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Rod MacIlvaine 05/03/2015 (1518) New 3/13/15
Spiritual Leadership in Secular Places: A Study in the Life of Joseph – Genesis 37-50 – Week 13
The Power of Giving the Blessing
How Spiritual Leaders Multiply Faith to the Next Generation – Genesis 49:1-33
Introduction: Spiritual leaders are highly conscious that they are a conduit of blessing to those they lead because
they are believer-priests, and because of the dynamics of how spiritual leadership works. As Jacob blesses his sons,
he provides a prophetic blessing that will run through the generations of Israel. Key idea: A spiritual leader
pronounces blessings to those he leads with the expectation that those blessings will advance God’s kingdom. In this
chapter, we see one negative example and three positive.
1.
NEGATIVE EXAMPLE – Spiritual leadership is shattered when the self
dominates, and leaders are unfaithful to God. Genesis 49:3-7
A.
The example of Reuben – He craves power. 49:3-4
B.
The example of Simeon & Levi – They deal with uncontrolled anger. 49:5-7
C.
Summary – In his “blessing” Jacob identifies their two character issues: power and anger.
D.
Examples – We see instances of this in our day.
Questions:
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2.
Why did Reuben receive a “blessing” that limited his leadership?
Why did Simeon and Levi receive a “blessing” that limited their leadership?
What principle can we deduce from this about spiritual leadership?
In what ways does living under the New Covenant of grace change this?
POSITIVE EX. #1 – Spiritual leadership is multiplied when sinful people
repent in humble faith; the example of Judah. Genesis 49:8-12
A.
Past – Judah didn’t start off in faith. He rebelled. 38:1-30
B.
Transition – God disrupts Judah’s rebellion through Tamar. 38:25-26a
C.
Righteousness – Judah exhibits self-sacrificial godly leadership. Gen. 43-44
D.
Future – Judah will be the ancestor of Messiah. Gen. 49:8-12
E.
Now – God uses leaders with sinful pasts. It takes a wise spiritual leader to bless the new leader.
Questions:
• Judah has a whole chapter devoted to his season of sin. And yet, he becomes the ancestor of the Messiah and
the recipient of tremendous blessing? How is this possible?
• What does Judah’s blessing tell us about how God’s blessings work in general?
• What are the specific aspects of this blessing that relate to the Messiah?
• What do you find most beautiful about this blessing section?
3.
POSITIVE EX. #2 – Spiritual leadership is multiplied when suffering
people rely on God in humble faith; the example of Joseph. Gen. 49:22-26
A.
Persecution – Joseph used his persecution not to grow bitter, but to grow strong. 49:22-23
B.
Presence – Joseph grew strong because he was defended by God. 49:24-25a
C.
Preeminence – Joseph is set over his brothers. 49:25b-26
D.
Now – God produces new leaders through adversity. Disciple-makers & parents empower this.
Questions:
• Joseph, of course, suffered terribly. He’s clearly not blessed because he suffered, but there was something that
happened in his suffering that was transformative? What was it?
• How does God bless us in the process of suffering?
• Have you ever experienced transformation in suffering? What happened?
4.
POSITIVE EX. #3 – Spiritual leadership is advanced when people
prophesy over those they lead. Genesis 49:13-21; 27
A.
Jacob prophesies over the other seven brothers and their place in God’s plan.
B.
Spiritual leaders can use New Testament prophecy to do the same thing.
C.
Today – We are commanded to earnestly seek gifts of prophecy in the church.
Questions:
• The definition of New Testament prophecy is “God impressing something on your mind which you feel
compelled to share with someone else (or a group) for the purpose of ministry and blessing. Have you ever
experience this? What happened?
• Why would this blessing be hugely important for the tribes?
• How does a believer grow in the ability to do this?