The Dream Giver

In the life of Joseph we can find many every day life applicable principles that will make us better people and leaders as we pursue our dream. This week we looked at Five Joseph Principles and explored how we can properly apply them to our lives.
Scripture: Genesis 37:1-2; Genesis 39:2-4; Genesis 39:16-17; Genesis 41:15; Genesis 41-47Discussion Topics:

1. In Genesis 37:1-2 we see this whole story is about the dad, Jacob, not the son Joseph. Having said that, Joseph is the story that we follow for thirteen chapters which is a considerable amount given to any one person in the Old Testament. The principle that we discussed on Sunday morning was, “Are you OK if your life story is about someone else fulfilling their life purpose?”. So are you?
2. In Genesis 39:2-4 we see that Potiphar recognized the favor of God on Joseph’s life and could see that Joseph was a high capacity leader. The principle we discovered is that “Leaders are able to find, develop, and release other leaders.” If you are a leader (anywhere) and you are a one man show, does that prove you are a leader or a hard worker? What are the pros and cons of  “Leaders are able to find, develop, and release other leaders?”.
3. In Genesis 39:16-17 we discovered that Potiphar’s wife accused the “Hebrew slave that you brought us” was in fact a racial slang towards Joseph. The Joseph Principle we explored was “A racist comment is more of an indictment on the character of the speaker than the hearer”. What are your thoughts on this principle?
4. In Genesis 41:15 Pharaoh pulls Joseph out of prison because he was told Joseph could interpret his dream. Joseph not only interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, he was put in charge of all the kingdom. This comes two years after Joseph told the cup-bearer to remember him when he was released from prison. This is where we found the Joseph Principle of “The gift of delayed gratification”. Is this a gift that you have, want and/or need? Explain.
5. Through Genesis 41 and 47 we discovered during the seven years of plenty Joseph stored provisions like no one else. Then, during the seven years of famine Joseph was able to acquire all the money, lands, and eventually the people (Genesis 47:20-21). The financial principle that Joseph teaches us is to “Save when you are in a time of plenty and buy when everyone else is in a time of lack”.  How does that apply to where you are in your life?