Date: January 23, 2022
The Pitfall of Betrayal
The Point: God is at work, even when it’s not obvious.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
Graduate students at Binghamton University recently published a study describing the qualities people value in team members in the workplace. Their study showed that “people who are friendly and trustworthy are more likely to be selected for teams than those who are known for just their skill competency and personal reputation.” When employees are creating teams in their workplace, friendliness and trustworthiness are valued more highly than other factors, such as competency.
Say: In the workplace, and in other places too, trustworthiness is a highly valued quality in a person. Then call attention to Question #1 (How has someone really earned your trust over the years?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
Get Into the Study [Option from Adult (p. 99) and KJV Adult (p. 99) Leader Guides]
In advance, play a video clip showing an example of building or earning trust. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #4.
When fires swept through communities near Denver on December 30, Linda and Dale Hinkle’s home was one of the many homes destroyed. As the fast-moving fire approached, the Hinkles had just moments to grab a few necessities before they escaped to safety. “It felt like you were in the middle of an erupting volcano,” she says. “You couldn’t see. Ash was blowing around and getting in your mouth and eyes.” Friends and their church family are helping care for the Hinkles right now.
“All of these possessions that we cling to … you can’t take them with you anyway,” Linda said. “You realize how many people care about you [from the] love of our church, our friends and our family,” she says. Linda is thankful for the kindness of the people who are helping them. She can see God at work in their situation. “I pray, ‘God, it’s a new day. Give me the strength I need to continue,’” she says. “And He does; He gives me the strength to make it through.”
Say: Faced with a devastating fire, the Hinkle family sees God providing the strength and support they need to move forward. Then call attention to Question #4 (How have you seen God work during pitfalls in people’s lives?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
— Donna McKinney wrote this Leader Extra. Donna is retired from a career with the federal government of the United States. She is a veteran Bible study group leader living in North Carolina.
Additional Questions
Icebreakers
- When you think of betrayal, what words or ideas come to your mind? Why?
- What makes betrayal so devastating?
- When it comes to our relationships, what are some keys to creating strong and healthy bonds?
Genesis 37:1-5
- What provokes envy in families or relationships today?
- What do we learn about Joseph from these verses?
- If left unchecked, where can bitterness lead us?
Genesis 37:19-24
- What has helped you avoid bitterness and envy?
- What examples do you see of animosity and jealousy leading to pain in our own culture?
- How can we identify bitterness and jealousy in our own hearts?
Genesis 37:26-27
- What qualities of God encourage or empower you when you’re in the pit of betrayal or abandonment?
- How has God guided you even through a setback?
- What options do we have when we’ve been betrayed? What biblical truths can we cling to in times of betrayal?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
To Snitch or Not to Snitch … That is the Question
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
This is really a good topic for adults nowadays. How to avoid life’s pitfalls. Hope everyone can join.
Thank you for the podcast and the adult extra site, I find them helpful in my preparation.
God bless.
Very timely study. Thank you