Jr. High Parents Update – Jan 17th

SMALL GROUPS January 17th, 2012

 

Heroes – Week 2 – Joseph

PARENT EDITION:

An Oreo: A delicious treat, without much depth or complexity. Us: A being created by God, with a purpose, filled with complexity and depth. Our students might not always realize it, but they have been created with a purpose, and even at such a young age, they’re meant to fulfill that purpose. Looking to the Word of God, we see so many amazing examples of people that have fulfilled God’s purpose for their lives in huge ways. Last week we took a look at Noah’s life, and saw how he was able to listen, obey and follow God’s plan for his life. This week we’re looking at Joseph’s life and story. We can easily see that Joseph was slow to anger, he was obedient and he stuck to his morals, despite the odds being stacked against him. These are things that our students can learn easily, and commit towards obtaining in their faith journeys.

 

 

Question 1: As parents, how can we help demonstrate to our students what it means to be slow to anger in a truthful, and real way.

 

Question 2: Though our students are not necessarily always obedient in a school or home scenario, how can we teach them on a basic level to listen for God’s voice, and then remain obedient?

 

Question 3: Sometimes morals can be a difficult thing to talk about within a family setting, but how can we use the situation between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife to show our students both the importance, and possibility of upholding our values and morals?

 

Question 4: We’ve been talking about Heroes in the Bible that can demonstrate what it means to be a Christ follower and uphold Godly values. How can we as parents be “Heroes” to our students on a daily basis?

 

Question 5: Joseph had a pretty crazy life, but remained faithful to God through its entirety. How can we continue to encourage and uplift our students as they make their way through middle school and head into high school?

 

 

SMALL GROUP LEADERS:

Last week we talked about the deliciousness but shallowness of Oreos and then compared them to the complexity of what it takes to be a hero. We talked about Noah, and how he was a hero because he heard God’s voice, he obeyed God’s voice and he was used by God. Noah wasn’t an Oreo, but he was a Hero. He was a great example of what it means to work at becoming a hero. This week we’re talking about Joseph, and how Joseph, despite the odds being totally stacked against him, was able to follow God’s direction for his life and eventually become a hero.

 

 

Question 1: Go around the room and give your highs and lows for the week.

 

Question 2: Did anyone eat any Oreos this week in honour of this month’s series?

 

Question 3: Joseph went through some crazy things earlier in his life, like being thrown in a pit and being sold by his brothers, but we still don’t see him reacting or getting upset with his brothers. How would you have acted in that situation?


Question 4: Joseph was totally obedient to God through the whole story in Genesis, and because of that, he was given all sorts of responsibility. Does that ever happen with us between us and our parents, leaders, teachers, etc.?

 

Question 5: After hearing more about Joseph, what are some things that he can teach us, and that we can use at home, at school or with our friends?

 

Question 6: Heroes like Noah and Joseph seem to have things about them that really made them heroes. What kinds of personal qualities, like being obedient, do you think really make these guys heroes?

 

 

Spend a few minutes in prayer with your students for needs, and the willingness to be the heroes that God has called them to be.