If you missed Sunday's broadcast, please catch up by following the link below. (For the foreseeable future, we be running our Sunday morning services digitally. Please go to our website on Sundays at 10:30 to join in)
‘The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favour in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.’ (Genesis 39:2-4)
‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’ (Colossians 3:23)
God gave Joseph dreams that related to his future as a ruler in Egypt. The danger with having dreams (vision) from God is that we can so live for that future that we miss making the most of today. We can wish away our present circumstances.
Dreamers (those who inherit God’s promises) serve God wherever they are. Joseph made the most of every opportunity. He served Potiphar. When falsely accused and thrown into prison He served the prison warden and the prisoners. When he is finally released into the service of Pharaoh, he served him, the nation and his family.
Were those dark and hidden years wasted? No! I’m sure that most of the greatest saints in history have remained in obscurity to us, but not to God! Jesus promises,
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven… your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1, 4)
RESPONSE
It was Joseph’s diligent service that brings God’s dreams to fulfilment! Are we serving God where we are? During the Lockdown, in your current work and family circumstances… are you taking hold of each day with faith that God wants you to serve right here and right now?
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY – DREAMERS SERVE GOD WHEREVER THEY ARE
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News
Opener/Ice-breaker
Whose service to God has most impressed you and why?
Introduction - please read in your group
Please read Read Genesis 39:2-4
On Sunday our message was entitled, ‘Dreamers serve God wherever they are’.
Joseph had to wait around 13 years for his dreams from God to come to pass. In the meantime, even in dire circumstances, he served diligently. He wasn't to realise that it was through his faithful service, as he interpreted the dream of the cupbearer to the king, that he was to enter into the fulfilment of God's will for him.
Discuss together (Before getting into smaller groups)
Please read Colossians 3:23
What does it mean to 'work with all our heart as if for the Lord'? And how can we do this in our lives?
Discuss/share/pray in smaller groups:
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about (maybe from Sunday's message)?
What will you do in response?
How can we pray for you?