The Test

September 27, 2026

After thirteen years of slavery, false accusation, imprisonment, and waiting, Joseph’s circumstances change almost instantly. But promotion does not mean that his testing has ended. In Part 4 of But God... we will discover that success is faithfulness rather than status, that changed circumstances do not automatically heal old wounds, and that success tests what suffering has forged within us.

Passage

Genesis 41:37-42:38

Principles

Success Is ##Faithfulness##, Not ##Status##.

Success Can Change Our ##Circumstances## Without Healing Our ##Wounds##.

Success ##Tests## What Suffering Has ##Forged##.

Practice

Identify one area of ##influence## God has entrusted to you and use it this week for someone else’s good.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

In this week’s sermon, we explored that Joseph’s sudden change in circumstances (from prisoner to Prime Minister) was not the end of the test. His success brought its own test.
In what ways have you felt tested by blessings, successes, and answered prayers?
Years after Joseph, Moses warns Israel that adversity is not their only test. Once they enter the Promised Land, live in good houses, and enjoy abundance, they will face another kind of test.

HEAR

Read Deuteronomy 8:1-10

God forms us in seasons of need

Why did God lead Israel through the wilderness?
What did hunger teach them about dependence?
What is the difference between God’s discipline and punishment?
How has God used a difficult season to train your dependence on Him?

Read Deuteronomy 8:11-14

Blessings can tempt us to forget

What changes when Israel moves from hunger to abundance?
Why might prosperity make remembering God more difficult?
What practices help us remember God when life is going well?
Where are you most tempted to enjoy God’s gifts without acknowledging the Giver?

Read Deuteronomy 8:15-20

Blessings must be received as stewardship

According to verse 18, where does Israel’s ability to produce wealth come from?
Why does God connect their resources with His covenant purposes?
What is the difference between possessing a blessing and stewarding it?

HUDDLE

Where has God entrusted you with blessing, influence, or opportunity, and what would it mean to use it faithfully? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

This week’s readings follow Joseph’s first encounters with his brothers in Egypt. As you read, notice how Joseph responds to power, how the brothers begin confronting their guilt, and how God recreates an earlier test to reveal whether they have truly changed.

Day 1: Genesis 42:1-24
Day 2: Genesis 42:25-38
Day 3: Genesis 43:1-14
Day 4: Genesis 43:15-34
Day 5: Genesis 44:1-17
Day 6: Genesis 44:18-34
Day 7: Deuteronomy 8:6-18

Think Deeper

Have you ever known someone who thrived in times of trial, but struggled in times of blessing?
How has success tested you?
What is one area of influence or success you can use to bless someone else?