Sunday School Lesson January 23, 2022

Subject: The Pitfall of Betrayal

The Point: God is at work, even when it’s not obvious

The Passages: Genesis 37:1-5,19-24,26-27

Study The Bible: Genesis 37:1-5

1). Sometimes pitfalls come through no fault of our own.

1. Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.
2. These are the family records of Jacob. At seventeen years of age, Joseph tended sheep with his brothers. The young man was working with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought a bad report about them to their father.
3. Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a long-sleeved robe for him.
4. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him.
5. Then Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.

Lasting truths from: Genesis 37:1-5                               

* Parental favoritism can deeply hurt family relationships.

* We must choose the right response when we face difficult situations or circumstances.

* We should be sensitive in what we share with other.

2). Animosity and jealousy can cause others to betray us.

Genesis 37:19-24

19. They said to one another, “Oh, look, here comes that dream expert!
20. So now, come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animals ate him. Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!”
21. When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from them. He said, “Let’s not take his life.”
22. Reuben also said to them, “Don’t shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him” – intending to rescue him from them and return him to his father.
23. When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped off Joseph’s robe, the robe of many colors that he had on.
24. Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty, without water.

Genesis 37:19-24

* Jealousy can lead people to drastic action.

*  Betrayal can come from a variety of sources.

*  If we sense animosity or jealousy or experience it ourselves, we should take steps to achieve reconciliation.

3). God is at work on our behalf even when others abandon us.

Genesis 37:26-27

26. Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
27. Come on, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh,” and his brothers agreed.

Lasting truth from: Genesis 37: 26-27

* What others may intend for evil God can use for good.

*  God’s purpose is not limited by the intentions others have in any given situation.

* God is with us all the time.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. Reflect on a tough circumstance that come to you through no fault of your own. What was the outcome? How did you see God’s hand?
2. Are there people in your family, on your job, or in your neighborhood with whom you sense animosity or jealousy toward you? What steps can you take to restore the relationships?
3. Read Romans 8:28 aloud slowly and reflectively. When you come to the words “all things,” insert immediately after them the words “including the challenge I am facing right now.” Take some time to pray, and ask God’s help in your challenge.

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”