Saving for the Harvest and Famine

 

Foundations of Financial Peace Series

Saving for Harvest and Famine  

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday September 22, 2019

This Week Reading:  Genesis 41:53-57 

Main Themes:  Seasons of Life, Purpose, Planning, Blessing Others, Wisdom, Giving  

Background Information:

1. 1. As a young man Joseph has a God given a dream – He will be a ruler (ruler who blesses others) Chapter 37 
2. 
   

2. 2. Joseph's Brothers are jealous (an indication that Satan is seeking to stop God's purpose) - His brothers jump Joseph and throw him in a hole and sell him as a slave to Egypt – Satan's strategy is to have others attack and  hurt you so you will be discouraged and give up on your purpose Genesis 37. The road to your destiny and purpose will not be easy or straight – never give up 
3. 
   

4. 3. Joseph becomes a slave of Potiphar – Joseph does the best job he can – God blesses Joseph and his masters house – Genesis 39: 2-6 – Be the best customer service agent or whatever job you do – you were created to be a blessing –Always be a blessing 
5. 
   

5. 4. Joseph is falsely accused and thrown in prison – Joseph blessed the prison and became in charge of all the prisoners – Genesis 39:20-23   
6. 
   

6. 5. In prison Joseph interprets the dreams of 2 prisoners who work for the King – both interpretations come true – Difficulties prepare you to be a blessing – Genesis 40 
7. 
   

7. 6. The King has 2 dreams no one can interpret – they call for Joseph and release him from prison.  – Joseph correctly interprets both dreams – The dreams signify that there will be 7 years of abundance then 7 years of famine in Egypt and the world. When you are ready people will come to you Genesis 41:1-36 

8. 
   
9. 7. The King makes Joseph head ruler of Egypt 41:41-52
10. 
    
11. 8. Joseph implements a plan to save and store grain and food during the seven years of abundance so it can be used during the seven years of famine. 

Key Verse: And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe everywhere. Genesis 41:57

Point of Light Group Guide: 

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone especially new persons and read out loud the purpose of your group:

Our goal is to grow as disciples of Jesus and to make disciples of other people by inviting them to our group. Each person here has the potential to start and be the leader of a new group and multiply God's kingdom. 

B. Worship Time: Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use When You walk Into the Room  (or pick your own on YouTube make sure it has the lyrics on the screen)

C. Opening Question: What season of life are you in right now? How would you describe it?

D. Read Background Information

E. Word: Read Genesis 41:53-57 aloud together. (Goal is that everyone understand the Bible story or verses - keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words the general story of Joseph.

3. What details can you add to what others in the group have said? .

F. Discuss the following general questions together (Goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. Use the general questions and the digging deeper questions however you see fit and whatever order you think best)

1. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

2. Put yourself in Joseph's position throughout his journey. How do you think he felt? What was he thinking? Can you relate to him? ?

3. What did you learn about God from the story? 

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

6. What will you take away from this discussion?

7. What will you do with what you have learned? (make sure everyone answers this)  

E. Digging Deeper Questions: (You may want to divide into 2 groups men and women separate): 

1. How good are you at planning for the future? In what areas of your life do you need to improve in becoming ready for unforeseen circumstances.

2. Are you ready to meet God? Why or why not? Discuss what it means to be saved and be right with God.   

3. Are you active in sharing your faith with others? Why or why not?
4.  What challenges do you face in the future that you can prepare for now?  

F. Prayer Time: 

                 1. Pray for an empty chair representing new people who you want to join                                     the group. Name names of people specifically.

                 2. Pray for the needs of the members of the group. It is best to divide into 2                               groups one of male and the other female.

G. For Next time:

                 1. Assign group members to do different parts of the meeting as you prepare them)                      (Opening Question; Prayer Time; Read Background info; lead group)

                 2. Ask each person the name of a person they will invite to the group for next week.