1.12.25: Weeks 3, Genesis 45
Opener: Terry opened his sermon by discussing the terms “Meist,” “Meism,” and “Meology.” Do you remember how he described a Meist? What exactly is it?
Question: How does Meism differ from Christian Theism (Biblical Theology)? What does each “ism” tell us about how to pray, how we should respond to disappointment and suffering, and how we relate to others who disappoint us? The answers to these questions reveal whether we are applying biblical theology or not meology.
Note: Remember, Mesit, Meism, and Meology are not real terms; Terry created them to describe how a person views life and believes God should respond to them personally. A Meist holds to their own custom-made theology. Meism has its own personal god, made to fit into my beliefs, desires, and demands. Meism has been mankind’s problem since the fall of Adam and Eve; They wanted to determine what was good and evil on their own. And from then on, we see their prodigy making life all about me, me, me—they put themselves above God.
Note: Biblical theology informs us about God and His work in the world, as well as how we should respond to Him and His actions. Our lives are rooted in our theology, who we believe God is, and what He is doing in the world and in our lives.
A Key Verse for 2025 is, 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely.[1] 1 Timothy 4:16
Discussion: As a group, read Genesis 45 aloud slowly, taking time to reflect on everything happening here. Keep in mind the background, what you’ve read this week, and what Terry talked about in his sermon. After reading, respond to the discussion questions below.
Questions from the reading:
Q1: When reflecting on the story of Joseph and his brothers and considering what you’ve just read and thought about, where do you see sound biblical theology? Where do you notice this concept of meism? Share your thoughts.
Note: Your answer can refer to the backstory, the passage, or both. For example, think about his brothers’ actions that resulted in Joseph being sold, as well as what Joseph says to his brothers here in chapter 45.
Q2: Look back at verses 1-5. What would have been true if Joseph were a meist? How might Joseph have responded differently?
Q3: How does this passage show that Joseph was a theist who trusted the One true God? Talk about what brought you to this conclusion.
Q4: What does this passage reveal about forgiveness and its influence on us?
Q5: Terry referenced Genesis 50:19-20, which states, “But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.’” He used this passage to illustrate how Joseph trusted the one true God instead of himself. What can we learn from this statement when encountering trials, challenges, and difficulties?
Q6: Read Romans 8:28 and reflect on Terry’s sermon. We will encounter life situations that challenge our faith in the one true God. Theology teaches us that we are not promised protection from harm, nor is there a guarantee that all our physical and material dreams will come true. However, there is a promise that God will use everything in the life of a believer who trusts Him to lead to their ultimate good. How is this comforting to you? How does it help to produce grit in you?
Main Takeaway: Biblical theology, when practiced in our lives, will lead to a life in which God is experienced and glorified—a life with growing hope nurtured by faith and faithfulness.
After reflecting on and discussing this passage, is there anything in your life that needs to change? How can we help?
[1] The New International Version (1 Ti 4:16). (2011). Zondervan.