genesis

Sunday School Lesson 37

JOSEPH: AN EXCELLENT YOUTH

MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pas from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field” . — Genesis 39:5 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 41:25-42

LESSON INTRODUCTION :Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachael, was born in Mesopotamia, (Genesis 30:22-24) in B.C. 1747. His name means “the Lord shall add to me another son”. He is memorable for the wonderful Providence of God, which raised him from prison to be the Prime Minister of Egypt and made him the honoured means of saving countless human lives. His history is one of the most pleasing and instructive in the Bible. It is too beautiful to be summarised. He died at the age of a hundred and ten, B.C. 1637. The story of Joseph spans through Genesis chapter 37-50.

LESSON OUTLINE
1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Joseph was a young man with an unwavering faith, self-control, patience, discretion and loyalty in all aspects of life. Although he was arrogant with his brothers (Genesis 37:3-11), he developed humility in Egypt (Genesis 43:30;45:1-5). Joseph was sold in to slavery by his brothers who were jealous of him (Genesis 37:12-28). He had great faith in God (Genesis 41:14-16). He had strong integrity and loyalty (Genesis 39:5-9). He believed that God would one day bring his dream to reality and did all he could to remain focused (Genesis 39:9). God gave him the ability to interpret dreams (Genesis 40:5-19;41:14-28). He was made second in charge over all Egypt by Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-45). He was certain it was not his brothers that had sent him to Egypt, but God (Genesis 50:20).

2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
1. Be humble. God sometimes bring adversities and trials into our lives to teach us humility (Genesis 37:28; Deuteronomy 8:3).
2. God can turn into good any evil that people do against you (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)
3. Have integrity. No matter how great the temptation and fierce opposition appears, stay loyal and obedient to God (Gen. 39: 9-12; Psalm 119:11).
4. Write down your God-given vision, dreams or plans, pray over it and be wisely guided in sharing with others (Genesis 37: 6-7; Habakkuk 2: 2-3).
5. Focus on God, not he situation. Do not complain about your predicaments, rather, see them as an opportunity to serve others and minister wholeheartedly to their needs (Gen. 39:3-4; Phillip 2:14).
6. Be God-dependent. Always acknowledge God as the source of your achievements and never take any credit for it (Gen. 45:8; 41:16; Prov. 3:5-6).
7. Manage success. When God honours you with success and prosperity, you must not forget to first honour others (Gen. 45:1-5).
8. Fully forgive. Set your heart to forgive those around you. This will heal your relationship and keep your heart free from bitterness and deep rooted resentment from the past (Genesis 45:5-8; Ephesians 4:32).

CONCLUSION
The Bible story of Joseph is one that teaches us to be courageous in the midst of some of life’s worst storms.

QUESTIONS
1. Highlight the key components of Joseph’s character.
2. Mention some crucial lessons that a Christian youth should learn from Joseph’s life

Sunday School Lesson 18

The Spirit Of Fear

MEMORY VERSE: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 3:6-10 KJV

INTRODUCTION: Generally, fear can be described as a strong uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger threat. It is a basic survival mechanism that signals our body to respond to danger with a fight or flight response. The key word for fear in
Greek language is ‘phobos’ from which the common word ‘phobia’ originates. People have phobia from different things and for different reasons. Some people are said to be ‘aquaphobic’ – fear of water, ‘acrophobic’-fear of height, ‘nyctophctic’-fear of darkness, ‘gerascophobic’-fear of ageing, ‘anthropophobic-fear of insects, etc. What does the Bible say about fear? What are the common causes of fear? Getting answers to these questions and many more shall be the focus of this study.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. What Does The Bible Say About Fear?
2. Biblical Instances of The ‘Spirit Of Fear In Action.

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FEAR?
   Scriptures clearly reveal that fear is a spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). It is a spirit that puts people in
   bondage and torment (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18). Believers are sometimes tempted to fear
   (Psalm 55:5) but are delivered from it (Proverbs 1:33; Isaiah 14:3) by trusting in God (Psalm
   27:1). A guilty conscience leads to fear (Genesis 3:8,10; Psalm 53:5; Proverbs 28:1). Fear seizes
   the wicked (Job 15:24; 18:11) and characterises the wicked (Revelation 21:8). Fear is the
   consequential opposite of faith (Matthew 14:28-31). One can also be a victim of his fears (Job
   3:25).
   For the righteous, the Bible admonishes that they should fear not’ (KJV) in several passages and
   for seven key reasons. This is to assure them of the blessings in the journey of life (Genesis
   26:24); supplies in Famine (1 Kings 17:13) protection in peril (2 Kings 6:16); strength in
   weakness (Isaiah 41:10) companionship in trial (Isaiah 43:1-3); overshadowing care (Matthew
   10:30-31); and life beyond the grave (Revelation 1:17-18).

2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF THE ‘SPIRIT OF FEAR’ IN ACTION
   There are instances in the Bible where the spirit of fear operated in or through the lives of some
   characters. Adam, in hiding from God and attempting to shift responsibility for his sin upon Eve
   (Genesis 3:8-12). Abraham, in calling his wife his Sister (Genesis 12:11-19; 20:2-12). The
   Israelites, when Pharaoh and his host pursued in the wilderness before the red sea (Exodus
   12:10). Aaron, in yielding to the Israelites, when they demanded an idol (Exodus 32:22-24). The
   ten spies, in dissuading the Israelites from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13:28, 31-33).
   The Israelites, in the battle against Goliath (1Samuel 17:24). David, in fleeing from Absalom
   (2Samuel 15:13-17). Parents of the blind man, who sight restored to (John 9:22). The disciples,
   during the storm at sea (Luke 8:25), When they saw Jesus walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25-
   26) and when Jesus was apprehended (Matthew 26:56). Pilate, in condemning Jesus, through
   fear of the people (John 19:12-16). Peter and other Christians, at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14).
   If you are truly a believer, resist any attempt at being a victim of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

CONCLUSION: Fear is not a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, therefore refuse to
entertain fear in your life.

QUESTIONS

1. What does the Bible say about fear?
2. Mention scriptural instances where the spirit of fear manifested.

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Proverbs 3:24-26
Tuesday: Psalm 91:4-6
Wednesday: 1 Peter 3:12-14
Thursday: Hebrews 2:14-15
Friday: Luke 12:32,
Saturday: Isaiah 41:13
Sunday: 2 Timothy 1:7