PURPOSE – JOSEPH’S QUEST

Week 3: The Bigger Picture – Of Becoming

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Genesis 39-41

Pilot text

Gen 41:14-16; 37-41 14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. 15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” 16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
37 So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be [g]over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

Discussion Points

We now see how the story plays out, where everything eventually works out for Joseph, and his dreams begin to come true. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could somehow skip to that part of our own story, even if just for reassurance that we’re on the right path? We may not be able to do so (literally), but we can find that reassurance by reminding ourselves of God’s demonstrated dependability as shown through Joseph’s story. So, what can we learn overall?

1. We need to learn obedience to and for purpose through the challenges we face. Although Joseph was already appointed for purpose, he needed to learn obedience through suffering in order ensure he was prepared; as Christ did (Heb 5:8). The singular purpose for which Joseph was sent to Egypt was to save the nation of Israel, his brothers (yes, the same ones that sold him into slavery) – Gen 45:7, Psa 105:16-17. Until he fully got rid of his anger and resentment towards them, he could not be in a position to fulfil that purpose.
2. We have to develop integrity in the secret place, in preparation for manifestation. Joseph had to face and overcome temptation, just like Christ (Heb 4:15). The temptation that Joseph faced wasn’t merely sexual. Consorting with Potiphar’s wife would have offered him some sort of temporary pseudo-freedom, given how much influence she had over her husband and no doubt other powerful people. What do you think would have happened to Joseph in the palace if he never learned to control his own desires? He would have made it very easy all the people wanting him to fail (and they were many!)
3. The darkness of night always comes before the brightness of noonday (Prov 4:18). To deliver our salvation, Christ first had to descend into the depths of hell before ascending to the heavens (Eph 4:9). Likewise, Joseph had to experience the depths of the dungeon before he could get to the pinnacle of the palace. Often, the season(s) before our manifestation into purpose can full of frustration, disappointment and pain. But just as daytime surely follows nighttime, so will our fulfilment of purpose be revealed in due course..

Closing thoughts: Joseph’s story is so rich that it speaks to many different aspects of our experience in life. We see how he faced sometimes overwhelming odds, oftentimes seemingly trapped in a dead end. We also see how he matures as a person, from the teenager who would only talk about himself – not caring much about others around him; to this unrecognisable adult that would do the right thing for others, regardless of his own situation. Through it all, we draw comfort and assurance from knowing that it is God that works in us both to will (identify purpose) and to do (find and fulfil it).

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Rom 8:28, AMP).

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

1. A sister confides in you that she is in an abusive relationship, but tells you she believes it is God’s plan for her because we learn obedience through suffering. What do you say to her?

2. “You are not allowed to have an opinion on this [my] matter because you are not walking in my shoes.” Agree / disagree with reasons.

3. “Since God will make everything work out for me, my choices ultimately don’t matter – whether I do the right or wrong thing I will still fulfil purpose” Agree/ disagree with reasons.