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February 7, 2010

BETRAYAL – PLAYING GOD
Genesis 37-42

GETTING TO KNOW YOU….

1. The Message/Lesson this week, ‘Playing God’, deals with the concept/idea of our playing God … making decisions and doing things that should be reserved only for God. When have you played God in your life? When have you wanted to play God in your life? What were the consequences when you did that?

2. Most of us, while acting ‘in the flesh’, have been guilt of seeking Revenge or being vindictive in our life. Have you ever wanted to get revenge on someone for what they have done to you? What happened?

DIGGING DEEPER….

1. The real ‘heart’ of our message on Joseph this week revolved around the subject of Revenge. At The Beginning of his message, Pastor Dave talked about how Revenge is Deceptive because It Overpromises and Under Delivers. In your opinion and from experience, how does Revenge overpromise and under deliver?

2. There are 3 ways in which Revenge Is Destructive and can mess us up:
a. It Is Destructive to our Body… Read I Corinthians 6:19-20 and discuss the responsibility we have to care for our bodies and to protect them. Additionally, what are some of the physiological issues that you can forsee would occur damaging the body when we are driven to seek revenge?

b. It Is Destructive To your Direction.. It Will NEVER take you where you want to go… Read Matthew 6:33 and Proverbs 3:5-6 and discuss how these verses apply when it comes to God’s teaching about the believer’s direction in life.

c. It Is Destructive To your Spirituality… Because Ultimately, Revenge Is Playing God... Read Exodus 20:1-2; Psalm 86:10 and Mark 12:29-30 and discuss how we should be recognizing and allowing God to be the God in our life.

3. Either read aloud Genesis Chapters 42 thru 45 or have someone in your group who is familiar with the story tell the story… IT IS WORTH THE TIME. Discuss: a. What would the ‘average’ person do if they were Joseph?
b. Have you ever been in a ‘similar’ situation? What did you do?
c. How should we, as believers, handle a situation like this?

4. Dave gave 4 things we, as believers should do when we have been Betrayed and the person who betrayed us has been handed to us ‘On A Silver Platter’. Review them and discuss them:

a. Strike Up A Conversation With God—Don’t Strike Back
Luke 18:1; ‘men ought always to pray, and not to faint;’
*’God, give me patience… God, help me to do what you want me to do.’

b. Pray For Your Enemies
Matthew 5:43-45; ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.’

c. Consider Your Egypt—The People Who Are Watching You
Psalm 40:1-3; ‘I waited patiently for the Lord, he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise, many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.’

Romans 12:17; ‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.’

d. Hire A Lawyer
Jeremiah 51:36; ‘I will be your lawyer to plead your case, and I will avenge you.’

TAKING IT HOME

Romans 12:19 declares ‘Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “it is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.’ As you reflect on the Sermon and lesson this week, is it time for you to place some past feelings, attitudes, vendetta’s before the Lord and allow him to take charge. If you need help with this, find a Christian friend or as Pastor Dave to pray with you and for you. Get the victory you need.