Genesis
Foundation Book of the Bible
Final Summary
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is to review the closing actions of Jacob and Joseph’s life. Of special note in this lesson is to how we can look at their lives as examples of faith in action.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the overall message of Genesis
- Feel: Appreciate God’s faithfulness to His promises.
- Do: Seek to live faithfully to God’s will.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as "right or wrong" responses.
Look for expressions such as God's faithfulness, love, power, influence, etc.
Refer to the text for suggested responses.
Answers will vary but look for responses concerning how the major characters of Genesis took actions according to God's will when they did not understand why or how to act.
Faith is not something new. We can see how the characters from Genesis had to have faith. Sometimes their faith was not strong yet God still worked through them.
We frequently don't know how to act according to God's will, or our faith is weak. We can learn from the actions of the characters in Genesis that we should seek God's wisdom to make decisions according to God's will. Also, realize that God knows and works with our weaknesses. He seeks faithfulness not perfection.
God had a plan for man's salvation, even before we sinned. This is a tremendous indicator of His love for us. He created us, knows us and still loves us. When we're strong we must recognize that it is God's power working in us and give Him the glory. When we are weak, we must seek His forgiveness and strength with the faith that He will provide it.
The major characters of Genesis, specifically Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph each had moments of both weakness and strength. In the end they recognized God working in their lives and fulfilled their destiny according to His will. James reminds us that God has promised us salvation. James states that we will face trials but that we should look at these as opportunities to build faith. We must also know that when things seem to be going well, it is a chance to build strength and use those moments to glorify God.
A champion runner knows that instead of coasting or easing up in the drive towards the finish line when the way is smooth, level or downhill, he should instead increase the drive towards the finish line. The time to coast is after the race.
In similar ways, we sometimes there have the tendency to "coast" through the good times in life and not recognize them as a gift from God. We should increase our service and praise to God during the good times so that our faith will be sustained in the challenging times.
In all things, no matter the situation, we give God the glory.