From Bad to Worse Discussion Guide

Written By Daniel Good

Genesis 39

Summary:

This sermon explores Genesis 39, focusing on Joseph's life as a slave in Egypt and his imprisonment after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. The pastor emphasizes that obedience to God isn't about convenience but about faithfulness regardless of circumstances. Joseph demonstrates this by maintaining his integrity and refusing to sin against God when tempted by Potiphar's wife, even though it leads to his imprisonment. Throughout his trials, Joseph continues to work hard and honor God, and God remains with him, blessing his work. The sermon concludes with practical applications on how to run from sin and find true comfort in God during difficult times.

Intro Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Joseph's story of faithfulness in difficult circumstances, we ask that You would open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to see beyond our current struggles and recognize Your presence in every situation. Give us the courage to be obedient even when it's inconvenient, and help us to trust Your greater plan for our lives. May our discussion draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker:

What's the most inconvenient thing you've done for someone else recently?

Key Verses:

John 14:1-3

Genesis 39:2

Genesis 39:9

Genesis 39:21-23

Galatians 5:22-25

Questions

  • In what ways do you see God's presence with Joseph throughout his trials in Genesis 39?

  • The sermon states that 'obedience to God isn't about convenience.' Can you share a time when obeying God was particularly inconvenient for you?

  • Joseph responded to temptation by saying, 'How could I do this immense evil and sin against God?' How does keeping God at the center of our decision-making help us resist temptation?

  • How did Joseph's work ethic reflect his faith, even when he was a slave and later a prisoner?

  • The pastor mentioned 'going nuclear' against sin. What might this look like in your life regarding areas where you struggle?

  • How does Joseph's story challenge the idea that God's provision always means comfort or ease?

  • The sermon outlined four steps to run from sin: run with the Spirit, don't run alone, run for the new mission, and run with your eyes on the prize. Which of these do you find most challenging and why?

  • When facing difficult circumstances, how can we practice the four steps of finding comfort in God (focus on God, acknowledge you're not okay, speak truth to yourself, respond to discomfort)?

Life Application:

This week, identify one area in your life where you've been compromising or tolerating sin rather than 'running away' from it. Apply the four steps mentioned in the sermon:

1) Run with the Spirit by intentionally praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength in this area.

2) Don't run alone by sharing this struggle with a trusted Christian friend or accountability partner.

3) Run for the new mission by memorizing a verse of Scripture that addresses this specific temptation.

4) Run with your eyes on the prize by reminding yourself daily of the eternal reward that awaits those who remain faithful.

Journal about your experience and be prepared to share how God worked through your obedience, even when it wasn't convenient.

Key Takeaways:

  • God is always with us, even in our most difficult circumstances, just as He was with Joseph in slavery and prison.

  • Obedience to God isn't about convenience but about faithfulness regardless of our situation.

  • We should respond to sin by running away from it immediately, not by slowly backing away or compromising.

  • God's provision doesn't always mean comfort or ease; sometimes His provision is evident even in our hardest seasons.

  • Finding true comfort comes from focusing on God, acknowledging our pain, speaking truth to ourselves, and responding to discomfort with praise.

Ending Prayer:

Lord God, thank You for the powerful example of Joseph's faithfulness in the midst of tremendous adversity. Help us to remember that You are always with us, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise. Give us the courage to run from sin and the wisdom to run toward You for true comfort. Strengthen us to be obedient even when it's inconvenient, knowing that You are working all things together for our good and Your glory. May we leave this discussion with renewed commitment to honor You in all areas of our lives, trusting in Your perfect plan and timing. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Daniel Good
Next

From Bad to Worse