Jesus in Genesis Study Guide - Heart of Wisdom

Discover Jesusin GenesisInductive StudiesforPersonal Study,Family,orSmall Group InteractionStudy written by: Larry EdisonIllustrations in the book by: Deborah Obeidcopyright: Larry Edison & Deborah Obeid 2001

Creation: The Beginning“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”(Genesis 1)“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1)In Genesis, we are told that God created the heavens and the earth. God made the world by Hisword. He spoke and said, “Let there be trees,” and sure enough, there were trees. He said, “Letthere be animals,” and sure enough, animals appeared on the earth.1. According to the Scriptures, how did God bring forth creation?2 Peter 3:5 _________________________2. According to the Scriptures, how powerful is God’s Word? What does the Word accomplish?What is the reason the text repeats the phrase, “and God said . . and it was so?”______________________________________________________________What else does God accomplish by means of His Word (spoken or written)?______________________________________________________________(1 Samuel 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 4:12; 1 John 2:5)3. Give examples of the power of Christ’s word. As we see God creating all things in thebeginning by His word, what was Jesus able to do simply by speaking?Matthew 8:13 ___________________________________________Mark 1:25 ______________________________________________Mark 4:39 ______________________________________________What parallels and conclusions can you draw as you notice the similarity between theseexamples and the word at creation? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Will God’s Word ever fail? _________________What does the Scripture teach about that? Write your summary of the following passage:Isaiah 55:10-11 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. In what ways, throughout history, was God’s Word made available to God’s people? Try tothink of all the different means by which God communicated His word to His people.________________ _________________ _______________ _______________________________ _________________(Numbers 12:6; Genesis 40:8; Genesis 24:7; Acts 7:30)7. Why is Jesus properly described as the culmination of all previous ways of God speaking?Look at Hebrews 1:1______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8. Do you see the parallel between Genesis 1 and John 1?What are the parallel words : ____________________________________

What are we to learn from this deliberate parallel?____________________________________________________________9. What do the following passages teach about the relationship between Christ and creation?According to the Bible, not only was Jesus there at creation, but Jesus was there andworking. For it was Jesus who creating all things. “Colossians 1:16 _________________________________________________________10. What do these passages teach about Christ, God’s Word, and our redemption:James 1:18 ______________________________________________________Ephesians 2:10 ___________________________________________________What is Christ’s place in re-creation (redemption)? _____________________________Why do you think our conversion is described as a new creation? (2 Corinthians 5:17)_________________________________________________________11. We believe the Scripture teaches there is one God. On the other hand, it seems clear thatJesus was also involved in creation. What does this mean about the nature of God?_______________________________________________________ (John 10:30)12. To whom does all creation owe its existence? _ What are the implications for those who arecreated? _(Psalm 102:18 & Revelation 4:11)Looking back at creation through the glasses of the New Testament, we can clearly see that it wasJesus who spoke these words, “let there be” at creation. That’s why the Bible says that Jesus isGod’s Word. Jesus was there at creation, and by His word, everything sprang into existence.Calling Jesus “God’s Word” is like saying that Jesus is God’s voice. He was that voice callinginto the darkness and making the lights, the land, and the animals.We owe Christ our worship and our obedience. In what ways do you worship God and give Himthanks for His good creation? ___________________________________________________In what ways are you letting God’s Word transform your life? If, by the power of His Word, Hecreated all things, and if Christ’s Word has the power to transform you, how is that Wordchanging you? __________________________________________________________12. In what ways do you worship and give thanks to our Lord for His wonderful creation?13. How do you show you are grateful to the Lord for His work of redemption (recreation) inyour life? ___________________________________________________________________

Crowned with GloryGod blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth andsubdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature thatmoves on the ground."(Genesis 1:28)On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and LORD OF LORDS.(Rev. 19:16)God created Adam to be the ruler of His creation. Adam was the Lord of all creation, and wastold, with his wife, to subdue and tame creation for God's glory and his own enjoyment. Listento what God said:1. Look at the words of Genesis 1:28, and write out the words that we usually associate with thetask of a King or Queen ______________________________________________________2. Do the same with Psalm 8(3-8). What is talked about in this Psalm that we associate with thetask of a King, Queen, or Ruler? _______________________________________________3. The writer of Hebrews (2:6) quotes from Psalm 8 and applies these words to Christ. Whywould this text from the Old Testament, originally speaking of Adam, be applied to Christ?___________________________________________________________________________It is no surprise that Adam and Eve were King and Queen of creation. They, as with us, weremade Image of God. What does it mean that you are Image of God (Genesis 1:28) _______________________________________________________________________________4. Describe the manner in which the task recorded in Genesis 2:19 is a task “fit for King.”_________________________________________________________________5. Read Colossians 1:16. What does this passage teach of Christ?____________________________________________________________________________________________________6. What do these passages teach about Christ and His role as King:Revelation 19:16 _____________________________________________________1 Tim. 6:15 _____________________________________________________By the way, what does this passage teach about the relationship between God andChrist?_____________________________________________________In other words, did you notice the term used to describe both God and Christ?What is that term or phrase? __________________________________________Revelation 17:14 ___________________________________________________John 12:15 ________________________________________________________Ephesians 1:20 _____________________________________________________Revelation 3:14 _____________________________________________________

7. Do you see the parallel between Adam and Christ? Describe that parallel. ____________________________________________________________________________________________8. Now do the same with Romans 5:14 ____________________________________________9. Look also at one of the tasks assigned to Adam and Eve as the beginning of humanity:“... multiply and fill the earth.”Compare this to Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19ff which says “make disciples of allnations.” What are the similarities? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.10. Let’s summarize:Describe the similarities between Adam and Eve and Christ. What do we learn aboutChrist as we look at Adam and Eve?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________11. What difference does it make to you that, in Christ, you are a King or Queen? _________________________________________________________________________________________12. Describe the implication of being a Ruler in Christ as you look at the following passages:1 Corinthians 6:2 ______________________________________________________Matthew 28:19 ________________________________________________________1 Corinthians 9:25 _____________________________________________________James 1:12 ___________________________________________________________We can’t think of Adam without, at the same time, thinking of Christ. When we understandAdam, we see our high calling as followers of Christ. How does this affect your self-image?__________________________________________________________________________If others are also Image of God, how does this affect the way in which you regard and treatothers? ______________________________________________________________________

The Promised Battle“And I will put conflict between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; hewill crush your head though you will wound his heel.” (Genesis 3:1-9,15)1. What does Genesis 1:31 teach about creation? _________________________________2. What was specifically forbidden (Genesis 2:17)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________3. What was promised if Adam and Eve chose to eat of the tree? _____________________4. What do you think this probationary test was designed to teach? ______________________________________________________________________________________But you know how it is with people. Sometimes when a parent or someone in authority says“No!,” it seems like we can be all the more eager to do it anyway. The Bible says that Eve wastricked, but Adam deliberately disobeyed. They both decided it was more important to do whatthey felt like doing rather than obeying God.5. What is it that seems to motivate us to do that which is forbidden? The answer is, of course,sin. But talk about our desires and ambitions. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________6. If you were to describe sin, what would you say? __________________________________7. Compare what you said with what the Scriptures say:1 John 3:4 ________________________________________________Isaiah 14:13 _______________________________________________Romans 1:21 ______________________________________________Romans 1:25 _______________________________________________Isaiah 53:6 _________________________________________________Isaiah 59:2 _________________________________________________8. What was the result of Adam and Eve’s sin (rebellion). What did they try to do (Genesis 3:8;Exodus 3:6; Psalm 13:1)? _______________________________________9. Ultimately God must separate Himself from sin. What is the ultimate separation (Genesis2:17)? __________________________In the midst of the sentence of death, God also makes a promise. The promise is that Someonewould come to do away with satan. Actually, the promise is that the Messiah would crush the

serpent (Genesis 3:15). This Someone would have to bear the consequences of separation in ourplace.10. Look at these passages, and list the work of the Messiah in our behalf. What has theMessiah done for us?1 Corinthians 15:22 _____________________________________________Romans 5:19 ____________________________________________Isaiah 53:6 ______________________________________________11. What do these passages teach about what the Messiah has done to satan, the serpent?Rev. 12:9 _____________________________________________Rev. 12:10-11 ________________________________________Matthew 12:28-29 _________________________________________12. Because Christ has crushed satan on the cross, what does this mean for us?Romans 16:20 _____________________________________________________Matthew 10:1 ______________________________________________________Luke 10:19 ________________________________________________________13. What has Christ experienced for us (Isaiah 53:10)? ______________________________How has Christ crushed the serpent (Colossians 2:15 and Revelation 5:5) ?____________________________________________________________________14. Genesis 3:15 promises a war through generations. The “seed of the woman” is the church,the people of God. The “seed of the serpent” are the people of the world. What is the promisedrelationship between these two peoples? __________________________________________15. God does not want these two lines to become one. He wants the church always to remainseparate from the world. Look at the following passages and discern the way in which God keptthe church and the world (the serpent and the woman) from blending together as one.Ezra 9:1 and 6:21 _________________________________________________________Genesis 6:12 ________________________________________________________Genesis 34:8-10 ______________________________________________________2 Corinthians 6:17 _____________________________________________________16. What will the war look like through the ages? The church will always be in a fight? Whatexactly is the fight?17. Who will win the war?Numbers 24:17 __________________________________________________Romans 16:20 ___________________________________________________Revelation 20:10 _________________________________________________Revelation 17:14 _________________________________________________18. How can we make sure we are on the winning side (1 John 5:4)? ________________________________________________________________________________________________19. How do you feel involved in this battle?__________________________________________

Out of the Garden: Banished“So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden. After he drove the man out, heplaced on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back andforth to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:23-24)“And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his ownblood.” (Hebrews 13:12)We discussed punishment in the last study. Summarize the punishment for sinEphesians 2:12 _____________________________________________Isaiah 59:1 ________________________________________________Luke 16:25-26 _____________________________________________Jeremiah 15:16, 29:14 _______________________________________This passage from Jeremiah refers to the Babylonian exile. The people of Godwere removed from the land because of their sin. As God banished Adam andEve from the Garden, so God banished the people of Israel from the Holy Landfor the same reason. Notice the manner in which the following passages talk, notsimply of people’s banishment from God, but God also leaving His people. Whathappens in these passages with the Lord’s presence:1 Samuel 4:21-22 _____________________________________Isaiah 59:1-2 __________________________________________Ezekiel 10:18 _________________________________________Ultimately what does this mean (Romans 6:23) _____________________To try to return to the Lord’s presence means sure _______________________ (Genesis 3:23)Why is this the case? What can God not allow into His presence (Habakkuk 1:13)? ________Now, think ahead to the account of Christ’s death. Do you know what happened the day Jesuswas killed?Hebrews 13:12 _______________________________________In what ways was Jesus separated from the Father as He became our Substitute.Psalm 22:1 __________________________________Because Christ was punished in our place (because He was separated from the Father in ourplace), what is the result for us, His people? (Isaiah 45:7)__________________________________________________________________________________________________When Jesus took His cross and walked outside of the city to die, it was just as though He werethe One forced from the Garden. That’s why Jesus had to be forced to go away from Jerusalem;He was being forced out of God’s presence to suffer in the place of disobedient people.What does this passage teach about Christ, and what are the implications for usActs 2:31 _________________________________________________________

Hell is described as “outside” the presence of God. What do these passages teach about therelationship between separation from God and eternal judgementRevelation 22:15 _______________________________________________________Hebrews 13:1 _________________________________________________________What does this passage teach about the people of GodRevelation 22:14-15 _________________________________________________Why is it that these people are allowed inside the city (which represents the presence ofGod) _________________________________________________________________Why, in these passages, is this Jerusalem called the holy city?Revelation 21:2 ______________________________________________Revelation 21:10 _____________________________________________Revelation 22:19 ______________________________________________The painting pictures the parallel between Adam and Eve having been banished from the Gardenwith Jesus’ banishment from Jerusalem walking to His death. Is this a good picture of whatChrist has done in our behalf?Does this explain why we are allowed back inside the city, the presence of God._______________________________________________________________________By the way, why, in these passages, is this city called the “holy city?” What makes it holy?_____________________________________________________________________This language is grounded in the Scriptures. Look through these passages and write out thereason these places are considered holy.Exodus 3:5 _________________________________________________1 Chronicles 29:16 ______________________________________________What made the Tabernacle holy:Exodus 40:34 ________________________________________________What made the Temple holy?1 Kings 5:5 __________________________________________________What makes you holy in Christ?1 Corinthians 3:16 _____________________________________________1 Corinthians 6:19 _____________________________________________What makes the church holy (Ephesians 2:21) _____________________________________What is our response to the presence of the Lord?2 Corinthians 6:16 _______________________________________________________How do you draw close to the Lord __________________ How are you assured of Hispresence? ______________________________ (Hebrews 10:22)

Murder near Paradise“Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field,Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” (Genesis 4:8)“But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’”(John 15:25)It did not take long for sin to grow and spread. Once exiled from Paradise, which was the specialpresence of God, sin would grow and flourish. When Adam and Eve rebelled, a chain reactionwould continue through the generations.Most think that people are basically good. What does the Bible teach about our basic humannature:Genesis 1:27 ______________________________Romans 3:23 ______________________________Psalm 14:3 ________________________________Psalm 51:5_________________________________What is sin’s ultimate desire (if we can personify sin for a moment): _______________________________________________________ (Genesis 4:7)Do we understand the reason Cain murdered Abel (Genesis 4:4-5) _________________________________________________________Once sin is allowed and nurtured, it breaks forth into horrible reality. What do the followingpassages teach about this?James 1:15 ____________________________________________Hebrews 12:15 _________________________________________Psalm 7:14 ____________________________________________Romans 7:18 ___________________________________________Sin’s corruption is not in outward actions, but in a root which wants to dominate and control ourentire being. What do these passages teach about the nature of sin?1 Timothy 6:10 ___________________________________________Hebrews 12:15 ________________________________________Genesis 8:21 ___________________________________________Jeremiah 17:9 __________________________________________Galatians 3:22 __________________________________________As Cain wanted nothing to do with Abel because of jealousy, so also, the world wants nothing todo with Christ. As Cain despised Abel, so the world despises Christ. In what ways do thefollowing passages teach this same tragedy.John 1:10 ________________________________________Isaiah 53:3 ______________________________________1 Peter 2:4_______________________________________Revelation 17:14 __________________________________

When Abel was killed, Adam and Eve’s hope must have been dashed. They probably assumedthat the promised Messiah would be one of their children, whether Cain or Abel. But now Abelwas dead and Can was a murderer. It was as though history repeated itself in the death of Jesus.When He died, everyone was confused because they were hoping He would be the Messiah.Hopes were shattered. How is this described:Luke 24:21 _______________________________________________Mark 15:40-41 ____________________________________________Of course, after His resurrection, His disciples came to understand Jesus was the Messiah, andHis death was not the last word. Jesus was raised from the grave proving He was God’sMessiah.John 2:2 _____________________________________________Acts 10:40 ___________________________________________Acts 2:36-37 __________________________________________Throughout the Bible it is taught that whenever the world persecutes the church, the world isultimately persecuting Christ and trying to get rid of Him. When Cain killed Abel this wastypical of the manner in which the world would respond to Christ. Abel’s murder gives us apeek into the future as the Bible shows what will happen to God’s Messiah, who was murderedfor our sake.Romans 12:4 __________________________________________________1 John 3:13 ___________________________________________________The punishment He received was the punishment which brings about our forgiveness. “By Hisstripes we are healed” says the prophet Isaiah. Jesus’ death was not the last word, for He wasraised from the grave, and He lives even now.1 Corinthians 15:12-17 ______________________________________________Revelation 19:16 ______________________________________________Instead of hatred toward the Lord and toward His people, when we come to Christ, we arechanged from the inside out. The Lord gives us a new nature which loves the Lord.Colossians 3:12-14 _________________________________________Galatians 5:22-24 __________________________________________What needs to happen in order to break the mastery sin has over us?Romans 8:5-9 ____________________________________________________Romans 13:14 ____________________________________________________John 3:3 _________________________________________________________1 Peter 1:22-23 ___________________________________________________Romans 6:9-14 ___________________________________________________Paradise is gone. Outside Paradise, sin seems to reign. But in Christ, sin’s mastery is broken,and we are set free (John 8:33) from the power and control of sin.

Christ has set you free from the mastery of sin. Now, what is your response? _______________

The Flood"Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence . . . So God said to Noah, "Iam going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I amsurely going to destroy both them and the earth." Genesis (6:11-13)"For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving inmarriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happenuntil the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son ofMan." (Matthew 24:38-39)Everyone was surprised when the flood came. Everyone but Noah that is. Most of the peopleliving on the earth had become so wicked and violent that God could not stand it anymore.God’s patience does come to an end. What do these passages tell you about God’s patience?Genesis 15:16 with Joshua 6:21 __________________________________________Exodus 20:5 __________________________________________________________1 Samuel 2:17 with 1 Samuel 4:11 _________________________________________Ezekiel 9:9-10 _________________________________________________________Numbers 25:4 __________________________________________________________Noah and his family, the only believers left who loved the Lord, were all surrounded bywickedness. God wanted to protect Noah by getting rid of the wickedness and its influence. Hewould not allow Noah's family to be swamped with people who were a terrible influence andwho might eventually lead them astray. So God sent a flood which would cover the earth withwater.What does the Scripture teach about the influence of the wicked?Exodus 34:12 __________________________________________________________Judges 2:14 __________________________________________________________Judges 2:19 __________________________________________________________Eccles. 7:26 __________________________________________________________Ezekiel 13:20 __________________________________________________________God acted to protect Noah and his family. God would not allow the wicked to ensnare Noah’sfamily. God kept that family in His care by removing the wicked influence from their midst. Hekept them from becoming like the world by removing the world’s influence.Deuteronomy 23:14 _____________________________________________________Psalm 12:7 __________________________________________________________2 Thessalonians. 3:3 ______________________________________________________John 17:11 __________________________________________________________John 17:15 __________________________________________________________It took Noah and his family 120 years to build a boat big enough keep them and many animalssafe. For those 120 years Noah warned the rest of the people what was coming. But no one waslistening.

They all laughed at Noah and continued with their immoral and destructive ways. No onereally thinks God will intervene in history. But that is not the case.Genesis 18:13 _______________________________________________________Luke 1:36 __________________________________________________________2 Chronicles 6:37-38 _________________________________________________What did the flood actually accomplish? Was it designed to fully get rid of evil or was thereanother purpose to the flood? _________________________________________________According to 1 Peter 3:20, it was not the ark but the water which saved Noah. How was it thewater which saved Noah? _____________________________________________________The flood teaches us about Jesus. On the very last day of history (we do not know when that willbe) Jesus will come back. But many, many people laugh and ridicule that idea. They ignoreGod's commands, and live as though there is no God. But like the time of Noah, Jesus will comeback. When He does return, the wicked who do not believe Jesus is Lord will be punishedforever. But those, like Noah, who know Jesus, will be protected from this punishment just likeNoah was protected.Acts 1:11 _________________________________________________________1 Thessalonians 5:2 _________________________________________________2 Peter 3:7 ________________________________________________________Hebrews 9:27 ______________________________________________________2 Corinthians 5:10 __________________________________________________How does the flood fulfill the promise given in Genesis 3:15? Remember that the promise inGenesis 3:15 was the promise of separation as a result of antipathy or enmity between twopeoples. The children of the serpent (the world) would be at war with the children of the woman(the church). How did this come into play during the time of the flood? _______________________________________________________________________________________________As the flood saved Noah and his family, so Christ saves us. He does so by transforming us andgiving us His Spirit. That transformation continues until Christ brings us safely into heaven - Hispresence. What are these promises of deliverance:2 Timothy 4:18 _________________________________________________________John 17:12 _________________________________________________________How does God want us to be separated from wickedness today? In other words, how are we keptfrom being swallowed up by the wickedness of the world? _________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Promise of Protection: The Rainbow“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and theearth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I willremember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never againwill the waters become a flood to destroy all life.(Genesis 9:13-16)After an event as terrible as the flood, God promised never to destroy creation in that samemanner.Does this mean God will never destroy creation again? What do these passages teach?2 Peter 3:7 _________________________________________________________2 Peter 3:12 ________________________________________________________God would protect His people in other ways. That’s what the rainbow was all about. God haspromised that He will protect His people. Neither the serpent nor the wicked will be able to putan end to the people of God. What are these promises?Deuteronomy 23:14 _____________________________________________________Psalm 20:1 __________________________________________________________Psalm 32:7 __________________________________________________________Psalm 40:11 _________________________________________________________John 17:15 __________________________________________________________2 Thessalonians 3:3 _____________________________________________________When people see a rainbow, they are reminded of the promise God made that He would protectHis people from complete destruction. Actually, it was a reminder for God. Scripture says thatGod will see the rainbow and it will be reminder for Him.God does not forget, but in these passages He says He remembers. What is the benefit for us, Hispeople?Genesis 9:15 ____________________________________________________Leviticus 26:42 ,45 _______________________________________________Ezekiel 16:60 ___________________________________________________What is the benefit of God saying that He will remember when He sees a particular sign?_________________________________________________________________________Why is it that Christ is the foundation for the rainbow? In other words, how is it that the promiseof God rests on Christ?The answer is that Christ deals with our ___________. Christ does not have to judge us,for judgement has already ben poured out on Christ.Isaiah 42:25 __________________________________________________Jeremiah 44:6 _________________________________________________Ezekiel 22:22 _________________________________________________Romans 5:8___________________________________________________1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 ___________________________________________

Just as Jesus was protected from the ruthless despot Herod, so God protected creation for thesake of Christ.How did God protect Christ:Matthew 2:12 _______________________________________________________Matthew 2:14 _______________________________________________________In the same manner, Christ was promised in Genesis 3:15. God made sure, throughout all ofhuman history, to protect the world for the sake of Christ. The world could not come to an enduntil Christ was brought forth according to God’s perfect plan.In what ways, in the following passages, did God protect His people to make certain theMessiah would be born according to His Word of promise.Isaiah 10:21-22 ______________________________________________________Isaiah 51:11 _________________________________________________________Though the world of people began in the Garden of Eden, the world will end with what the Bibledescribes as the New Jerusalem (Rev 3:12; 22:14-19). Or, to give you another picture, thehistory of God’s people has been a history of travel from a Garden to completing their earthlyjourney in the new city. God will protect His people until His return.When you think of a city, what is it that you think about? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song talks about the delight of “going back to the Gardenagain.” Though we all have the urge to return to a Garden-like Paradise, we will never return tothe Garden. All of history has significance. God’s idea was that His people would develop aculture - embodied in the idea of a city, not Garden. Will we be able to experience the intimaterelationship with God in the new city He has in store for us.Revelation 21:2 ______________________________________________________Revelation. 21:22-23 __________________________________________________Revelation 22:2-3 ____________________________________________________Hebrews 13:14 __________________________________________________God promised that, until the end of the world – until Jesus comes back for a second time – theearth will be spared from complete destruction. You have heard the song, “He’s got the wholeworld in His hands.” That’s what the rainbow promises. He can promise because nothing canstop His plan. What He plans and determines will be carried out.What is the promise contained in these passages:Isaiah 14:26-27 _______________________________________________Ephesians 1:11 __________________________________________________Genesis 50:20 ___________________________________________________Isaiah 14:27 ____________________________________________________Why are these promises comforting to you? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________In what ways do you crave paradise? _____________________________________________

The Tower of Confusion“It was there the Lord confused the people by giving them many languages” (Genesis 11:9)“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our language” (Acts 2:11)Long after the flood, when the earth was repopulated, it was clear arrogance and pride had grownas fast as the population. As a matter of fact, people began to think they could be as powerful asGod Himself. This was nothing new.Pride does not have to be sin, but it seems that more often than not, it is identified with sin. Howdoes pride turn us away from God? _________________________________________2 Kings 19:22 ________________________________________________________2 Chronicles 26:16 ________________________________________________________Psalm 10:4 ________________________________________________________Isaiah 23:9 ________________________________________________________Obadiah 1:3 ________________________________________________________Our attempts to pretend we are God causes Him to laugh. Our best efforts are as nothing.Psalm 59:8 _______________________________________________________Psalm 2:1 _______________________________________________________Those gathered in the plains of Shinar were not the first to think they could become as God.Isaiah 14:13 _____________________________________________________Genesis 3:5 ______________________________________________________Daniel 4:28-30 ____________________________________________________What happens when people gather together apart from Christ and devise their own plans andschemes?Acts 4:26 ________________________________________________________2 Tim. 4:3 _______________________________________________________Psalm 2:2 _______________________________________________________It is almost laughable (if it were not so sad) when we think of the way in which God frustratedthe efforts of those on the plain. All He did was confuse their language. Something as simple asthat caused their plans to collapse.What are some other events which happened when “God came down” to His people or to Hiscreation?Genesis 11:5 ______________________________________________________Genesis 43:20 ______________________________________________________Exodus 34:5 ______________________________________________________Exodus 34:29 ______________________________________________________

Centuries later God came down again. He came in the flesh as the person of Christ. For some thatwould mean condemnation, for others this would be the means to life. How do these passagesconfirm this concept?John 3:17-18 ______________________________________________________2 Cor. 2:16 _______________________________________________________John 7:43 _________________________________________________________Even though God confused people at Babel, Jesus would later bring people together.The church is made of what kinds of people?Galatians 3:8 __________________________________________________Revelation 15:4 ________________________________________________Philippians 2:11 ________________________________________________Romans 10:12 ___________________________________________________How was this demonstrated at Pentecost:Acts 2:5 _______________________________________________Acts 2:6-7 _____________________________________________The unity God wants is not a unity of pride and arrogance, but of humble recognition of Hispower and grace. God wants to bring together, in Christ, a people unified in:Ephesians 4:3 __________________________________________________Ephesians 4:13 _________________________________________________Romans 15:5 ___________________________________________________1 Corinthians 1:10 ______________________________________________Ephesians 3:6, 4:4 _______________________________________________God has a plan for the nations. We call it the missionary endeavor. God plans to gather peoplefrom all nations into His church. The Spirit of Christ, given on the Day of Pentecost, is amissionary Spirit. Those who were scattered at Pentecost are, in Christ, to be gathered by HisSpirit.Matthew 23:37 _______________________________________________________Matthew 24:31 _______________________________________________________That’s what the church is — people from varying backgrounds who belong to Jesus, and who,therefore, are one.How are you to work toward building unity in Christ’s church today? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________Where do you see people vying for power and unity apart from Christ today? ___________________________________________________________________________________________

God’s Promise to Abraham“He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you cancount them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” (Genesis 15:5)“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham...”(Matthew 1:1)“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles throughChrist Jesus, ... The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does notsay ‘and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who isChrist.” (Galatians 3:14-16)What is the point of the genealogy in Genesis 11? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________The first time God appeared to Abraham was in Genesis 12. What are the three promises givento Abraham (in verses 1-3):a. ____________________________b. ____________________________c. ____________________________Between Genesis 12 and Genesis 15 there were many years. Through the passing of timeAbraham and Sarah (actually named Abram and Sarai) had their doubts. So God came a secondtime and gave Abraham a promise and a picture. In Genesis 15:5, what was the picture?_______________________________________What was Abraham’s response (Genesis 15:6)? _____________________________This response is a hallmark response to the Word and promise of God. Look at the followingpassages and see the recurring theme.Habakkuk 2:4 __________________________________Romans 1:17 ___________________________________Jonah 3:5 ______________________________________John 1:12 ______________________________________The Scripture clearly teaches that we are brought into a right relationship with God, not by ourworks or obedience, but by faith. We trust what the Lord has done for us, and we are credited asrighteous, even as Abraham in Genesis 15. When you trust Christ by faith, what exactly are youtrusting?_________________________________________________________________More than just children, God promised Abraham that these children would be a special nation,and live in a land which God would give them. The land became known as the “PromisedLand.” What are the promises in regard to the land in these passages?Genesis 15:14,18______ _________________________________Genesis 17:8 ___________________________________________

The people, living in the land, would then, according to God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis12:1-3, be a blessing to all the other nations of the world. In what ways have the people of Israelbeen a blessing to the nations?Galatians 3:16 _____________________________________________Galatians 4:4 _______________________________________________Matthew 1:1,16 _____________________________________________Matthew 28:19ff ____________________________________________But the promise does not stop there. From God’s perspective, the child promised to Abrahamwas more than just Isaac. When God spoke to Abraham that late night and promised a son, Godwas promising actually Abraham that Jesus would be born as Abraham’s greatest son.According to the Scriptures, if you belong to Christ, what is your spiritual family heritage?Galatians 3:29 _____________________________________________________Jesus would be God’s special blessing to all the world (Gn.12:3). When people come to believeJesus, Abraham’s greatest “son,” they are blessed and are given eternal life. If we believe inJesus, then we also are counted as sons and daughters of Abraham. Isn’t that exciting to thinkthat God had us in mind when He promised Abraham would bless people from all nations?!What promises to you share with Abraham?2 Peter 3:13 ___________________________________________________John 14:2 ______________________________________________________Galatians 3:29 __________________________________________________In what way does the promise given to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:5 fulfill thepromise God gave to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________What are the promises you share with Abraham because you are his spiritual descendant(assuming you belong to Christ)?___________________________________________________

Cut OffGenesis 17:14 “Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will becut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."The imagery of “cutting “throughout the Scriptures has several meanings. Talk about thenuances in the following passages. Ask yourself about the purpose for the cutting.Genesis 3:24 ________________________________Exodus 4:25 _________________________________Genesis 15:10 ________________________________Numbers 15:30-31 ____________________________Circumcision is an act of cutting. That same act of cutting was also an act of the shedding ofblood. Circumcision was part and parcel of a bloody sacrificial system. It was designed to teachthat the way to the Father is by way of death - - the shedding of blood. Someone had to pay thewages of sin, and the wages of sin is ___________________(Romans 6:23).The cutting away of a piece of flesh was a picture of God cutting away our sin. What is themeaning of circumcision in these passages:Deuteronomy 10:16 ________________________________Deuteronomy 30:6 __________________________________Jeremiah 4:4 __________________________________Jeremiah 9:25 __________________________________There is even more to circumcision than the shedding of blood. Read Genesis 15:10 and Exodus24:6, and notice the pattern.What do you see as similarities? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________God instructed first Abraham and then Moses to cut animals in half. The halves were thenseparated. In the Genesis account, a flaming torch passes between the two pieces. In Exodus,half the blood from the animals is sprinkled on the altar (which represents the presence of God)and half the blood is sprinkled on the people. By the presence of torch and the altar, weunderstand God was present and taking an oath. He was walking between the pieces of theanimal or symbolically having blood sprinkled on Him. In do doing, He was saying:“Here is my promise. If I fail to do what I promise, then let me end up like these deadanimals which have been cut in half.”This was an oath of self-malediction. Remember as a child, when you made a promise, youmight have sworn something like: “cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” Thatis an oath of self-malediction.This part of the symbolism of circumcision. Circumcision is a promise that if we depart from theLord and turn in unbelief, we will end up like those who are dead (we might use the expressiontoday, “we’ll be dead meat.”). Circumcision is a promise of forgiveness for those who belong tothe Lord and walk in faith. But circumcision is also a promise of judgement for those who do notwalk in faith.When Christ died for us, He was from His people and He was cut off from life. The death Jesusdied, and the blood He shed for us was because He bore the curse we deserve. We deserve to be

treated as those dead animals. But instead, in Christ, we are given life.In other passages, the idea of being “cut off” is the idea of being isolated from the presence ofGod - the presence of the One who is Life Himself. What do these passages teach:John 17:3 _____________________________________________Romans 8:35ff _________________________________________Ephesians 2:12 _________________________________________Where or when did Christ experience the ultimate separation from the Father (in our place)?Psalm 22:1 __________________________________1 Peter 2:24 _________________________________Matthew 27:46 _______________________________After Abraham believed the promises of God, he was circumcised. But when Isaac wascircumcised, he was only a child. Does this have any implications for baptism (Romans 4:11)?________________________________________________________________________Was it proper for Abraham to circumcise his child before his child was old enough to confirm thecovenant himself ____________________ Why or why not? ____________________________With whom does God make His covenant?Deuteronomy 14:26 __________________________________________Acts 16:31 __________________________________________Jeremiah 38:17 __________________________________________Deuteronomy 30:2 __________________________________________If this is the case, what is a major responsibility of believing parents? ________________________________________________________________________________________________Why does God not cut His covenant into our flesh?a. Galatians 3:29 ________________________________________________________b. Hebrews 9:26-27 _____________________________________________________How it is that we are to display the fact that we are in covenant with God? _____________________________________________________________________________________________What about your family? Where does God want you to make a difference in your family? ________________________________________________________________________________What does God want from believing parents?Genesis 18:19 __________________________________________________Deuteronomy 4:9 _______________________________________________Deuteronomy 6:2 ________________________________________________Ephesians 6:4 ___________________________________________________What is His goal for children who grow up in a covenant household?Colossians 3:20 ___________________________________________________Titus 2:4 _________________________________________________________

3 John 1:4 ________________________________________________________

Abraham's Greatest Sacrifice"Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region ofMoriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.'"(Genesis 22:2)"He gave His one and only Son" (John 3:16)How sad it must have been for Abraham to be told to sacrifice his special son. You would thinkhis response would have been, "anything but that Lord!" Can you imagine anything morehorrible?What are the facts? Even from the beginning, what must Abraham have believed.Genesis 22:4 _____________________________________ (notice the pronoun)Abraham knew that Isaac was the promised child. He knew that through Isaac (and hisdescendants) the final Promised Child would be born into this world. Therefore, from thebeginning, what did Abraham know?Hebrews 11:19 _________________________________________What had Abraham learned in more than twenty years of following the Lord? ___________According to Hebrews 11:17, he was a man of __________________________Isaac could not die. At least that could not happen until he had grown older, married, and had achild. Just as Abraham's knife was poised to plunge down onto Isaac, God sent an angel to stopAbraham. God provided a substitute offering instead. It was a ram God provided, and not Isaacwhich was offered as a sacrifice. By means of this offering, God was teaching Isaac, andteaching us about what it means that Jesus was a substitute.In what ways is Jesus our substitute?Romans 5:8 _________________________________________________________Romans 5:18 _________________________________________________________1 Corinthians 15:21-22 ________________________________________________John the Baptist saw Jesus, and called Him "the lamb of God." Isaac's ram was a foreshadow ofChrist's own sacrifice. Even as Isaac was Abraham's special son, so it was Jesus who was God'sspecial Son. Both were called to die. Yet, because God provided Jesus as a lamb, Isaac did nothave to die. The lamb took Isaac's place just as Jesus took our place. There was no substitute forJesus -- He died as the lamb of God. What do these passages teach?Isaiah 53:7 ________________________________________Revelation 5:6 _____________________________________1 Corinthians 5:7 __________________________________Can you think of anyone who had been raised from the grave before Christ. Isaac wasfiguratively given life, but what about real returns to life?John 11:43-44 _______________________________________Matthew 9:24 _______________________________________Hebrews 11:35 ______________________________________

2 Kings 13:21 ________________________________________Ezekiel 37:10 _____________________________________ (this last reference is afigurative reference. To what does it refer? ________________________________)These were not permanent. All those raised to life before Christ’s resurrection eventually died.What is different about Christ being raised from the grave?Acts 13:34 _______________________________________________Psalm 16:10 ______________________________________________Revelation 19:6 ___________________________________________What does the phrase “only son” mean considering that Isaac was technically not the only son ofAbraham? _________________________________________________ (John 3:16 and Genesis22:2).What is the promise God holds out to you in Christ? Abraham knew and believed the promise ofthe resurrection? What are the promises you believe and what difference do these promises maketo you?Luke 24:47 _____________________________Acts 2:38 ___________________________________James 1:3 _________________________________1 Thessalonians 2:19 __________________________________John 14:2 ________________________________________Where has God tested your faith? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________What has been the result ___________________________________________________Can you thank God for those times of testing ? _______________________How does it help you to appreciate God’s grace in giving His son when you place yourself inAbraham’s shoes and try to imagine his feelings through the entire ordeal ______________________________________________________________________________________________.Are you able to pray as Paul did, when he was in prison. This must have been something similarto Abraham’s prayer and response.Philip. 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will havesufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether bylife or by death.

Jacob's Stairway to Heaven"He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven,and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." Genesis 28 (28:12)"The angels of God going up and down" (John 1:51)Jacob was in trouble. He was running from his older brother who wanted to do some majordamage to Jacob. He and his Mother had schemed against Isaac and Esau. They had trickedIsaac into giving Jacob the family blessing (the blessing of an heir).What was the deception in Genesis 27:6 ____________________________________What did Jacob receive in Genesis 27:27ff __________________________________What was Esau’s reaction (Genesis 27:41-45) ________________________________When Isaac died, years later, Jacob had to run for his life. He was lonely, in despair, wonderedwhat was going to happen. After traveling all day, he lay down to sleep and he had a dream.What was the basic content of the dream (Genesis 28:10-15)? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is it that the angels were bringing from God _____________________________________What is it that angels do as they serve the Lord?Revelation 7:11 ________________________________________________________Hebrews 1:7 ________________________________________________________Genesis 19:1 ________________________________________________________Acts 12:23 ________________________________________________________Acts 12:7-8 ________________________________________________________It might seem that God helps those who help themselves. Rachel and Jacob took things into theirown hands, and as a result they received Gods’ blessing. Is it true that God blessed because ofJacob’s deception, or was it in spite of Jacob’s deception?What did God promise as Jacob’s before Jacob was even born (Genesis 25:23)?______________________________________________________Do you think they needed to take things into their own hands, or could God have had His waywithout the deception? _________________________________________________What do these passages teach:Psalm 33:20 __________________________________________________Psalm 124:8 __________________________________________________In the dream, God was promising to take the initiative. Jacob would not have to deceive in orderto protect Himself. Jacob was to walk by faith, and not by confidence in his own skills.Why is it that God decided to protect and “be with” Jacob? Was it because of something Jacobhad done or because of Jacob’s character?

Romans 9:12 ______________________________________________Genesis 24:7 ______________________________________________What does this have to do with Genesis 3:15 and the promise of a Messiah? _________________________________________________________________________________Now let's skip centuries in to the future; during the time in which Jesus was just beginning Hispublic ministry. In talking with Nathaniel, how did Jesus use the imagery of Jacob’s dream andapply it to Himself? _____________________________________________________ (John1:51)What are the promises given to us regarding His presence?Philippians 4:9 _______________________________________________John 13:36 __________________________________________________Exodus 33:14 _______________________________________________2 Kings 23:27 ________________________________________________Actually, this is the heart of God’s covenant with His people. God’s covenant promises areexpressed in the following manner:Leviticus 26:12 _______________________________________________Ezekiel 36:28 _______________________________________________2 Corinthians 6:18 _______________________________________________Ephesians. 3:17 _______________________________________________The basic idea of the covenant is that God would have a people who would experience Hispresence. God gathers a people to be His and in whose presence He would live. That is theultimate blessing of life - to be able to enjoy God’s presence. If this is the case (and it is), what isthe significance of Christ’s name?Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23 ___________________________________________How can God live with us, His people, if we are sinful?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Hint: see Isaiah 6:5-6, Hebrews 9:22 and Joshua 22:17)Jesus was there with Jacob in the wilderness. We can understand now that Jesus was Jacob'sstairway. He is the reason God can give promises and provide good things for His people evennow.Jesus promises never to leave or forsake us. What difference does this make to you? ____________________________________________________________________________________(Hebrews 13:5)

Wrestling with God"So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, ‘It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my lifewas spared.' (Genesis 32:30)He struggled with the angel and overcame him; he wept and begged for his favor. He found himat Bethel and talked with him there--the Lord God Almighty" (Hosea 12:4-5)Jacob, Isaac's son, is on the run again. He stayed with his Uncle a very long time while livingjust out of the reach of his brother (about 15 years). Then, one day, with his wives and childrenhe thought it would be a good time to return home. Actually he was in trouble with his Uncleand had no choice but to gather up his family and leave - not knowing for sure what Esau woulddo after all these years.What was the problem between Jacob and Laban?Genesis 31:19-20 ___________________________________________________What were some other reasons that Jacob was living in fear? ______________________________________________________________ (Genesis 27:42)Basically this entire time - while in exile from his own home - Jacob did not live by faith. Helived by confidence in his own __________________________ (hint: the meaning of his name).Giving way to fear, this was one means by which God was humbling Jacob and causinghim to properly live by __________________________________________________(Deuteronomy 8:3).People tend to live by their own skills and cunning. But God wants us to live in/by:Galatians 3:11 ___________________________________________________2 Samuel 22:28 __________________________________________________In what areas do you find it very difficult to live by faith: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Can you see areas in your life that you have tried to control, but have failed? _________________________________________________________________________________________What areas have you recently turned over to the Lord , trusting Him with control of your life?___________________________________________________________________________Though Jacob did not realize it, God was having His way. Remember that Abraham, Isaac, andJacob and their children were to inherit the Promised Land. God had to get Jacob back to THEland.When he came near Esau’s “turf” Jacob once again took things into his own hands. He tried agreat political manoeuver. What was it that he tried to use to pacify Esau after all these years?Genesis 32:11 _________________________________________Genesis :13ff __________________________________________

He truly seemed to believe that God helps those who help themselves. But then God met withJacob. How do we know, by the way, that it was God and not simply a man who wrestled withJacob?Hosea 12:1 ______________________________________________________Genesis 32:30 ____________________________________________________What was the wrestling match all about? More important, why is it that God seemed to let Jacobwin? _____________________________________________________What are some other passages which talk about the positive aspects of being relentless inpursuing the Lord?____________________ __________________ _______________________________________________ __________________ ___________________________What is the real reason God blessed Jacob? (Exodus 33:1) ____________________________Do you know the reason Jacob was able to win the wrestling match? How could anyone wrestlewith an angel, or with God, and expect to win? It was because Jacob was clinging by faith, to thepromise of God.As with all who belong to God, Jacob’s wrestling and grasping was an act of _______________(Galatians 3:8). That's why Jacob was able to wrestle with God - God had already given apromise. When Jacob was wrestling with God it was as though Jacob was saying, "I won't letyou go until you reassure me that you will do all that you have already promised. (32:26b)"What insight do these passages give you as you think about Jesus wrestling with Jacob?Psalm 13:2 “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in myheart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?”______________________________________________________________________Colossians 4:12 “ Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings.He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, matureand fully assured.” ______________________________________________________________Jesus wrestled in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-42). In what ways was this wrestling with theFather a parallel with Jacob’s wrestling at the brook? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________Have you ever wrestled with God ? ________ What did you learn from this? _________________________________________________________________________________________[A great resource is a book by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman entitled, Cry of the Soul]All of this teaches us about grace. God did not bless Jacob because Jacob was so great, orbecause Jacob was so faithful. God blessed Jacob because He wanted to show Jacob (and hisdescendants) His favor and mercy.In what ways have you been shown favor and mercy in Christ? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rejected!"So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe--the richly ornamentedrobe he was wearing--" ( Genesis 37:23)"Hated without a reason" (John 15:24-25)1. Is there anything worse than rejection and loneliness?In what ways did Joseph experience terrible loneliness? ________________________________________________________________________________________In what ways did Joseph experience rejection ______________________________________________________________________________________________How did Christ experience both, even from the very beginning?__________________________________________________________________________________Do you see a parallel in Joseph’s betrayal and Jesus’ betrayal? If so, do you see howChrist is revealed in the life of Joseph (Matthew 10:4 and Genesis 37:26-27)__________________________________________________________________3. Jeremiah 12:6 “Your brothers, your own family--even they have betrayed you; they haveraised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.”How is this a prophesy of Christ’s betrayal? _________________________________4. What do you think suffering accomplished in Joseph’s life? __________________________5. Does that bring you any comfort? ________________________ Why or Why not? ____________________________________________________________________________________6. What did suffering accomplish in Christ’s life?Isaiah 53:10-11 ____________________________________________Luke 24:26 ______________________________________________Hebrews 2:10 ___________________________________________Hebrews 2:18 ____________________________________________How does the following passage display the parallel between Joseph and Jesus?“John 1:11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”______________________________________________________________________Not only was Joseph sold as a slave, but he was later imprisoned for something he did not do.Yet, through all this, God was with Joseph. He was raised from certain death in prison and seatedon the throne of power ruling and directing all of Egypt. Eventually Joseph was set free andpromoted as one of the powerful rulers in the land of Egypt.

7. Do you see the parallel between Joseph’s rescue from prison and subsequent promotion toChrist’s resurrection and then His coronation as King?(see Matthew 28:18 and Revelation 19:16)_______________________________________________________8. Do you see this as a way in which God was preparing His people for the coming of Christ?________________________________________________________________________One reason God allowed Joseph to experience these horrible and tragic events was to disclosewhat would happen to Christ.In what ways does Christ call you to parallel His life?a. Ephesians 5:29 ___________________________________________________b. 1 Peter 4:!6 ______________________________________________________c. Luke 21:12 ______________________________________________________There are other passages. But do you see in these the way in which all believers, to some extent,walk the same road as did Christ?Why the cross before the crown. Why does it seem that the way to victory is always throughtimes of suffering?a. Luke 24:26 _______________________________________________b. 1 Peter 2:20 _________________________________________________c. Revelation 2:10 _____________________________________________c. 2 Corinthians 1:6 ____________________________________________The pattern for the suffering of believers is always Christ. He suffered once, but will never do soagain. He has entered His glory forever. (Hebrews 9:26 Then Christ would have had to suffermany times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of theages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.)Does it help you to know that God has suffered agony, and that you are not alone in yoursuffering? ____________________________________________________________How does it encourage you to know that, for the believer, suffering and rejection will not be thefinal word? _______________________________________________________As God did not abandon Joseph, He did not abandon Jesus. That is our hope and surety.

Savior and Ruler of EgyptThey told him, ‘Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.' Jacob was stunned; he didnot believe them." (Genesis 45:26)"...and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler ofthe kings of the earth." (Rev. 1:5).God did not forget about Joseph. All this suffering and rejection was preparation for themoment when Joseph would be released from jail and promoted as a Ruler over Egypt. Whenthe King saw that God was with Joseph, that is exactly what happened — he was promoted to thesecond-highest position of authority in Egypt. Only the King himself had greater power.In these events of tragedy and heartbreak, we might think that the world was out of control.These events in Joseph’s life might cause us to believe God does not have a plan.God announced His plan concerning Christ - - before than plan unfolded in history. What wasthat plan?Luke 24:26 ___________________________________________________1 Peter 2:4 ____________________________________________________To Joseph, the way God’s plan unfolded throughout His life, must have, at times, led Him tobelieve he was alone in a world which was out of control. But how did God announce His planbeforehand to Joseph?Genesis 37:5-8 ___________________________________________________Genesis 37:10 ___________________________________________________God’s plan was, from all time, to raise Christ from the grave. The Father was never planning toabandon His Son to death (Acts 2:27). But events sure seemed like events were out of control.What do these passages teach about God’s plan, yet the tragic events in Christ’s life?Acts 4:27-28 _____________________________________________________“Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people ofIsrael in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.[28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”Acts 2:36 ___________________________________________________________"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom youcrucified, both Lord and Christ."How does all this parallel Joseph’s understanding of the events surrounding his own life?Genesis 50:20 ___________________________________________________________“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is nowbeing done, the saving of many lives.”While Joseph did not absolve his brothers from their wickedness, he also made it clear that Godhad other plans. God used their evil actions for His own glory - even to accomplish His ownpurpose and plan. All the plotting and planning of the Pharisees, and even of Judas, could notfrustrate God’s plan. It was just the opposite. Even Judas’ plot was prophesied in the Scriptures:

Zechariah 11:12-13 _______________________________________________________“I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirtypieces of silver. [13] And the Lord said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--the handsome price atwhich they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of theLord to the potter.”Does this parallel Joseph’s dream and then the response and subsequent actions of his brothers?___________________________________________________________________(Genesis 37:5ff)Sometimes (many times, actually) we cannot see the hand of God in the events andcircumstances of our lives. But God’s plan cannot be frustrated.What confidence does this give you? What difference does this make in daily living?What do these passages teach about this concept (of trusting the Lord because His plan cannot befrustrated)?Was this the luck of the draw, or was God really controlling not only the wind and the waves, butthe casting of the dice as well? ____________________________________Jonah 1:4-7 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that theship threatened to break up. [5] All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god.And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck,where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. [6] The captain went to him and said, "How canyou sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish."[7] Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible forthis calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.Read the events surrounding the death of this King. Was this a lucky shot, or something plannedby the hand of the Lord even though the King tried t outwit the prophet? ______________1 Kings 22:28-34 “Micaiah declared, "If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spokenthrough me." Then he added, "Mark my words, all you people!" [29] So the king of Israel andJehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. [30] The king of Israel said toJehoshaphat, "I will enter the battle in disguise, but you wear your royal robes." So the king ofIsrael disguised himself and went into battle. [31] Now the king of Aram had ordered histhirty-two chariot commanders, "Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king ofIsrael." [32] When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, "Surely this is theking of Israel." So they turned to attack him, but when Jehoshaphat cried out, [33] the chariotcommanders saw that he was not the king of Israel and stopped pursuing him. [34] Butsomeone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor.The king told his chariot driver, "Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I've beenwounded."From the beginning, it was God’s design to let Jesus ascend to the throne by way of suffering.But after suffering is only and forever glory. How does this encourage you? ________________________________________________________________________________________In what way did God show His grace to Joseph? ____________________________________

In what way is Christ gracious toward you? What are the results of God’s grace toward you?__________________________________________________________________________Joseph was used to save God’s people from disaster. In what (many) ways are you saved fromdisaster by Christ? ______________________________________________________________