Sunday School Lesson February 27, 2022
Subject: The Pitfall of Guilt and Grudges
The Point: We can only move forward when we embrace God’s forgiveness.
The Passages: Genesis 50:15-21
Study The Bible: Genesis 50:15-18
1). Your guilt does not imply anther’s grudge.
- When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.”
- So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command:
- Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they cause you.’ Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him.
- His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!”
Lasting truths from: Genesis 50:15-18
* Feelings of guilt over past transgressions may linger with us for a time.
* We may need to hear another person’s reassuring words before we can truly accept that person has forgiven us.
* We should extend and receive God’s forgiveness quickly.
2). Refocus on God’s providence.
Genesis 50:19-20
- But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
- You planned evil against me; God planned it for goo to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.
Lasting truth from: Genesis 50:19-20
* We do well to remember God’s providence in all of our circumstances.
* God is able to use even evil actions against us to accomplish His good purpose.
* We should leave judgement to God rather than seeking to take revenge ourselves.
3). Receive God’s forgiveness and comfort.
Genesis 50:21
- Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Lasting truth from: Genesis 50:21
* We should not fear, because God is in control.
* God will take care of us every step of our journey.
* God has brought us comfort through His Word and through the Lord Jesus.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Consider whether there is a relationship in your life over which you have doubts about its restoration. What intentional steps can you take this week to ensure the relationship is truly mended and forgiveness has occurred?
- Read Genesis 50:20 slowly and reflectively. Reflect on difficult times in your life and how you have seen God use them for good. How can that testimony encourage you or someone in your Sunday School class or small group who is experiencing a difficult challenge right now?
- Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and 15:9-10 aloud. Pray the spirit of these passages over yourself and over people in your Sunday School class or small group. Rejoice that God has forgiven us and receive His forgiveness.
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.”