SECTION 1 - Jacob Blesses His 12 Sons with Prophecies and Warnings. Which of these truths resonate with you most?

• Like me, Jacob’s sons had sinned – and I still struggle with the label/ scar of sin in my life

• Like me, God used Judah's past to give hope to all - I am in awe of God's grace and desire to share with others

• Like me, Jacob’s sons all had a future in God's plan - I need to remind myself that there is still hope

What gift do we have in the Holy Spirit to heed Jacob's warning about Reuben's past?

• The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

• But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

• for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

How did God show mercy to Simeon?

• They were scattered, but absorbed into Judah

• They were irrelevant

• They were rich

Which verse echoes Jacob's warning and antidote about Simeon and Levi? ?

• Mathew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

• James 2

  Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

• Romans 12: 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

How did God show mercy to Levi?

• They were rich

• They were irrelevant

• They became the tribe of priest

Who is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah that Jacob prophesied about when he said "The scepter will not depart from Judah"?

• David

• Boaz

• Jesus

• Joseph

Which Sons' blessing did you have questions about?

PRINCIPLE #1 - What do you learn about God and how he uses imperfect people?

• God can do whatever he wants when he wants

• God can redeem the past and give hope

  for the future.

• God punishes us now and eternally

SECTION 2 - Joseph Mourns Jacob’s Death and reassures his brothers. Which of these truths resonate with you most?

• Jacob’s sees himself as a continuation of God's story with Abraham --- I still struggle with how I fit into God's plans?

• Joseph's brothers needed reassurance from Joseph ---- I still wonder if I am truly saved?

Scripture

Memory: Genesis 50:20 “You intended to _______ me, but

God intended it for _______ to accomplish what is now

being done, the __________ of many lives.”

• love, glory, redemption

• harm, good, saving

• hurt, eternity , judgement