Congregational Book Study, Week of September 1-7, 2025, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Introduction to Section 4, and Lessons 14 and 15. Answers.

Congregational Book Study, September 1-7, 2025, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Introduction to Section 4, and Lessons 14 and 15. Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb introduction to section 4 and lessons 14, 15.

Introduction to section 4

Throughout biblical history, many faithful servants of Jehovah faced great trials and suffering. In this section, we will read the stories of Joseph, Job, Moses, and the Israelites, who endured difficult times such as injustice, slavery, imprisonment, and even the loss of loved ones.

However, they never lost faith, because they knew that Jehovah was with them. We will also see how Jehovah demonstrated his power through the 10 plagues in Egypt and how he protected his people. These stories remind us that, just as in the past, Jehovah continues to care for his servants today.

Lesson 14 Analysis: A Slave Who Obeys God

How did Joseph's brothers treat him?

Joseph's brothers treated him very badly. They were jealous of him and hated him because he was their father's favorite son and because of the dreams he had, which they thought meant they would one day bow down to him.

One day they grabbed him and threw him into a pit, intending to kill him. But Judah, one of the brothers, said, "Don't kill him. Let's sell him as a slave instead." So they sold him as a slave to some merchants for 20 pieces of silver. They also deceived Joseph's father, making him believe that a wild animal had killed Joseph.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Joseph's brothers treated him with hatred and cruelty because they were jealous of him, since he was their father's favorite son, and also because of the dreams he had. First, they plotted to kill him, then they threw him into a pit, and finally, they sold him as a slave to some Midianite traders. They even deceived their father, Jacob, into believing that a wild animal had killed him.

His brothers treated him with hatred and cruelty out of envy for their father's special affection for him and the dreams he had told them. At first, they considered killing him, but then decided to throw him into a pit and, finally, they sold him into slavery, unconcerned about the pain they would cause their father by making him believe he was dead.

Genesis 37:4 shows how Joseph's brothers hated him for their father's preference for him. Their envy turned into hatred and led them to plot his death. This example teaches that uncontrolled jealousy can break up family unity and lead to decisions that cause great suffering.

Genesis 39:9 reflects Joseph's firmness in rejecting the advances of Potiphar's wife. Despite facing strong pressure, he chose to act uprightly and flee. This teaches us that true integrity involves saying no to sin, even when doing so brings negative consequences.

Why did Potiphar put Joseph in prison?

Potiphar put Joseph in jail because his wife lied and said he had attacked her. In reality, Potiphar's wife constantly asked him to sleep with her, but Joseph repeatedly rejected her advances and fled when she tried to force him. However, she later falsely accused him to her husband, Potiphar, who became very angry and had him imprisoned.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Potiphar imprisoned Joseph because he believed his wife's lie. She accused him of attacking her, when in fact, Joseph had repeatedly rejected her and fled when she tried to force him to sleep with her, so as not to sin against God.

Potiphar imprisoned him because he believed his wife's false accusation, when she lied that Joseph had tried to attack her. Although Joseph was innocent and had acted righteously, he was unjustly punished without any investigation into the truth.

Genesis 39:21 indicates that Jehovah was with Joseph even in prison. Despite the injustice he suffered, he did not lose his faith or his right attitude, and God caused him to gain favor with others. This reminds us that God's presence is more important than circumstances.

1 Peter 5:6 advises us to humble ourselves under God's hand so that we may be exalted in due time. Joseph endured years of trial and humiliation before being exalted, which teaches us that trusting God's timing is essential to receiving His blessings at the right time.

What does this story teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah is with his faithful servants at all times. Even though Joseph was betrayed, sold into slavery, and then unjustly imprisoned, the account repeatedly emphasizes that “Jehovah was with Joseph.” This shows us that Jehovah’s presence does not depend on favorable circumstances; He sustains us even in the most difficult trials.

Jehovah blesses faithfulness: Although Joseph was a slave, Jehovah blessed him and granted him success in everything he did. Potiphar saw that Joseph prospered because Jehovah was with him. Jehovah honors those who honor Him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The story shows us that Jehovah is close to his faithful servants, even in the worst of circumstances. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and then imprisoned for a lie. But the text emphasizes that Jehovah was with Joseph. This reveals God's loyal love: He may allow injustice for a time, but he does not abandon those who remain loyal.

We learn that Jehovah deeply values ​​integrity and holiness. Joseph not only rejected immorality, but called it by name and affirmed that it would be sinning against God. For Jehovah, purity is non-negotiable, and loyalty counts even when no one else is looking. He approves of those decisions, even if in the short term they seem to bring loss.

What practical lessons can we learn from this story?

Maintaining integrity in the face of temptation: Joseph's reaction to Potiphar's wife's proposal is a model to follow. He didn't negotiate, he didn't give in "a little"; he literally ran away from sin. It teaches us to have clear boundaries and to recognize that sin is ultimately against God.

Be faithful in any circumstance: Joseph never ceased to be faithful, even when he was a slave or a prisoner. His loyalty to God and his excellent work ethic were constant. We can apply this to our work, school, or responsibilities, doing everything "as unto the Lord."

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When others are praised and I am not, instead of comparing myself or feeling resentful, I can talk to Jehovah and ask him to help me be truly happy for my brother. I can also praise him sincerely, without irony, remembering that Jehovah distributes gifts and tasks wisely and in his time.

From José's example, I learned that integrity is determined in a calm, non-pressured manner. That's why I set my limits when I'm calm and reserve a brief phrase for myself: "I can't. It goes against my principles."

When an awkward message or a dirty joke comes up, I don't just sit there debating: I change the subject, I leave the room, or I ask for help. It's not cowardice; it's taking care of myself and honoring Jehovah. Sometimes it's difficult, and we're even afraid to say no because of what others might say, but then peace comes.

Lesson 15 Analysis: Jehovah Does Not Forget Joseph

How did Jehovah help Joseph?

Jehovah helped Joseph by allowing him to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, which no one else could understand. Thanks to this, Joseph was able to predict seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, and Pharaoh chose him as the second most powerful man in Egypt to organize food storage and thus save Egypt and many people from famine.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah was with Joseph throughout, even in prison. He protected and strengthened him amidst the rejection and betrayal of his own brothers. Through this difficult experience, Joseph learned to trust Jehovah completely and to have patience, qualities that later prepared him to rule with wisdom and mercy. Jehovah gave him favor with Pharaoh, and through him he was able to save many nations from famine, as well as his own family, thus fulfilling God's purpose.

Jehovah gave him the ability to understand Pharaoh's dreams, which allowed him to be released from prison and placed in a position of great authority in Egypt. Thanks to this help, he was able to plan the food harvest and save many people, including his own family, from starvation.

Genesis 41:16 shows that Joseph recognized that his ability to interpret dreams came from God. This teaches the importance of giving Jehovah credit for our abilities and accomplishments, remembering that He can use our skills to help others.

Genesis 45:5 reveals Joseph's merciful attitude toward his brothers, assuring them not to feel bad about selling him. This example teaches us that forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring what happened, but rather seeing how God can use even difficulties to accomplish His purposes.

How did Joseph show that he had forgiven his brothers?

Joseph showed that he had forgiven his brothers when, after testing them and seeing that they had changed, he forgave them completely. He told them not to feel bad about what they had done to him and that God had brought him to Egypt to save their lives. He also asked them to bring their father to be reunited with him, and so they were reunited after so many years apart.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Joseph showed that he had forgiven his brothers when, after testing them and seeing that they had changed, he spoke to them tenderly and told them not to feel guilty about what they had done to him. He understood that God had allowed everything to happen to save their lives and the lives of many others. This attitude showed that he held no resentment in his heart, but rather compassion and sincere forgiveness toward them.

Joseph welcomed them kindly, even though they had sold him into slavery. He didn't seek revenge, but helped them and made sure his entire family had food during the famine. He also spoke to them kindly and encouraged them not to feel guilty about what had happened.

Psalm 105:17-19 mentions that God sent Joseph ahead of his family to prepare him for a great task. This shows that even when we go through difficult trials, Jehovah can use them to train us and put us in the right place at the right time.

Matthew 6:15 warns that if we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us either. Joseph decided to forgive his brothers, and this act of love became an example of how mercy paves the way for reconciliation and family peace.

What does this story teach us about Jehovah?

Jehovah fulfills his promises and his purpose in his time: The dreams Joseph had as a young man were fulfilled many years later, when his brothers bowed down to him. This teaches us that Jehovah's purposes never fail and that his timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed to us.

Jehovah uses his power to reveal what we do not know: Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was not a magical skill of his own. Joseph himself clarified: "Do not interpretations belong to God?" Jehovah is the source of wisdom and reveals what is necessary for the fulfillment of his will.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This story reminds us that Jehovah does not forget his people. Joseph went to bed in prison and that same day ended up in the palace. It wasn't luck, but Jehovah pulling the strings we often don't see: Pharaoh's dream, the servant who finally remembered, and the opportunity to speak at just the right moment.

It teaches us that Jehovah's hand was behind Joseph's every step. Thus, Joseph's years of suffering were not wasted, but became a mission that gave life and relief to many. If Jehovah did not forget Joseph, neither does He forget us.

This account teaches us that Joseph had every reason to take revenge, but he chose to see if his brothers had changed. When he saw genuine repentance, his voice broke, he wept, and he hugged them. He said, “Don’t feel bad. God brought me here to save your lives,” thus demonstrating the true forgiveness Jehovah wants us to show.

It teaches us that Jehovah not only raises a person, but also repairs families, heals wounds, and transforms pain into provision for others. If he could do this with Joseph, he can also do it with what afflicts us today.

What practical lessons can we learn from this story?

The importance of true forgiveness: Joseph is a supreme model of forgiveness. He didn't hold a grudge or seek revenge. He understood that the role of judge belongs to Jehovah and recognized God's hand behind his circumstances. He teaches us to forgive freely and completely, just as Matthew 6:15 says.

Testing repentance: Joseph didn't immediately reveal himself to his brothers; he tested them, such as accusing them of being spies and hiding the silver cup, to see if they had truly changed, especially in their attitude toward Benjamin, the new favorite son. This teaches us wisdom, as forgiveness may be instantaneous, but trust is rebuilt over time and with evidence of genuine change.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

From Joseph's story, we learn to save grain when there is plenty. On quiet days, we strive to strengthen our faith with sincere prayer, personal study, meetings, and also with good habits. Let us remember that what we sow today will sustain us when difficult times come. Simple goals help, such as reading a chapter a day, praying for our brothers and sisters, and preaching each week. Jehovah blesses such humble preparation.

We also learn to forgive. Joseph didn't deny the harm; he saw the change in his brothers, and upon seeing it, he opened his arms to forgiveness. We must forgive because Jehovah asks it of us and heals our hearts, but we can set healthy boundaries and expect fruits of repentance when necessary. We don't seek to win arguments, but rather peace and God's honor, leaving justice in his hands. With prayer, patience, and truth, trust can be rebuilt step by step.