
b. the way this fits into the Bible’s emphasis that God chooses the most unlikely people, families and methods by which to fulfil his plan. See the reference to Tamar in Matthew 1:3 and note the other women mentioned there as part of the Lord’s genealogy! Look also at Rev. 5:5!
c. the importance of maintaining moral purity however appealing the alternatives might be. Think of where this emphasis needs to be applied to life today
2. Verses 2-6 deal with Joseph’s success in the service of Potiphar. Discuss the following points which arise out of this:
a. Joseph made a good impression on Potiphar which led to his “promotion.” Would you agree with those who might say that this was “despite” his faith or with those who would say it was “due to” his faith? Explain your choice.
b. It is obvious that Joseph was openly faithful to God in his employment. Discuss how we can apply this to Christian witness in public settings – work, political and civil life, family, church etc.
3. Verses 7-9 give us access to Joseph’s way of thinking as a basis for his actions. He was concerned not only to be true to God but also to Potiphar his master. In what areas of conduct does the self-centred approach to life we see so much of today contrast with his?
4. Joseph did the right thing, in resisting the temptation created by Potiphar’s wife. But he suffered greatly as a result! See also Psalm 105:18. Discuss the following:
a. Why does God let such things happen to his faithful people?
b. In what ways today do Christians suffer as a result of open obedience to God? Think not only of the obvious cases of persecution in countries hostile to Christianity, but also of situations involving being passed over for promotion, loss of employment, sackings due to a perceived homophobia, accusations of racism, loss of reputation etc
5. Compare chapter 46: 3-4 with this passage. Why is it important to you to know that God is with you in all situations? How many reasons can you think of?
6. Notice that the sequence here in Joseph’s life – exaltation, followed by humiliation, followed by exaltation (culminating in having charge of all Egypt later) – remind us of that pattern in the experience of Jesus (See Philippians 2:5-11).
