"Looking Beyond Our Lives" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Joseph was at the end of his life when he gave the directions to the Israelites about bringing his bones with them. This act of Joseph displayed his great faith: faith that the promises of God to the Israelites would be fulfilled, even beyond his lifetime. The author of Hebrews considered this act to be the one that defined Joseph’s legacy. In a similar way, our greatest contributions often come as we invest in others. God-given vision is so big that it requires the next generation. As we impact them, our own legacies are established by them.

Main Passages

By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. 
- Hebrews 11:22

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” 
- Hosea 2:2

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 
- John 12:24-25

Discussion Questions

1. Does your faith in God’s promises go beyond your lifetime? As you seek God daily, write down and commit to pray for the promises of God that you want to claim not just for yourself, but for the next generation as well.
2. Do you trust the next generation to carry on the visions and promises that God has given to you? What are some ways that you can relay the visions and the promises of God to the next generation?
3. Think about the “Next Generation” in your context: your children, family members, younger people in church, upcoming leaders, etc. How would you want them to remember you?
    

"Blessing Beyond Circumstances" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God wants to bless people from every generation! One author defined a blessing as being empowered to prosper. God empowers us to prosper, through knowing Him, on many levels. He also calls us to bless the next generation. Different circumstances can make this difficult; however, we must look beyond our circumstances and serve in faith. We see this demonstrated by Isaac, whose faith to bless the next generation moved him past sickness and blindness. Both of Isaac’s sons were blessed indeed - and the impact of Isaac’s life lived on with them (and on believers around the world today).

Main Passages

By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
- Hebrews 11:20-21

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
- Galatians 3:13-14

Discussion Questions

Has anyone from an older generation blessed you - or empowered you to prosper? How? Who has had the greatest impact on your relationship with God?
What’s one thing you would like to see the “next generation” learn, know, or experience?
Most Christians want to impact the next generation, but are unable because of present circumstances. What would help you move beyond opposing circumstances to bless the next generation?