Small Group Resources

June 28 - July 4

Sermon Series: Birth of a Nation

Week 4: Genesis 49:1-28

Ice Breaker if Needed

What are your Independence Day traditions?

Discussion Questions

1. As we wrap up this series about Jacob, share what you have learned about him. What was beyond his control? What do you see in Jacob that you see in yourself? How did God work within Jacob’s big, messy family to launch a nation of millions? Why would God look at the chaos and brokenness of this family and steer it toward Jesus? Why them? Why you? 

2. Are you a Golden Child/Hero/Achiever like Joseph? Read Genesis 37:3-11. Describe Joseph. What was beyond his control? What part of his attitude and outlook did he own? Where did his value come from? The Biblical Red Flags for the Golden Child include thinking their value comes from what they are accomplishing. What does Matthew 6:26 have to say about that? How does a Golden Child know if they are chasing the right things? If you recognize yourself in this role, as yourself: Am I working from value or for it?

3. Are you the Invisible or Forgotten Child like Asher? Who? What does his name mean? Read Genesis 49:20. Jacob gave blessings to his 12 sons. This blessing doesn’t sound bad, but it isn’t exactly like the blessing he gave to Joseph two verses down (read to compare). Moses’ blessing over Asher’s tribe in Deuteronomy 33:24 is better, but it is the last one! What are the upsides and downsides of being in this role? The Biblical Red Flags for the Invisible Child are not being sure you are known. What does Matthew 10:29-31 say about that? If you feel Invisible ask yourself: Do I understand my value?

4. Are you the Rebel Child like Simeon? How did he destroy himself and his family? While his principles were noble, how were his actions rebellious? Read what Jacob said about Simeon in Genesis 49:5-7. Would you call that a blessing? What are the upsides and downsides of a strong-willed, turbulent personality? The Biblical Red Flags for the Rebel Child are fighting for the love of the fight and pursuing being right over being righteous. Look at Proverbs 17:14. What is the danger in starting a fight? 

5. Are you the Caretaker Child like Reuben? Are you good at taking care of people and find yourself fixing people’s problems? Read Genesis 37:19-22. What did he get right? What went wrong? What are the upsides and downsides of being a Caretaker? Share a story where someone was snatched from the jaws of victory by someone who was too much into the Caretaker role. The Biblical Red Flags for the Caretaker Child include trying to do Jesus’ job. What does Isaiah 43:11-13 have to say about that? Read Romans 14:12. What happens when you blur the line between where someone else begins and where you end?