Are You Kidding Me?! - But I Did the Right Thing!

Genesis 39:1–23

Share a personal story about a time in your life in which it was very easy and seemingly innocent to cheat.

How would you define or explain integrity?
(The word 'integrity' evolved from the Latin adjective 'integer', meaning whole or complete. In this context, integrity is the sense of 'wholeness', and not a fraction. 8/8 is a whole number, 7/8 would be a fraction.)

What does the concept of "whole" and "complete" tell you about integrity?
(Integrity can not be something we have "some" or "most" of the time. It's something we must have "all" of the time. It's our character.)

What do "small" choices and "white lies" have to do with integrity?

What are some of the greatest tests of integrity that men/women/couples/moms/teens (whatever fits your rGroup) face today?

What types of situations test your integrity the most?

Do you think integrity is valued today in society? Why or why not?

How can you specifically follow Joseph's example to run from temptation (sexual temptation or other kinds)?

Was there anything that Joseph did to help him make a decision in response to Potiphar's wife's advances? How can you learn from him?

If it matters, guard it. What "guard rails" are in your life to protect your integrity? What guard rails do you need to add?

What happens to your relationship with God, with others, and with the opportunities God gives you when you refuse to have integrity?

Even though Joseph demonstrated his character of integrity, he still got blamed and thrown in prison. Has integrity ever cost you something?

Why do you think God allowed the situation with "Mrs. Potiphar" to end the way it did, especially in light of God's favor in other areas of Joseph's life?

Everything we do as a child of God and follower of Jesus must be in integrity, truthfulness, and honesty, as we are representing Him who is living in us. What are you tempted to pursue/follow more than Jesus?

Next Steps:

What do you need to confess of and turn away from in order to follow God with integrity?

Think through the steps you need to take to put integrity into action in a specific instance. For example, what can you do to be more consistent and proactive with integrity?

What action step will you take this week to build your character of integrity?

Pray:

God, we need your guidance every single step of the way. Help us to see those times when we have a decision to make about who we are and who we are not. Help us to follow you and not our own desires. And show us the way that we need to walk, talk and think to stay in step with you.