Genesis
The Sovereignty of God
June 21, 2020 • Pastor Rusten Harris
Understanding the text Joseph’s story is an emotional rollercoaster full of seemingly random, tragic events. It starts off with his brothers selling him into slavery—a life that would be short and full of suffering. From there, he is purchased by Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officers, only to be falsely accused of sexual perversion by Potiphar’s wife. Next, he ends up in prison where his unique ability to interpret dreams puts him in Pharaoh’s favor. Consequently, Joseph becomes the second most powerful person in Egypt. It is this unique position of power that will allow Joseph to save his brothers and the people of Israel. We might expect Joseph to be exceedingly bitter towards his brothers. In fact, given his powerful status in Egypt, Joseph could have potentially imprisoned them or worse! But what did Joseph do? Joseph knew that what his brothers meant for evil, God meant for good. The God of Israel had put Joseph in a position to protect and provide for his family, the very family from which Jesus would come. Additional scripture 1. Acts 2:22-24 2. Romans 8:18-30 3. Luke 6:27-36 Applying the text 1. How does faith in the sovereignty of God protect Joseph and us from bitterness and vengeance? 2. In hindsight, the random and tragic events of Joseph’s life can be seen as God’s wise and good plan to bring blessing to Israel. How have you experienced this same dynamic in your own life? 3. In what way is Joseph’s life story similar to Jesus’? How does Joseph’s life point forward to the promised and coming Christ? “You cannot judge God by your calendar. God may appear to be slow, but he never forgets his promises. He may seem to be working very slowly or even to be forgetting his promises, but when his promises come true (and they will come true), they always burst the banks of what you imagined.” —Tim Keller
The Common Good
June 14, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text Life can often feel random, as if the individual moments and chapters aren’t necessarily connected or part of some larger story. Sometimes it feels as if our vocation and faith don’t share common space, making it difficult to see how they connect. This episode in Joseph’s life assures that even when we can’t see the big picture, there is, in fact, a bigger picture. God had sovereignly ordered the events of Joseph’s life to put him in a position to work for the common good of all of Egypt. Joseph had a well-earned reputation as dream interpreter. Upon learning this, Pharaoh seeks out Joseph’s unique skills to help him understand the meaning of his own mysterious dreams. Joseph correctly interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, which not only wins him Pharaoh’s favor, but also puts him in a position to save Egypt, and ultimately, the very brothers who sold him into slavery. Additional scripture 1. Ephesians 2:10 2. 1 Corinthians 10:31 3. Acts 17:26-27 Applying the text 1. What past decisions and events helped to place Joseph in a position to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams? What does this teach us about God’s purpose in the small events in our lives? 2. Who benefitted from Joseph’s work and wisdom? What does this teach us about the power of God and the impact of obedient Christians in the workplace? 3. How does Joseph foreshadow the coming of Jesus who would bless the nations?
Fleeing Sexual Temptation
June 7, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text It is no coincidence that, while the previous chapter presented us with an example of sexual sin, this chapter provides us with an example of sexual obedience. Joseph had been sold as a slave by his insecure and jealous brothers, but God’s hand was upon Joseph. He was slowly moving him into a place where Joseph would be able to deliver his entire family, preserving all of Israel. But in this story, Joseph finds himself as the object of Potiphar’s wife’s lustful desires. Through this chapter, we learn a number of important things. First, women are not immune to lust. Sexual perversion knows no boundaries. Second, our battle against sexual sin must be ongoing and requires a great deal of commitment and determination. Third, obedience can land us in trouble when those with power prefer perversion over holiness. Additional scripture 1. Genesis 4:7 2. James 4:7 3. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Applying the text 1. Sexual temptation and sin is a universal reality. How have you dealt with this temptation and/or sin in your own life? 2. What motivates Joseph to resist the temptation of sexual sin? (vs. 7-9) What principles can you apply to your own battle against sexual sin and temptation? 3. How is Joseph treated as a result of his obedience? Why do you think this happens? (1 Peter 4:4-5). “The man who rings the bell at the brothel, unconsciously does so seeking God.” —Bruce Marshall
The Dangerous Dreamer and His Bandit Brothers
May 31, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text The story of Joseph and his fancy, multicolored coat has to be one of the best-known and well-loved stories in the entire Bible. Joseph, the youngest son born to an older father, becomes the object of his brothers’ jealousy because of the dream God gave him in which Joseph is given a unique position of power over his family. Is this just a younger brother trying to irritate his siblings or is there more to it? As it would turn out, the dream was prophetic and spoke to the deliverance Joseph would ultimately bring to his family. What his brothers initially despised would turn out to be for their own salvation. But in the meantime, their jealously would lead to Joseph’s enslavement and years of sorrow and suffering. Additional scripture 1. Psalm 139:1-17 2. Psalm 29 3. Exodus 20:17 Applying the text 1. Do you think Joseph shared the details of his dream with his family out of a sense of superiority or was he just being open and honest about what he had experienced? 2. What motivated Joseph’s brothers to dispose of him? How have you experienced similar desires in your own heart towards others? 3. In what sense does the story of Joseph mirror the story of Jesus?
Wrestling with God
May 24, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text What happens physically in this story demonstrates what has been going on in Jacob’s life for quite some time. Jacob was wrestling with God. This is how God would reveal himself to Jacob and also how God will reveal who Jacob is to Jacob himself! Jacob was alone. It is often the case that God does His greatest work in our hearts when we are alone and removed from all distractions. Through Jacob’s encounter with God, he learns two very important things. First, God has great and incredible power. By simply touching Jacob’s hip, He was able to injure Jacob. Second, Jacob saw that though he had indeed wrestled with God, God had withheld His great power and not destroyed Jacob. God’s power was used for Jacob, not against Jacob. Jacob would be reminded of this important truth by the limp that would accompany him from that day forward. Additional scripture 1. Proverb 26:7 2. Romans 12:3 3. Psalm 37:7 Applying the text 1. Why do you think God waited until Jacob was alone to have this encounter with him? What does this teach us about the importance of getting alone with God? 2. In what sense can Jacob’s wound and limp be seen as a gift from God? 3. How does this story reveal both God’s great power and His gentle care?
Leah's Joy
March 15, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text One of the reasons that Leviticus forbids men from marrying more than one woman is the inevitable contempt, strife, and jealousy that it creates. This is powerfully and tragically demonstrated in this text. Leah and Rachel were sisters and shared the same husband, Jacob. Leah had not yet had any children. This was a matter of great shame for her and she believed that if she could just produce children that her husband would certainly and finally love her. This is a tragic and heartbreaking story to read. Leah believes that having children will secure her identity and value as a woman and finally win over Jacob’s greatest love. However, the text tells us that though Leah did have children, her heart was not satisfied. For Leah, children had become an idol of sorts. Through her disappointment, God gently taught her that only He could ultimately satisfy her heart. Then and only then could she enjoy the gifts that God had blessed her with. Additional scripture 1. Jeremiah 2:13 2. Exodus 20:1-3 3. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Applying the text 1. The circumstances of Leah’s life led her to feel as if she were an utter disaster and failure. What things in your life can cause you to feel empty and worthless? 2. Leah had to learn that good things cannot ultimately satisfy. Good things can become idols as easily as bad things. What good things are you tempted to cherish as ultimate in your own life? 3. Read Genesis 29:35. What did Leah learn was the antidote to empty idolatry? How can you guard your own heart against the good things you tend to elevate to the place of God? In what ways is God superior to the gifts He gives? “http://...our minds cannot find calm repose until we arrive at the unmerited love of God.” —John Calvin
The Power of Love
March 8, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text Jacob, who deceived his own father, now experiences deception at the hand of Laban, his uncle. After greatly desiring to marry Rachel, who was beautiful, and after working seven years to earn her hand in marriage, Jacob is tricked by Laban into marrying Rachel’s sister, Leah. There is a certain irony in this twist of events. Jacob gets a taste of his own medicine. Leah, who is less desired by Jacob is precious to God. He hears and answers her cries. However, Jacob is not satisfied. He agrees to work another seven years in order to receive Rachel as his wife. From the outside, this seems absurd. Fourteen years of labor for a wife? Yet it was not too much to require of Jacob, for he loves Rachel. Through Jacob, we see how love radically transforms the way we relate to work. (Genesis 29:20) Additional scripture 1. John 3:16 2. Leviticus 18:18 3. Hebrews 12:1-2 Applying the text 1. What does this story teach us about the honesty of the Bible? What details would you have left out to make this story more “respectable”? 2. How might this text be misused to promote polygamy? How would you respond to such a claim? 3. In what sense does Jacob shed light on the love that Jesus has for His bride, the church?
Jacob's Ladder
March 1, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text God speaks through the Word, creation, and through His Son. But at times, God also speaks through dreams, as is the case in this particular text. In Jacob’s dream, God reaffirms His covenant promise to provide land and numerous descendants. God is still carrying out the plan and promise He gave to Abraham. However, in this dream, there is an added element that foreshadows Christ. Jacob sees a ladder that connects heaven and earth. In Genesis 11, the people of Babel tried to build their own ladder to reach into the heavens and were cursed for it. This, however, is different. This ladder is no human-built contraption. It is God’s ladder reaching from heaven to earth. It is not a ladder that Jacob can ascend. Rather it is a ladder that God himself must descend to be with His people. Additional scripture 1. Genesis 11:1-9 2. John 1:43-51 3. Psalm 15 Applying the text 1. What is the difference between the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the ladder in Jacob’s dream? 2. What is the purpose of Jacob’s dream? What is God seeking to teach him? 3. How is Jesus the fulfillment of Jacob’s dream?
The Blessing and the Brothers
February 23, 2020 • Pastor Brandon Johnston
Understanding the text The Bible is full of examples for us to consider. Sometimes these examples show us how to conduct our lives in a godly manner, and sometimes they show us what not to do. In this particular text, we get a glimpse of the mess that sin can make in a family. Dad (Isaac) seeks to secretly bless his oldest son so that his wife (Rebekah) won’t find out. This was done in direct opposition to what God had foretold about the blessing and the brothers. (Genesis 25:23) Rebekah creates a sneaky plan to help Jacob trick his father into blessing him instead of Esau. In this mess, we get a picture of what happens in our hearts and lives when we fail to trust in the promises of God. Additional scripture 1. Proverb 28:10 2. Proverb 20:25 3. Hebrews 12:15-17 Applying the text 1. Read Genesis 25:23. What do Isaac’s intentions in Genesis 27:1-4 reveal about his character? What was he attempting to do? 2. How would you describe the family dynamics in this text? What can we learn from this mess? 3. What does this text teach us about our sin and God’s sovereign plan?
Famine & Folly
February 17, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text At times, reading Genesis can be like driving around a cul-de-sac again and again. As we work through each chapter, we begin to notice familiar territory, reoccurring themes, and stories. In this text, Isaac, like his father Abraham, deceives Abimelech, King of the Philistines, in order to spare his wife. All of this was brought on by his attempt to avoid a famine, much like Abraham in Genesis 12. While the characters in the story have changed, the story itself remains painfully familiar. Will Abraham trust God’s provision? Will Isaac follow Abraham’s example? Will yet another woman be put in harm’s way? And why do famines play such a central role in the movement of the story? None of these details are coincidental. Each serves to highlight the power and faithfulness of God in the midst of human sin and folly. Additional scripture 1. Genesis 12:10 2. Exodus 34:6-7 3. James 5:11 Applying the text 1. How many similarities are there between Abraham in Genesis 12 and Isaac in this text? What is the point of these similarities? 2. What do Isaac’s choices reveal about his faith? 3. What is the connection between faith and obedience? Take time to consider how your own sin and harmful choices are connected to a lack of faith in God’s promises.
Jacob and Esau
February 9, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text Once again in Genesis, we meet a woman who struggles to have children. As was the case with Sarah, Rebekah’s barrenness presents a threat to the covenant promise. But as He did for Sarah, (and as He would do for Mary, the mother of Jesus), God provides a son. In fact, God provides two sons. These two men could not be more different. Esau, by virtue of being the older brother would have naturally been the one to receive the blessing and inheritance of his father, but his character excluded him and he finds himself serving his younger brother, just as God had promised Rebekah. Jacob, the younger son, is the child of promise through which the covenant promises and family line would continue. Ultimately, Israel arose from Jacob’s descendants, while the Edomites came from Esau. Through the drama of these two boys, the faith and character of the parents were exposed and refined and the doctrine of grace was once again demonstrated. Additional scripture 1. Romans 9:1-16 2. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 3. Numbers 23:19 Applying the text 1. What does this text teach us about the sovereign decrees and election of God? 2. What does this text show us about the character of Esau? How would you describe his actions in this story? 3. We are told that Esau despised his birthright. What were the consequences of this tragic choice for him? What happens to us when we, like Esau, despise the promises and favor of God? “The mystery of God’s choosing will always offend those who stand before God in pride. Forgetting their rebellion and guilt before God they are ready to accuse Him of favoritism. But those who God’s love has drawn to Christ will always confess the wonder of his initiative in grace...” —Edmund Clowney
A Godly Wife
February 2, 2020 • Pastor Jon Needham
Understanding the text Abraham had a front row seat to the sovereign covenant-keeping ways of God. He was called out of his homeland into the unknown, having only the promise of God to cling to. He had witnessed God’s power in granting him a son through Sarah, his once barren wife. He also saw how God had spared Isaac, the son of promise (Genesis 22:8), by providing a sacrificial lamb for their offering. But God had also promised Abraham a family more numerous than the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:1-6). How is God going to make good on His promise to give Abraham descendants? In order for that promise to come to fruition, Isaac would need a wife. But who would be Isaac’s bride? Abraham had two primary concerns. First, she should not be a Canaanite, for the Canaanites were an idolatrous people. Abraham’s second concern was that Isaac not leave the land to go find a wife. To leave the land would be to abandon what God had promised. Finding a wife would require the conviction that God, again, would provide and not abandon His promise to Abraham and his family. Additional scripture 1. Proverb 31:10-31 2. 1 Peter 3:1-7 3. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Applying the text 1. What do Abraham’s concerns in this text teach us about the importance of marriage? 2. The Bible clearly warns against marrying an unbelieving person or a person of another faith. What challenges might we experience if we neglect or ignore the Bible’s clear teaching on this matter? 3. What desires might tempt or motivate a Christian to ignore the Bible’s instruction regarding being “equally yoked?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Genesis 22:1-14
June 30, 2019 • Pastor Jon Needham
Discipleship Questions 1. What does this story teach us about the nature of faith? 2. In order to be faithful, Abraham couldn't simply rely on his feelings. To be obedient, he had to actively think about the promises of God. Do you tend to be more of a thinker or a feeler? How does this affect your walk with God? 3. How is Jesus the better and truer version of this story? How does his faithfulness on the cross help you grow in your faith and obedience to him?
Genesis 21:1-7
June 23, 2019 • Pastor Jon Needham
Discipleship Questions 1. Have you ever had to wait on God for a significant amount of time? What did the waiting expose in your own heart? 2. How would Abraham's story be different if he had consistently believed that God was both powerful and trustworthy? 3. In what areas are you struggling to trust and wait for God? How does the life of Jesus demonstrate the power and trustworthiness of God to you?
Genesis 19:1-29
June 16, 2019 • Pastor Jon Needham
**PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED** This sermon deals with mature subjects like rape and homosexuality and may be inappropriate for young children. Discipleship Questions 1. How would you change the way Lot acted in Genesis 19? Why? 2. Read Psalm 1:1. How do you see this progression working itself out in Lot's life? 3. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. What does this text teach us about homosexuality and the gospel?