A Growing Faith

Genesis 50

Introduction

Romans 8:28

What a growing faith looks like...

1. A growing understanding of trials.

Genesis 37:8

Genesis 39:7-8

Genesis 40:23

Genesis 50:1

1 Peter 1:6-7

James 1:2-4

2. A growing acceptance of forgiveness.

Genesis 50:15-18

Genesis 45:5-8

Genesis 50:17

Roman 8:1

Ephesians 2:8-9

Psalm 103:12

1 John 1:9

Colossians 3:12-13

Ephesians 4:32

3. A growing confidence in God's Word.

Genesis 50:19-21

Genesis 50:24-25

Hebrews 11:22

Romans 4:21

Application

Is your faith growing?

How do you respond to trials?  

How do your respond to forgiveness?

How is time & application in God's Word?

Warmup Question

What is something that used to be really hard for you, but over time you realized it actually helped you grow?

Sermon Questions

Read Genesis 50:15–21.

A Growing Understanding of Trials

[Joseph faced betrayal, false accusation, and prison, yet he trusted God.]

Read Genesis 37:8; 39:7–8; 40:23; 50:1; 1 Peter 1:6–7; James 1:2–4.

Why was Joseph able to keep trusting God when life seemed unfair?

What are some trials you have faced where you later saw God at work?

How do James 1:2–4 and 1 Peter 1:6–7 encourage us in trials?

A Growing Acceptance of Forgiveness

[Joseph forgave his brothers because he trusted God’s plan.]

Read Genesis 50:15–18; 45:5–8; Romans 8:1; Psalm 103:12; Ephesians 4:32.

Why were Joseph’s brothers still afraid after Jacob died?

Why is it sometimes hard to believe we are forgiven?

How do God’s promises of forgiveness help us live in freedom?

A Growing Confidence in God’s Word

[Joseph believed God would keep His promises, even about the future.]

Read Genesis 50:19–21, 24–25; Hebrews 11:22; Romans 4:21.

Why was Joseph so confident in God’s promises?

What promise from God’s Word encourages you right now?

How can your family/group help each other trust God’s Word more?

Application

Is your faith growing? In what ways?

How do you typically respond to difficult circumstances or trials?

How does God's forgiveness influence your daily living? How well do you embrace the forgiveness of others? How well do you forgive?

How much confidence do you place in God’s Word?

Prayer Prompt

Pray for one another to grow in faith like Joseph—seeing God’s hand in trials, resting in forgiveness, and standing firmly on His Word.