Rachel

Bible Study Guides – Joseph

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August 25, 2013 – August 31, 2013

Key Text

“Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 209–223; Testimonies, vol. 6, 219, 220.

Introduction

“One day’s experience had been the turning point in Joseph’s life. Its terrible calamity had transformed him from a petted child to a man, thoughtful, courageous, and self-possessed.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 214.

1 LOVED AND HATED

  • Relate the history concerning Jacob and Rachel’s first son. Genesis 30:22–24.

Note: “Pure, active, and joyous, the lad [Joseph] gave evidence also of moral earnestness and firmness. He listened to his father’s instructions, and loved to obey God. The qualities that afterward distinguished him in Egypt—gentleness, fidelity, and truthfulness—were already manifest in his daily life. His mother being dead, his affections clung the more closely to the father, and Jacob’s heart was bound up in this child of his old age. He ‘loved Joseph more than all his children’ (Genesis 37:3).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 209.

  • What main events characterized the first seventeen years of Joseph’s life? Genesis 37:1–11.

Note: “As the lad [Joseph] stood before his brothers, his beautiful countenance lighted up with the Spirit of inspiration, they could not withhold their admiration; but they did not choose to renounce their evil ways, and they hated the purity that reproved their sins. The same spirit that actuated Cain was kindling in their hearts.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 210.

2 COURAGE FROM CRISIS

  • Relate the traumatic event of Joseph’s young manhood. Genesis 37:13, 14, 23–28.

Note: “He [Joseph] was seized and his coat stripped from him. Taunts and threats revealed a deadly purpose. His entreaties were unheeded. He was wholly in the power of those maddened men. Rudely dragging him to a deep pit, they [his brothers] thrust him in, and having made sure that there was no possibility of his escape, they left him there to perish from hunger, while they ‘sat down to eat bread’ (Genesis 37:25). …

“As he saw the merchants the dreadful truth flashed upon him. To become a slave was a fate more to be feared than death. In an agony of terror he appealed to one and another of his brothers, but in vain. Some were moved with pity, but fear of derision kept them silent; all felt that they had now gone too far to retreat. If Joseph were spared, he would doubtless report them to the father, who would not overlook their cruelty toward his favorite son.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 211, 212.

  • In his sudden change of circumstances from favored son to slave, what firm decision did Joseph adopt? Genesis 39:1–3.

Note: “He [Joseph] had learned in a few hours that which years might not otherwise have taught him. His father, strong and tender as his love had been, had done him wrong by his partiality and indulgence. This unwise preference had angered his brothers and provoked them to the cruel deed that had separated him from his home. Its effects were manifest also in his own character. Faults had been encouraged that were now to be corrected. He was becoming self-sufficient and exacting. Accustomed to the tenderness of his father’s care, he felt that he was unprepared to cope with the difficulties before him, in the bitter, uncared-for life of a stranger and a slave. …

“Joseph believed that the God of his fathers would be his God. He then and there gave himself fully to the Lord, and he prayed that the Keeper of Israel would be with him in the land of his exile.

“His soul thrilled with the high resolve to prove himself true to God—under all circumstances to act as became a subject of the King of heaven. He would serve the Lord with undivided heart; he would meet the trials of his lot with fortitude and perform every duty with fidelity.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 213, 214.

3 THE YEARS OF SEPARATION

  • What can we learn from the way Joseph stood firm for righteousness’ sake? Genesis 39:4–12.

Note: “If we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees and hears all that we do and say and keeps a faithful record of our words and actions, and that we must meet it all, we would fear to sin. Let the young ever remember that wherever they are, and whatever they do, they are in the presence of God. No part of our conduct escapes observation. We cannot hide our ways from the Most High. Human laws, though sometimes severe, are often transgressed without detection, and hence with impunity. But not so with the law of God. The deepest midnight is no cover for the guilty one. He may think himself alone, but to every deed there is an unseen witness. The very motives of his heart are open to divine inspection. Every act, every word, every thought, is as distinctly marked as though there were only one person in the whole world, and the attention of heaven were centered upon him.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 217, 218.

  • How does Inspiration summarize the dealings of God with His servant Joseph? Genesis 39:13, 14, 19–23; Psalm 105:16–22.

Note: “Joseph suffered for his integrity, for his tempter revenged herself by accusing him of a foul crime, and causing him to be thrust into prison. Had Potiphar believed his wife’s charge against Joseph, the young Hebrew would have lost his life; but the modesty and uprightness that had uniformly characterized his conduct were proof of his innocence; and yet, to save the reputation of his master’s house, he was abandoned to disgrace and bondage.

“At the first Joseph was treated with great severity by his jailers. The psalmist says, ‘His feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in chains of iron: until the time that his word came to pass; the word of the Lord tried him’ (Psalm 105:18, 19 RV). But Joseph’s real character shines out, even in the darkness of the dungeon. He held fast his faith and patience; his years of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him morose or distrustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence, and he trusted his case with God. He did not brood upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying to lighten the sorrows of others.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 218.

4 THROUGH FAMINE AND PLENTY

  • What illustrates the need for humble stability of Christian character both in times of prosperity as well as in times of trouble? Genesis 41:41–44; Philippians 4:11, 12.

Note: “The joy of Christ is a pure, unalloyed cheerfulness. It is not a cheap gaiety, that leads to vanity of words or lightness of conduct. No, we are to have His joy, and His greatest joy was to see men obeying the truth. … Plead with God, saying, ‘I make an entire surrender. I give myself away to Thee.’ Then be joyful. The Word is in you, purifying and cleansing your character. God does not want His children to go about with anxiety and sorrow expressed in their faces. He wants the lovely expression of His countenance to be revealed in every one of us who are partakers of the divine nature, for we have power to escape the corruptions of the world.” [Author’s italics.] Our High Calling, 148.

  • As Joseph matured, how did he look back on the primary trial of his youth and manifest exemplary Christian forgiveness toward his brethren? Genesis 45:4–8; 50:19–21.

Note: “The life of Joseph illustrates the life of Christ. It was envy that moved the brothers of Joseph to sell him as a slave; they hoped to prevent him from becoming greater than themselves. … So the Jewish priests and elders were jealous of Christ, fearing that He would attract the attention of the people from them. They put Him to death, to prevent Him from becoming king, but they were thus bringing about this very result.

“Joseph, through his bondage in Egypt, became a savior to his father’s family. … So the crucifixion of Christ by His enemies made Him the Redeemer of mankind, the Saviour of the fallen race, and Ruler over the whole world …

“As Joseph was sold to the heathen by his own brothers, so Christ was sold to His bitterest enemies by one of His disciples. Joseph was falsely accused and thrust into prison because of his virtue; so Christ was despised and rejected because His righteous, self-denying life was a rebuke to sin.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 239, 240.

5 A DOUBLE PORTION BESTOWED

  • What did Jacob prophesy about Joseph in bestowing upon him the double portion of the inheritance? Genesis 49:22–26; I Chronicles 5:1.

Note: “One of the birthright privileges, which Reuben had forfeited, was to fall to Joseph—a double portion in Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 234.

“The dying Jacob, under the Spirit of inspiration, had said of his best-loved son, ‘Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.’ And he said, ‘The God of thy Father’ ‘shall help thee,’ the Almighty ‘shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under’ (Genesis 49:22, 25).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 214.

  • How did Moses reiterate the blessing upon the tribe of Joseph? Deuteronomy 33:13–17.
  • How should we be inspired by the “double portion” inheritance for Joseph, enabling his son also to share in the special blessing? Revelation 7:6, last part, 8, middle part.

Note: “Christianity is a religion of progress. … The cause of God may hold its ground only by great exertion and continual sacrifice, yet it will triumph finally.

“The word is: Go forward; discharge your individual duty, and leave all consequences in the hands of God. If we move forward where Jesus leads the way we shall see His triumph, we shall share His joy. We must share the conflicts if we wear the crown of victory. Like Jesus, we must be made perfect through suffering.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 71.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Describe the early life of Joseph.

2 How did Joseph make his father’s religion his own?

3 What was Joseph’s focus of attention in prison?

4 In what ways does the life of Joseph parallel the life of Christ?

5 Explain the connection between the cross and the crown.

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – The Contrast Between Dan and Naphtali

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July 28, 2013 – August 3, 2013

Key Text

“There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:12.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 4, 193–197; Ibid., vol. 5, 94–98.

Introduction

“Would all professed Christians use their investigative powers to see what evils needed to be corrected in themselves, instead of talking of others’ wrongs, there would be a more healthy condition in the church today.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 96.

1 THE TWO SONS OF BILHAH

  • What did Rachel do in desperation when she saw that she was unable to conceive? Genesis 30:1–6. What serious warnings should we heed against indulging in this type of attitude?

Note: “Jealousy and stubbornness are the natural fruits of selfishness.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 545.

“Fellow laborers, we are each sowing seed in the fields of life. As is the seed, so will be the harvest. If we sow distrust, envy, jealousy, self-love, bitterness of thought and feeling, we shall reap bitterness to our own souls.” Ibid., vol. 5, 30.

“Envy, jealousy, evil surmising, and evilspeaking are of Satan, and they effectually bar the way against the Holy Spirit’s working.” Ibid., vol. 6, 42.

  • Relate the words of Rachel when her maid Bilhah gave birth to Jacob’s second son. Genesis 30:7, 8.

2 DIFFERING IN POTENTIAL

  • Although Dan was the son of a concubine, how did Jacob show honor and deep respect for the natural ability of the young man? Genesis 49:16.
  • Explain the potential value of keen observation and discernment, when rightly employed. Matthew 10:16; I Corinthians 12:7, 8.

Note: “The servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment.” Early Writings, 102.

“It is impossible for anyone to foresee to what he may be called. He may be placed in situations where he will need quick discernment and well balanced arguments.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 257.

“Tact and good judgment increase the usefulness of the laborer a hundredfold.” Gospel Workers, 119.

  • How was Naphtali described as timidly fleeing from danger and burdens? Genesis 49:21, first part.

Note: “If he [Brother Pierce] would overcome timidity and possess more confidence that God would be with him and strengthen him he would be much more happy and a greater blessing to others.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 630.

  • When and how did the Naphtalites eventually progress to distinction? Deuteronomy 33:23; Judges 4:4, 6–8, 14, 15; 5:18. How can timidity be overcome?

Note: “What a thought that God chooses a man and brings him into close connection with Himself, and gives him a mission to undertake, a work to do, for Him. A weak man is made strong, a timid man is made brave.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 167.

3 DAN

  • How was the sharp keenness of Dan perverted into backbiting? Genesis 49:17. What warning should be impressed upon us today, to flee from this widespread pitfall of Satan? James 3:5–8.

Note: “[James 3:15–18 quoted.] … He who opens his heart to the suggestions of the enemy, taking in evil surmisings, and cherishing jealousy, frequently misconstrues this evil-mindedness, calling it special foresight, discrimination, or discernment in detecting guilt and fathoming the evil motives of others. He considers that a precious gift has been vouchsafed to him; and he draws apart from the very brethren with whom he should be in harmony; he climbs upon the judgment seat, and shuts his heart against the one he supposes to be in error, as though he himself were above temptation. Jesus separates from him, and leaves him to walk in the sparks of his own kindling.

“Let no one among you glory any longer against the truth by declaring that this spirit is a necessary consequence of dealing faithfully with wrongdoers and of standing in defense of the truth. Such wisdom has many admirers, but it is very deceptive and harmful. It does not come from above, but is the fruit of an unregenerated heart. Its originator is Satan himself. Let no accuser of others credit himself with discernment; for in so doing he clothes the attributes of Satan with the garments of righteousness.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 936, 937.

  • What other evil also occurred among the ranks of the tribe of Dan? Judges 18:1, 2, 26–30. How did the craftsmen from the tribes of Judah and Dan misuse their talents? II Chronicles 2:1, 11–14.

Note: “In the tribes of Judah and of Dan there were men who were regarded as especially ‘cunning’ in the finer arts. For a time these men remained humble and unselfish; but gradually, almost imperceptibly, they lost their hold upon God and His truth. They began to ask for higher wages because of their superior skill. In some instances their request was granted, but more often those asking higher wages found employment in the surrounding nations. In place of the noble spirit of self-sacrifice that had filled the hearts of their illustrious ancestors, they cherished a spirit of covetousness, of grasping for more and more. They served heathen kings with their God-given skill, and dishonored their Maker.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 174, 175.

4 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORDS

  • How does Inspiration establish the contrast between Naphtali’s goodly words and the evil effects of an unregenerate tongue? Genesis 49:21, last part; Proverbs 16:24; Matthew 12:36, 37.

Note: “True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and deficiencies of others. They will turn away from vileness and deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is attractive and lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word of censure or condemnation, is painful.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 96.

“Those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious cannot partake of the dish of nonsense, and folly, and backbiting. They will say decidedly, ‘Take this dish away. I do not want to eat such food. It is not the bread from heaven. It is eating and drinking the very spirit of the devil; for it is his business to be an accuser of the brethren.’ ” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 458.

  • Of the seven things that the Lord lists as abominations to Him, how many are directly related to speech? Proverbs 6:16–19.

Note: “Those who criticize and condemn one another are breaking God’s commandments, and are an offense to Him. They neither love God nor their fellow beings.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 937.

  • What is the first thing one should do—and not do—if he or she sees a brother or sister in some fault? Proverbs 25:9; Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1.

Note: “It pains me to say that there are unruly tongues among church members. There are false tongues that feed on mischief. There are sly, whispering tongues. There is tattling, impertinent meddling, adroit quizzing. Among the lovers of gossip some are actuated by curiosity, others by jealousy, many by hatred against those through whom God has spoken to reprove them. All these discordant elements are at work. Some conceal their real sentiments, while others are eager to publish all they know, or even suspect, of evil against another.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 94.

5 SOMETHING NOT ALLOWED IN HEAVEN

  • How does God view those who harbor a judgmental attitude toward others? Psalm 101:5; Romans 2:1–3; James 4:11, 12.

Note: “To unite with the faultfinding element, to be accusers of the brethren, to take up the reproach they lay at your door is seconding the work of the enemy by playing yourself into his hands to make his work a success.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 266, 267.

“The Lord is testing and proving His people. You may be just as severe and critical with your own defective character as you please; but be kind, pitiful, and courteous toward others.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 97.

“All pride must perish, all jealousy be overcome, all ambition for supremacy be given up, and the meekness and trust of the child be encouraged.” Ibid., 130.

  • Although the name of Naphtali is among the overcomers, why is it that Dan’s name is not there? Revelation 7:5–8; Psalm 15:1–3.

Note: “What a world of gossip would be prevented if every man would remember that those who tell him the faults of others will as freely publish his faults at a favorable opportunity. We should endeavor to think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. . . . Should a brother go astray, then is the time to show your real interest in him. Go to him kindly, pray with and for him, remembering the infinite price which Christ has paid for his redemption. In this way you may save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 58, 59.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Explain how the attitude of Rachel affected Bilhah’s offspring, and how this attitude can affect God’s people in general.

2 What was Naphtali like, and how only will the remnant of his tribe overcome?

3 Explain the problem of Dan.

4 What dangers, concerning words, can easily plague God’s people?

5 Why is a judgmental spirit so destructive?

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.