Testing, Part 2 – 8/1/21

Sermon Notes:

Application Questions:

Ice Breaker

How does testing help us to face our past and resolve the wrongs we have committed?

How has God tested you? 

Read Genesis 42: 18-28

Why did Joseph accuse his brothers of being spies?

Verse 19 reads that Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God”. 

What does it mean to fear God? 

How does fearing God help us to face life’s most challenging circumstances?

How and why did Joseph test his brothers? What was he seeking to accomplish?

When Joseph’s brothers discover that their gold has been returned, why do they respond the way they do?

How does this testing lead them to God?  Why do they ask, “What is God doing?”

What is the pronoun they use to face the sins of their past?  Why is this so important? 

How does God see people with a past?

If you have a past, how will you face the truth?

If you have a past, how will you accept the truth?

If you have a past, how will you accept grace, not guilt?

Application

This week, read Psalm 103, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Colossians 2:13-14. After reading these Scriptures, how would you describe God’s forgiveness to a friend or co-worker?

This week, how will you face your past, accept the truth, and receive forgiveness? 

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