Being Different Lesson 2

Being Different Lesson 2 – Joseph

You’re back.  That’s a relief.  I didn’t want to start the second leg of this journey alone.  I am a people person and I enjoy the company.  And that also indicates you found at least ONE THING that was helpful in last week’s study.  And that is a blessing to me.

As we continue the quest of “Being Different”, I need to warn you that satan will not be happy.  Us being “different” is one of the enemies biggest concerns.  As long as we look like the world, his job is much easier.  Our witness is hindered when we blend in with the rest of the world.  If we destroy our witness by living in the world then we are ineffective in showing others Christ living in us.  But when we begin to look different, people will notice and they will want to know why we are “different”.  Next thing you know, you are introducing someone to Jesus and the enemy loses ground.  And he gets mad and hateful.  So be ready…he will look to seek and devour (1 Peter 5:8) you as you begin to be different.  But have no fear…its ok.  I know who wins the war! 

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will“.

Folks, I don’t think Paul can be any clearer.  Say bye to the world and renew your mind.  And I am pretty sure Paul means to renew your mind with God’s Word; otherwise how will you be able to test anything to know God’s will?  God’s Word is our main guide to living in God’s Will.  If you aren’t spending time in His Word, you will be hard pressed to be able to test anything and know whether it passes or fails.  Think back to school, for some us it is much farther back than we want to confess.  In school, what do you do before a big test?  You study.  Plain and simple.  You study the subject of the test. 

Apply that to daily living.  What should you study if you are going to be tested on whether something lines up with God’s Will?  You need to study the subject matter of God’s Will which is found in God’s written Word.  So let’s get to it!

Whom else can we learn what “Being Different” looks like in this world we live in?  We will stay right here in Genesis.  Let’s go look deeper at what made Joseph different amongst his people.

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 1: Dream Big – It’s really ok

This week we will look at another popular childhood story.  If you have ever been to Vacation Bible School, you have learned about Joseph.  Either as Joseph the day dreamer, the spoiled son, the favored employee of Potiphar, the desire of Potiphar’s wife, the ruler so to speak of Egypt, or etc.

Today we will focus on Joseph the Dreamer.  Please read Genesis 37:1-11.

First I want to point out that we can be used by God despite of our obvious character flaws.  Describe what we learn about Joseph in the first four verses:

 

 

 

 

Let’s face it Joseph is likely a spoiled brat.  There is not a nice way to say it.  And it is clearly mostly his momma and daddy’s fault.  If you have more than one child then you understand how important it is to not show favorites.  Many times the children think you are showing favorites but you have to know in your heart that you are not.  And that is challenging at times as a parent, I won't lie.

Maybe if Jacob had been privileged like we are to have the book of James, he would have not shown favoritism to Joseph.  Flip quickly to James 2:1-13.  It reads best in NLT if you have that version available.  The message is clear, favoritism is forbidden.  Jesus doesn’t like…which means we need to avoid it.  And it will be a challenge…so be ready to pray yourself through it.

Back to Joseph’s dreams.  What was the first one about? (Gen 37:5-7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first time I remember reading this as an adult…I think I actually laughed.  Can you imagine being brave (or oblivious) enough to actually tell your family that you dreamed you were somewhat better than them or higher power than them?  I cannot envision in any circumstance where a sibling would say “yay!  That is awesome, I can’t wait to serve you”. 

This is where I get my spoiled brat view of Joseph.  Only someone spoiled and self-serving could say those words out loud and expect a positive response.  What about dream #2 (37:9); what was it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ha!  As if dream one wasn’t boastful enough, now he tells his brothers and his father about dream number two.  Clearly Joseph is either a glutton for punishment as my Granny Capps would say, or he is living in ignorant bliss.  Because after the reaction of the brothers to the first dream, why oh why would he share the second dream!  In verse 8 after the first dream was revealed the brothers basically mocked him.  So what would possess Joseph to tell them dream number two?  I believe God would!

Joseph’s life had to change drastically for God to use him for the betterment of his people.  God orchestrates many events to cause us to lose what we have to rely on Him alone.  I believe this was what God did for Joseph.  Continue reading Genesis 37:26-36 (we skipped a little…go back and read it if you want…its better than any day time soap dreamed of being).

What ultimately happened to Joseph?

 

 

 

 

Stop there.  Your first reaction is “oh my, that is horrible!”  How could his brothers do such a thing and more importantly how could God allow it?  And if the book ends there, then I can see the concern and the reaction being valid.  But later this week we will see that things turn out just fine for Joseph.  So for now take my word for it *grin*

I want you to focus on one thing…Joseph dreamed big dreams.  And those dreams ultimately come true.  I believe we let God down when we settle on dreaming small.  God can do huge things in our lives if we let Him.  But He wants it to be our dream along with Him. 

What dream is God giving you?  Think about it.  What’s the one HUGE thing that God keeps bringing to your mind that you are ignoring or downplaying or minimizing?  I dare, no, I triple dog double dare you to write it down…right here: 

The one HUGE thing God keeps bringing to my mind is:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scary isn’t it?  Seeing it in black and white will make you almost throw up.  How do I know?  Because I wrote mine down.  In fact, I wrote it down, then wrote and self-published it.  And you know what?  God blessed it.  He always blesses obedience.  A little girl has a $4k and growing college fund now because I wrote it down.  I dreamed really big…in accordance with God’s Will and He showed up.  He always will if it is in accordance with His perfect and pleasing Will.

 

Lesson one from Joseph is to Dream Big.  Pray over it right now.  I am praying over you too.

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 2: Work with what you are given

Read Genesis 39:1-6

We don’t know how much time has passed but we know one very important fact.  Complete verse 2:

“The Lord was ___________ Joseph and he __________________________, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.”

I cannot imagine how alone Joseph must feel.  He was sold by his brothers and then sold again by the Midianites to the Egyptians.  He probably felt like no one wanted him.  He was alone in a strange place with strange people and strange cultures.  But he had one comfort…say it with me…The Lord was with him.

Sometimes we cannot see the Lord anywhere around us but we can feel His Presence.  And we must take note from Joseph in these times.  What did Joseph do?  Read verse 39:3.  This verse subtly indicates what I am looking for…see if you can get it.  What did Joseph do?

 

 

 

 

JOSEPH DID!  The verse indicates that Joseph did everything he was told to do.  And it tells us that the Lord gave him success in everything he did.  When we feel alone, when we cannot see the Lord around us, we must just simply DO.  Do what you are supposed to do.  Work with whatever situation you are given and the Lord will bless you.  Don’t whine, don’t woller in self-pity, don’t woe is me…just keep doing.  No matter what!

Hebrews 13:5 says that “…God has said “Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.”  That is a promise we can cling to when nothing is going our way in this world.  If I can assure you of one thing it is that everything will not always go your way in this world.  Why can I guarantee that?  Read John 17:14…the words you will note are in RED because Jesus said them.  We are not made for this world.  Therefore this world will hate us…if we are doing it right.

What circumstance are you in now that you feel alone and isolated?  If you can describe it, do so here…if too personal, keep it off paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Think for just a moment.  What would that situation look like if you lived through it with the confidence that God is with you and will never forsake you?  Would it make a difference if you just kept doing with what you have and forgetting the circumstances around you? 

Sister friend…He is with you.  He will never forsake you.  When all others fall away, He is there to hold you.  One of my favorite memory verses is Isaiah 41:10.  Look it up and underline it.  If you are struggling in a situation of aloneness, memorize it.  Stand on the promise it holds.  Keep doing what you do.

This lesson is intentionally short so you can spend some time just resting and meditating in “His Righteous Right Hand”.  Jot down anything He whispers to you:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 3: Stay true to God no matter how tempting

Please read Gen 39:6-23 and ask God for a fresh perspective.

The Bible says Joseph was “well built and handsome”.  I always pictured him as skinny and bratty looking…whatever bratty looks like.  I often wonder if that didn’t fuel Joseph’s brothers dislike of him.  First he was spoiled, and the favorite son, and now throw on that he was “well built and handsome” and I might have decided today that I dislike him too. *wink*  But good looks tend to lead to trouble…ask Travis Tritt.

Potiphar’s wife noticed those good looks and tried to seduce Joseph.  And at this point, if I really disliked him, verse 8 makes me love him again.  He refused.  He didn’t just refuse…in verses 8-9 he flat told her off!  The most important thing I want you to pick up on is in verse 9.  Look at the last sentence again. 

Who was Joseph staying true to?

____ Potiphar                                   ____ God

____ Potiphar’s wife                       ____ Joseph, himself

Joseph was staying true to God.  Joseph knew where he came from and that God had delivered him time and time again.  Joseph saw God’s faithfulness that most people miss. He recognized where his help came from.  And he told Potiphar’s wife as well.

In verse 10, the Bible uses the phrase day after day.  Have you ever had someone try to break you down day after day?  Think of a time and how you responded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can tell you that my kids try to wear me down day after day for things.  And sometimes I give in and sometimes I snap and sometimes I do the unthinkable…I tell their daddy!  But instead Joseph simply refused.  Doesn’t say he yelled at her, or tattle on her, he simply refused.  Why do you think Joseph simply refused? 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we get to the Days of Joseph’s Life episode!  Verses 11-19 is straight from day time soaps or that wife show…I don’t know the name, I just know they do nothing all day except cause drama in the neighborhood.  They really need day jobs to occupy their time.  Potiphar’s wife catches Joseph off guard and tries to force him to go to bed with her.  This passage tells us a couple things 1) Joseph was a serious hottie 2) Potiphar’s wife was desperate for attention and 3) Joseph’s focus is on God.

My favorite verse in this section is verse 12.  Fill in this blank:

“…But he left his cloak in her hand and _________ out of the house”.

I love this because Joseph didn’t walk out, or stroll away, or talk to Potiphar’s wife.  He ran.  Flat out ran.  I love it.  Here is a free lesson…when the enemy attacks…RUN!  Don’t try to reason with him, don’t try to conform him or defend the Gospel to him…RUN. 

The wife then does a lot of acting and a lot of lying, and Joseph ends up in prison.  But his story is far from over.  Re-read verse 20-23.  And fill in this blank from verse 21:

“the ­______________ was ________________ him;…”

You see, throughout this entire journey, Joseph’s eyes have been on the Lord every step of the way.  When the enemy tempted him, he stayed true to his God.  What about us?  Do we keep our focus on God?  When the enemy tempts us do we stay true to our God in the same our God stays true to us?  In what area of your life is the enemy tempting you to lift your eyes off of your God?

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my current season, the enemy is tempting me with busyness.  My calendar at work and home is so full that I struggle some days to adhere to my 10pm bedtime.  I know…I am pathetic.  The thing that the enemy tells me can wait is Bible Study.  He reminds me of dishes, laundry, gardening, etc. to entice me to skip the Bible Study and work on worldly things instead.  I bet the enemy is ticked tonight.  That my sink is full of dishes, there are clothes to fold in the dryer, and instead of doing Bible Study…I am writing it.  Take that satan.

I struggle daily to stay focused in God.  Please know that!  My daily prayer is for God to keep me focused on Him and to see people through His eyes instead of my worldly eyes.  Pray it with me.  And stay true to God…no matter how tempting to stray.

Remind me what we have learned from Joseph…

 

1     ______________________________________________________

 

2     ______________________________________________________

 

3     ______________________________________________________

 

 

See you tomorrow…

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 4: Be Kind to Everyone

Today, start out by reading Genesis 40:1-7.  Joseph is sort of the big man on campus in the prison.  The captain of the guard was enjoying having Joseph in prison to take care of everything.  I guess if you are in prison it is best to be the favorite.  I imagine being the lowest on the totem pole would really be hard.  Personally, I like being the favorite.  Always have, always will. *grin*

Let’s take a closer look at verse 7.  Write it out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice what Joseph did.  Neither the cupbearer nor the baker said anything to provoke Joseph to ask them why they were sad, but Joseph noticed they weren’t normal.  Think of a time when you were treated in the same manner, someone noticed you were sad without you mentioning anything and they asked if you were doing ok.  How did you feel?

____ Happy                          ____ Frustrated

____ Loved                           ____ Ignored

____ Cared about                ____ Other ___________________________________

 

Now think of the opposite.  When have you been sad and dejected and no one seemed to notice or care.  Think of a time when you know someone had to notice but they just didn’t ask or say anything.  When was a time you noticed someone not acting their normal self and you didn’t ask how they were doing.  Ouch, lets park here a moment.

Can we be honest?  Sometimes we see people sad or hurting and we just look the other way.  We excuse ourselves by saying God doesn’t want us to be busybodies.  Some of us can even quote the scripture reference (1 Tim 5:13 to save you from looking it up…ha!), but I believe we tend to take that one out of context.  Or maybe we just apply it only  as needed.  We don’t claim the no-busybody scripture when someone is telling us what so and so said about so and so last week now, do we?

There are several options to choose from in finding commands in the Bible regarding being kind to others.  Here are a couple scriptures that I have actually memorized over the years in case I needed reminding to be kind at times.

Eph 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Tit 2:4-5 “Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

See if you can locate a couple more:

 

 

 

 

I don’t want you to miss that simple words changed Joseph’s future.  “Why are your faces so sad today?”  Do you reckon God gave Joseph the nudge to check on them?  Sometimes I feel something in the pit of my stomach to reach out to someone but I don’t always act on it.  Anybody relate?  I have to wonder how many blessings I have missed because of my disobedience to the prompting.  I am ashamed to admit that mostly I avoid it because I don’t want to get too involved in people’s lives.  We have a strict “no drama” policy at our house and that is all well and good until we avoid the drama by ignoring the Voice of God.  I need to be more in tune to the Spirit and involve myself where and when He leads me.

What about you?  If you avoid the question when you see someone sad or dejected, why do you avoid them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s end today with a prayer to God to give you opportunity and boldness to use the same question Joseph used thousands of years ago.  Ask God to show you someone that needs kindness.  Go out and change a life tomorrow…

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 5: Point ALL glory and honor to God

Read Genesis 40:8 and Genesis 41:16, 25, 39.  I debated telling you to read 41:1-40, but I was afraid you would bail on me.  If you have never read this entire story of the Pharaoh’s dreams, please do yourself a favor and read it all J, deal?  Deal.

Now, our lesson that Joseph will teach us today is very easy to say but very difficult sometimes to die to flesh to live it out.  Notice in the first verse you read, Gen 40:8 (the second sentence).  Joseph tells them that all dreams belong to God.  Isn’t it very God-like that the very thing that landed Joseph sold from home and in his predicament would be the very thing that saved him?  Dreams.

But our focus isn’t on the dreams themselves, it is to where Joseph points the credit for the interpretation.  He never takes credit.  He tells them up front that all dreams belong to God.

How about you?  Where do you point the credit for things that you are able to do?  Do you generally accept the praise yourself?  It’s a hard question and I have provided lines but completely understand if you leave them blank.  I want to as well.

 

 

 

 

But I won’t.  I will share a story that will hopefully encourage you and not shame me.  When I first started in Women’s Ministry I was 29 years old and a complete idiot.  I did and said things that now make me want to throw up.  I was new in my faith but carried myself like I knew all of the spiritual answers.  I was more concerned with having a good number of participants than anyone being spiritually fed at any event I planned.  I spent more time on the menu and activity than the prayers and devotions.  It was horrible.  I wanted everyone to tell me how great I was doing and give me lots of praise. 

God showed me very early that I was going to either follow Him and His plans or be a miserable laughing joke.  I will share specific examples later, but just know that I speak from a wealth of experience that God Rules and if He doesn’t, you fail.  It has to be His plans and not yours.  You have to become nothing to make Him something.  And the first time you accept His praise from a human…look out…He will humble you if you don’t humble yourself.

OK moving on…in chapter 41, Joseph does the same thing.  Fill in the blanks:

Verse 16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but ____________ will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Verse 25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. ___________ has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.

Verse 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since ______________ has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.

 

Joseph left NO doubt who interpreted the dreams.  He took zero credit.  He told a non-believer that God was the source of his knowledge.  What about us?  Do we point to God as the source of our knowledge?  Tell me what it would look like in the following situations if you pointed to God instead of yourself when praised:

·         I don’t know how in the world you get everything done in a day.  I could never accomplish as much as you do in one day.  I am tired.  You must take vitamins or get more sleep than I do.  You reply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Your children are so well behaved.  I wish my kids were that well behaved.  You are a wonderful parent.  You do such a good job raising your kids.  You reply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         You are so lucky to have your husband.  Your marriage is perfect.  I don’t see how two people can be so perfect all of the time.  You must have a rabbit’s foot at home.  You reply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         You are an amazing writer.  You should write another book.  I reply:

Thank you so much for the compliment, but you need to give the compliment to God.  He wrote the first book and if I ever publish another He will write that one as well.  I didn’t come up with a single word on my own except maybe the part about being Tammy’s spastic friend J But God…He is amazing.  And very creative might I add.

 

You get the point?  We get credit for nothing good because we are inherently evil.  The only thing that makes us good is the grace and mercy of Jesus.  So next time someone compliments you, try to see how you can turn the compliment back to God. 

A couple scriptures I like on giving thanks are: 1 Thes 5:18 and Eph 5:20.  They both have one key theme (not exactly the same word, but the same meaning)…see if you can guess it.  I’ll wait while you look them up *wink*

_______________________________

ALL or ALWAYS.  That is when we are commanded to give thanks.  So when others give us praise, we should give THANKS to God so they can see who our source of strength or wisdom truly is.

 

Take time now to pray for God to show you areas you can point compliments back to Him.  Give Him ALL the glory and honor and praise…because He is God.  Period.