BIBLE STUDY GUIDE From the Bible-teaching ministry of INSIGHT FOR LIVING Charles R. Swindoll is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and has served in pastorates in Texas, Massachusetts, and California since 1963. He has served as senior pastor of the First Evangelical Free Church of FuUerton, California, since 1971. Chuck's radio program, "Insight for Living," began in 1979. In addition to his church and radio ministries, Chuck enjoys writing. He has authored numerous books and booklets on a variety of subjects. Based on the outlines and transcripts of Chuck's sermons, the study guide text is co- authored by Lee Hough, a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington and Dallas Theological Seminary. Editor in Chief: Typographer: Cynthia Swindoll Bob Haskins Coauthor of Text: Director, Communications Division: Lee Hough Carla Meberg Assistant Editor: Project Manager: Wendy Peterson Alene Cooper Copyediting Supervisor: Project Coordinator: Marty Anderson Carolyn Roberts Copy Editor: Print Production Manager: Marty Anderson Deedee Snyder Designer: Assistant Production Manager: Gary Lett John Norton Production Artists: Printer: Gary Lett and Robert McGuire Frye and Smith Unless otherwise identified, all Scripture references are from the New American Stan- dard Bible, © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Scripture marked [Kjv] is taken from the King James Version of the Bible. © 1990 Charles R. Swindoll. All rights reserved. Previous guides: © 1981, 1984 Charles R. Swindoll. All rights reserved. Outlines and transcripts: © 1980 Charles R. Swindoll. All rights reserved. An effort has been made to locate sources and obtain permission where necessary for the quotations used in this book. In the event of any unintentional omission, a modification will gladly be incorporated in future printings. Notice No portion of this publication may be translated into any language or reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in reviews, without prior written permission of the publisher, Insight for Living, Post Office Box 4444, FuUerton, California 92634. ISBN 0-8499-8421-1 Printed in the United States of America. COVER: photograph by G. Robert Nease, calligraphy by A. Egan Healy. CONTENTS 1 Favored Son, Hated Brother 1 Genesis 37 2 Resisting Temptation 1 Genesis 39 3 Imprisioned and Forgoten by Man 19 Genesis 39:20-41:1 4 Remembered and Promoted by God 28 Genesis 41:1-46 5 Reaping the Rewards of Righteousnes 37 Genesis 41:41-57 6 Activating a Seared Conscience 47 Genesis 42:1-28 7 Groanings of a Sad Dad 56 Genesis 42:29-43:15 8 At Last, Together . . . Almost 65 Genesis 43:15-34 9 "I Am Joseph!" 75 Genesis 44:1-45:15 10 The Ultimate Family Reunion 84 Genesis 45:16-46:7, 28-30 1 Eficiency in Busines Then and Now 91 Genesis 46:31-47:26 12 Highlights of Twilight and Midnight 101 Genesis 47:29-31; 50:15-21 Boks for Probing Further 109 Ordering Information/Order Form Il INTRODUCTION "Incarnate the Truth!" can still hear one of my favorite seminary profs saying that. And I I have repeated it on numerous occasions myself. It is a helpful and accurate statement. Abstract truth seems sterile and difficult to grasp if it stands alone—but when we see it illustrated in a life, it's amazing how clearly it emerges and how attainable it becomes. This, of course, is the genius behind any biography. Joseph is a classic example. He embodies some of the most significant truths in all of Scripture. Although a man just like us, Joseph blazes a new trail through a jungle of mistreatment, false ac- cusations, undeserved punishment, and gross misunderstanding. He exemplifies forgiveness, freedom from bitterness, and an unbelievably positive attitude toward those who had done him harm. From one episode to the next, you will literally shake your head in amazement. That's the way it is when mere humanity incarnates divine truth. My prayer is that this principle will not stop with Joseph. Chuck Swindoll PUTTING TRUTH INTO ACTION nowledge apart from application falls short of God's desire for K. His children. He wants us to apply what we learn so that we will change and grow. This study guide was prepared with these goals in mind. As you go through the following pages, we hope your desire to discover biblical truth will grow as your understanding of God's Word increases, and that you will be encouraged to apply what you've learned. To assist you in your study, we've included a section called «£S|j> Living Insights at the end of each lesson. These exercises will W challenge you to study further and to think of specific ways to put your discoveries into action. There are many ways to use this guide—in personal devotions, group studies, discussions with friends and family, and Sunday school classes. And, of course, it's an ideal study aid when you're listening to its corresponding "Insight for Living" radio series. To benefit most from this study guide, we would encourage you to consider it a spiritual journal. That's why we've included space in the Living Insights for recording your thoughts and discoveries. We hope you'll return to those sections often for review and en- couragement as you continue to grow in your walk with Christ. Lee Hough Coauthor of Text