TEXT: Genesis 30 & 31

1. SEARCHING OUR MEMORIES
   1. Discuss what you chose to do from last week's "Searching Our Lives" suggestions.

   2. In last week's lesson, we read of several examples of deceit and favoritism. Which instance do you think had the most impact on the relationship involved?

2. SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
   3. Why is Rachel jealous of Leah?

   4. What is Jacob's response to Rachel?

   5. 1. What does Rachel do to "solve" her problem?

      2. Who resulted from this "solution"?

      3. What do their names mean?

   6. 1. What arrangement does Rachel make with Leah in verses 14-15?

      2. What is the result?

      FYI: In some cultures, the mandrake plant was believed to help barren women conceive. Perhaps this is why Rachel is so eager to have some of the plants.

   7. Who is the only daughter of Jacob mentioned in the text?

   8. 1. What does God do for Rachel?

      2. What does "Joseph" mean?

   9. 1. After Rachel gives birth to Joseph, what does Jacob say to Laban?

      2. What is Laban's counteroffer?

   10. Who receives the credit for Laban's prosperity through Jacob?

   11. 1. Briefly describe the arrangement made between Laban and Jacob.

       2. What does Laban do?

       3. What does Jacob do?

   12. How is Jacob described at the end of this chapter?

   Chapter 31
   13. 1. What were Laban's sons saying about Jacob?

       2. What did Jacob notice?

   14. Where does the LORD tell Jacob to go?

   15. When relaying the message to Rachel and Leah, Jacob makes three "God has ..." statements. What does he say God has done for him?

   16. In Jacob's dream, how does God describe Himself?

   17. 1. What and whom does Jacob take with him?

       2. Where do they go?

       3. Does Jacob tell Laban that they are leaving?

       4. What does Rachel take?

   18. 1. When was Laban told that Jacob had fled?

       2. How long is it before Laban catches up with Jacob?

       3. Where?

   19. 1. How does God speak to Laban?

       2. What does He tell him?

   20. 1. What does Laban say that Jacob has stolen?

       2. What does Jacob say will happen to the one who has them?

   21. How does Rachel hide the idols?

   22. 1. How long had Jacob worked for Laban?

       2. How many times had his wages been changed?

   23. Jacob and Laban make a covenant.
       1. What serves as a witness to this covenant?

       2. What are the conditions of the covenant?

       3. How do they "seal the deal"?

       4. How do they part?

3. MAKING THE CONNECTION
   24. Read Colossians 3:22 - 4:1. Describe how we, as workers and supervisors, are to conduct ourselves, regardless of our situation. How do Laban and Jacob measure up?

   25. The women are aware of Jacob's preference for Rachel, and this is one factor that figures into the rivalry between the sisters. James 2:1-11 warns Christians of favoritism within the body. What do verses 3-4 say is at the heart of the matter?

4. SEARCHING THE HEART
   26. Rereading Colossians 3:22 - 4:1, how do you measure up today? Are there specific ways you could improve?

   27. Like Rachel with the mandrakes and Jacob with the animal-breeding tricks, have you ever found yourself relying on worldly solutions instead of waiting on God?

   28. How would you explain to someone the concepts of waiting on God, relying on God, and doing your part to solve a problem?

5. SEARCHING OUR LIVES (Choose one of the following to complete and discuss for next week.)
   29. Rachel, Leah and Jacob each identified some way in which God had blessed them. Make a list of things God has done for you, and thank Him for these blessings each day this week.

   30. Many we know work diligently and even "behind the scenes" as described in the Colossians 3 text. Write notes of thanks to at least two people in your life who have served you in some way this past month.

   31. Share with your group some of your favorite verses from the Bible that help you daily rely on God and turn your worries completely over to Him.