Sermon
Genesis 43
God's Patient Persistent Providence
The story of Joseph continues the lineage of the people of Israel - God’s chosen people. It is clear from beginning to end that God is more faithful to His people than they are to Him. We will see, in the life and times of Joseph, that in God’s sovereign plan nothing is wasted. In the end, our lives, like Joseph’s, will prove our great need for God’s salvation and that his plans and purposes for our lives are good.
Andy McCampbell
DNA Questions
Discover
Nurture
Act
- Genesis 43 shows God orchestrating famine, fear, and family tension to move His covenant people toward healing. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of God’s sovereign goodness and how it is never at odds with His sovereignty?
- The narrative moves the family of Jacob one step closer to becoming the nation through whom the Messiah will come. How does this chapter help you see that redemption is unfolding even when not evident in the moment?
- Joseph’s mercy toward his brothers—preparing a feast instead of judgment—echoes a pattern repeated throughout Scripture. How does this scene fit into the larger biblical motif of God turning judgment into grace, a pattern that ultimately culminates in Christ?
Nurture
- Jacob’s reluctant surrender of Benjamin exposes both his fear and his faith. How does this tension mirror our own struggle to trust a God who is both wise enough to rule the universe and good enough to care for us?
- The brothers assume Joseph intends harm when he intends blessing. What does this reveal about the human heart’s tendency to misread God’s providence, and how does this challenge our assumptions about His character in seasons of confusion?
- Joseph’s emotional response to Benjamin—compassion that overflows into tears—reflects a God who is not cold or distant. How does this glimpse of tender, pursuing mercy line up with your understanding of the heart of Christ toward sinners?
Act
- Judah offers himself as a substitute for Benjamin. How does seeing this pattern in Genesis 43 invite you to live with deeper gratitude and confidence in Jesus as the true and better Substitute?
- The chapter ends with the brothers feasting in the presence of the one they once betrayed. How does this anticipate the gospel reality that Jesus welcomes His betrayers to His table, and what step might God be calling you to take toward someone who has wounded you?
Prayer
Father, give grace and peace to our church family here at ARCC…even this day…grace for the strength and power to obey the Your words and reject the devil’s as we continue on our mission of making disciples of Christ from our homes and neighborhoods in San Antonio to the utter most parts of the earth…peace for enduring suffering in our bodies with courage and peace for enduring trials and sorrows that beset us by the will of God for our sanctification and our growing in the faith of our Savior. Father continue to give wisdom and knowledge to our elders: Michael McCracken, Roy Stokes, Andy McCampbell, and Mike Borgaard…wisdom to discern the promptings of the Spirit of God from their study of the Bible and go in that direction…and knowledge of God…to know God intimately and to know His ways and live in harmony with those ways no matter what. And finally Father, bless each deacon and deaconess with a sense of your loving presence and your heavenly pride in them for their gentle and kind service toward every member of our church, young and old. Thanks Father…in Jesus name amen!
Jim McCracken
Music
Set List
Yes I Will
Known and Loved
Before the Throne of God
Agnus Dei / King of Kings
Known and Loved
Before the Throne of God
Agnus Dei / King of Kings
Children's Lesson
Jesus was Dedicated
Jesus was Dedicated
Luke 2
Questions for your kids:
Why do you think we should worship Jesus?
What is your favorite way to praise Jesus for being the Savior?
What is your favorite way to praise Jesus for being the Savior?
Dwell Audio Bible App
Church family, we would like to offer you a free account on the "Dwell" app! This is a wonderful app that allows you to listen to the Bible being read with different voice options, background music options, and more! Click the link below or scan the QR code to create your free account through ARCC.
