BibleSumo Weekly Bible Study

Paul's opening prayer at the start of the Colossians is a model prayer. There are at least five aspects of Paul's prayer that we can incorporate in our own prayers.

1. A Thankful Prayer (v.3)
2. An Informed Prayer (v.4–5a)
3. A Gospel-Centered Prayer (v.5b–8)
4. A Sanctifying Prayer (v.9–12)
5. An Exonerated Prayer (v.13–14)

In this final chapter, Joseph proclaims God's hand of providence and good purposes.

• Jacob's Burial (v.1-14)
• God's Good Purposes (v.15-21)
• Joseph's Death (v.22-26)

Jacob gives a final word of prophecy to his twelve sons. Most important is the Messianic promise found in verse 10.

• Reuben, Simeon, Levi (v.1-7)
• Messiah Promised Through Judah (v.8-12)
• Eight Other Brothers (v.13-27)
• Jacob's Death (v.28-33)

We will examine what Jacob tells Joseph in a final private conversation shortly before Jacob's death.

• God Blesses Israel (47:27-28)
• Israel Beseeches Joseph (47:29-31)
• Israel Blesses Joseph (48:1-12)
• Israel Encourages Joseph (48:13-22)

Jacob identifies himself as a sojourner, and he blesses Pharaoh. The Egyptians are grateful when Joseph delivers them from starvation.

• Pharaoh Welcomes Israel (v.1-6)
• God Blesses Pharaoh (v.7-12)
• God Saves Egypt (v.13-26)

Like Jacob, we as Christians are sojourners. We are also benefactors and God's instruments of blessing. We are slaves to our savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you prepared to die? Reuniting with his son Joseph after 22 years of separation, Jacob said, "Now let me die."

• Jacob Worshipped (v.1-4)
• Jacob Believed (v.5-7)
• Jacob Surrounded (v.8-27)
• Jacob Reunited (v.28-30)
• Jacob Settled (v.31-34)

In this chapter, we learn that we must (1) worship God when life is unclear, (2) trust God which will lead us to action, and (3) live for God so as believers, we can be prepared to die.

What is the secret to Christian contentment? In this Bible study, we examine Jacob's example so we can utter the words, "It is enough."

• Joseph's Direction (v.9-13)
• Joseph's Satisfaction (v.14-15)
• Pharoah's Injunction (v.16-20)
• Joseph's Provision (v.21-24)
• Jacob's Capitulation (v.25-28)

It is not until the end of Jacob's life when he learns to cherish all his blessings. After today's Bible study, let us say to God, "My cup overflows. It is enough."

In the first eight verses of Genesis 45, we see one of the best descriptions of forgiveness. We will examine five important characteristics of forgiveness.

1. Forgiveness Is Painful (v.1-2)
2. Forgiveness Is Personal (v.1b)
3. Forgiveness Is Selfless (v.3-4)
4. Forgiveness Acknowledges Sin (v.4-5)
5. Forgiveness Acknowledges God (v.5-8)

Have you experienced God's forgiveness? Who do you still need to forgive? You are never more like God than when you forgive.

Some call Judah's plea to Joseph the greatest monologue in the Old Testament. In today's Bible study, we'll learn why this is likely true.

1. The Brothers' Test (v.1-5)
2. The Brothers' Change (v.6-13)
3. The Brothers' Guilt (v.14-17)
4. Judah Becomes Surety (v.18-34)

• Judah Requests a Favorable Hearing (v.18)
• Judah Recounts Their First Visit (v.19-23)
• Judah Reports His Father's Distress (v.24-31)
• Judah Renders Himself As Surety (v.32-34)

Judah's passionate offer to become Benjamin's substitute and surety foreshadows our surety, our Lord Jesus Christ. No wonder Jesus is called the Lion of Judah.

Judah's Plea for Benjamin

• Judah asks Joseph for a favorable hearing (v.18)
• Judah reminds Joseph of their first encounter (v.19-23)
• Judah reports their father's distress (v.24-29)
• Judah offers himself as Benjamin's substitute (v.30-34)