Wednesday Night Adult ClassSouth Jackson church of ChristLesson 15 – Joseph: Finding Family

Forgiveness

December 28, 2011rpack119@gmail.com

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Introductory Thoughts

One of the most fascinating stories in scripture is that of Joseph

A story that covers 20 chapters of Genesis

Joseph is one of the 12 sons of Jacob

His early years were spent in a home marked by sin, sadness, strife and struggles

A story that illustrates God’s providence

Introductory Thoughts

Tonight, we wish to explore the case of Joseph to learn how we, like he, can forgive

Joseph, after all, had so much he could hold against his brothers.

Because Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, Joseph's brothers couldn't stand him

When Joseph told his brothers his dreams about their paying homage to him, they became jealous

Then, his brothers took Joseph, sold him into slavery, and they reported to their father that Joseph had been killed

Joseph Valued His Family

Even though his family had done him so wrong, Joseph still loved them - Genesis 43:26-30

Some lessons we can learn from Joseph

He still loved and valued his family, even his rotten ten brothers who sold him into slavery.

He knew there was value in his family even when his family had severely disappointed him.

He knew that family was a small circle and that family needed to be protected.

He knew this was the family he had, and he couldn't go out and find a new family

Joseph Knew That God Had a Plan

Confirmed by Joseph’s statement to his brothers Genesis 45:8

Is it too much to think that even when our family severely disappoints us that God is in control and

has a plan?

Joseph certainly seemed to recognize the hand of God, and he was able to forgive his 10 brothers

Will we see the hand of God and be able to forgive?

Joseph Knew He Had to Do the Right Thing

Genesis 42:18 confirms this

An examination of his life proves his fear

Potiphar’s wife – Genesis 39:9

The interpretation of dreams in prison

Lack of retaliation against his brothers

Joseph Knew He Had to Do the Right Thing

When our family sins against us, we have a decision to make

Will we like Joseph do the right thing, or will we not do the right thing?

He Still Served

As we read through the narrative of Joseph, we find him serving his family

He gave his brothers grain when they came to him.

The second time the brothers came to him Joseph threw a feast for them – Genesis 43:16

Joseph helped his brothers settle in Egypt –Genesis 47:11

Joseph didn't sit around and think, "They were so cruel to me, and they owe me something.“

Instead, he went out and served them

He Still Served

Will we serve our family even though we might have been wronged?

Jesus told us that greatness comes from serving – Matthew 20:26-27

Greatness doesn't come by saying, "Hey, you did something against me, and you owe me

something.“

Greatness comes by saying, "Let me serve you.“

Will we serve when we've been wronged?

Thoughts and Application

Forgiveness is easier said than done

Ephesians 4:32

Will we forgive those who have wronged us?

Matthew 6:12

Next Weeks Lesson

Begin a New Study:Old Testament Kings

King Asa: The Failure of Compromise2 Chronicles 14-16