Joseph Grows in Faith and Charactor
Comments for Study 24

Genesis 39:1-41:57
Memory Verse 39:1

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I. In Potiphar's House (39:1-18)

1. See 37:36 and 39:1 and describe how Joseph ended up in Egypt especially considering the dreams he had. Think about the hardships he must have encountered which are not recorded. Describe his success in Egypt. (39:2, 5, 6) How does the writer emphasize his success and account for it?

2. What was the nature of the temptation Joseph encountered in Potiphar's house? How did he overcome it? What does this event teach us about Joseph's faith? About his concept of servitude?

3. How does his faith and actions compare to his brothers? (See previous studies.)

II. In Prison (39:19-40:23)

4. Where did Joseph end up? (20) Was this fair? What happened while in prison? (21-23) What does this say about how God works in our lives?

5. Why might Joseph have been bitter about being suddenly sent to prison? Why do you think he wasn't?

6. What reveals Joseph's kind mind even in prison? How did he teach God's word to the cupbearer and baker, and help them to believe in God? (40)

7. Did he fatalistically and passively accept slave life and prison life? what did he reveal about his inner suffering in their situation? (40:14-15)

III. In Charge of Egypt (41:1-57)

8. How did Joseph get out of prison? What was his attitude toward Pharaoh? What did he teach Pharaoh about God? (16, 25, 28, 32)

9. What was the meaning of Pharaoh's dreams? Why did Pharaoh choose Joseph to be prime minister of Egypt? How old was Joseph at the time?

10. How did Joseph serve Egypt? How did God use him to save the lives of many people? How did he fare personally?

11. How did God reveal his sovereignty over Egypt and the world? How did Joseph testify to his faith in God in the naming of his sons?