Understanding God’s School of Faith

• OBJECTIVE 1: To ____________________ Him personally.

John 17:3

• OBJECTIVE 2: To  ____________________  our character.

Romans 8:29

• OBJECTIVE 3: To  ____________________ us to fulfill His kingdom agendas in this world.

Ephesians 2:10

• OBJECTIVE 4: To give us inexpressible joy, supernatural _______________, and unconditional _______________ in the process.

John 15:11-17

The Timeless Principle = God must work deeply “in” us before He will work significantly “through” us.

Case Study: Joseph | Genesis 37-50

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.

Psalm 105:19 NLT

• The Family of Origin Test – Genesis 37
• The Morality Test – Genesis 39
• The Identity Test – Genesis 39
• The Waiting Test – Genesis 40
• The Preparation Test – Genesis 41
• The Success Test – Genesis 41

Joseph Passes God’s Tests – Genesis 41

• 2 years of waiting
• 2 dreams by Pharaoh
• 1 interpretation by Joseph
• Advice given – position awarded
• Preparation and humility = Blessing

Lessons from Joseph’s Journey

1. God is ____________________ working even when we can’t see it. 

Genesis 40:23, Romans. 8:28

2. ____________________ don’t mean you’ve done something wrong  

Genesis 41:1, Proverbs 16:9

3. ____________________ where God has you is the prerequisite for experiencing His plans for you. 

Luke 16:10

4. Where God is ____________________; His favor follows

Genesis 41:16, 32-46, Psalm 75:5-7

Application / Discussion Questions

1. We are all in God’s school of faith; which of the tests have you already passed?
2. Which of the tests are you currently in or struggling with?
3. What does it look like in a relationship or at work to be faithful and positive when you feel stuck?
4. Where was Joseph’s focus during His 13 years of preparation of his character and skills?
5. What is God saying to you from this passage? Who will you share that with? What’s your next step?