The Providence of God

Genesis 37

Introduction

• Genesis 50:20

God meant it for good.

1. Family Strife

• Genesis 37:1-4

• Matthew 1:1

• Genesis 37:3-4

2. Joseph's dreams.

• Genesis 37:5-11

3. Dreams turned to nightmare.

• The Plot

  • Genesis 37:18-25

  • Genesis 42:21

• The Cover up

  • Genesis 37:31-36

Application

Praise God for His sovereignty and providence

• Isaiah 46:10

• Job 42:2

• Acts 2:23

• Acrs 4:27-28

• Romans 4:16

Our hope is in Christ alone

• Romans 8:28

• Ephesians 1:11

Warm Up:

Have you ever looked back at a hard time in your life and seen that God was doing something good through it?

Sermon Questions:

Read Genesis 37

Part 1: Family Strife and Favoritism

Read: Genesis 37:1–4

• What was Joseph’s family like?

• How do you think it felt to be one of Joseph’s brothers?

• What dangers do you see when favoritism plays a role in family life?

Thought: Matthew 1:1 – even this broken family is part of Jesus’ genealogy. What does that say about God’s grace and plan? In what ways have you seen God work through your own family’s messiness?

Part 2: Dreams and Destinies

Read: Genesis 37:5–11

• Why do you think Joseph shared his dreams?

• How do you think his brothers reacted emotionally?

Thought: Sometimes God's calling in our lives isn't welcomed by others. But even when misunderstood or resented, God's plan remains firm. Have you ever had a sense of God’s purpose for you that others didn't understand or support?

Part 3: Dreams Turned Nightmare

Read: Genesis 37:18–25 and 31–36

• What does this reveal about human jealousy and betrayal?

• How might Joseph have felt—betrayed by his brothers, sold, and lied about?

Thought: Life may spiral downward, but that doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. Joseph's life shows that God’s providence isn't thwarted by "detours".

Part 4: God Meant It for Good

Read Selected Verses:

• Isaiah 46:10 – God declares the end from the beginning.

• Job 42:2 – No plan of God can be thwarted.

• Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good.

• Ephesians 1:11 – God works all things according to His will.

• How do these verses shape your view of suffering, setbacks, or confusion in life?

• What would it look like to praise God even while you’re in the pit?

Gospel Connection: Acts 2:23 and Acts 4:27–28 – Even Jesus' suffering and death were within God’s providential plan. Just like Joseph, Jesus was betrayed, falsely accused, and suffered—but for our salvation.

• How can trusting in God help you today in the trials or confusion you’re facing?