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Facing Life’s Problems. The Life of Joseph. Facing Life’s Problems. II Corinthians 12:10 – “in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses” How do you face these problems? What instructions were Joshua given? Joshua 1:7
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Facing Life’s Problems The Life of Joseph
Facing Life’s Problems • II Corinthians 12:10 – “in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses” • How do you face these problems? • What instructions were Joshua given? • Joshua 1:7 • What advice did the Proverb writer give his son? • Proverbs 4:20-27
Joseph • 1.) Facing Envy & Hatred
Facing Envy & Hatred • Genesis 37:1-11 • Joseph’s Problem: • Genesis 37:3 - His father favored him • Genesis 37:2 - He reported the misdeeds of his brothers • Genesis 37:4 - This caused his own brothers to hate him & not speak peaceable to him. • Genesis 37:5 - Joseph’s brothers hatred grew as Joseph did well. • Genesis 37:11 - Joseph’s brothers envied Joseph.
Facing Envy & Hatred • Genesis 37:12-17 • Joseph’s Response: • Genesis 37:13-14 - He obeyed his father’s instructions to see it if was well with his brothers. • Genesis 37:16 - He continued to treat his brothers as brothers. • He did not return hatred for hatred.
Facing Envy & Hatred • Our Applications: • 1.) We will be faced with envy & hatred. • Matthew 24:9 – “you will be hated… for My name’s sake” • John 17:13-15 – “and the world has hated them” • II Timothy 3:12 – “all who desire to live godly… will suffer persecution”
Facing Envy & Hatred • Our Applications: • 2.) We must not return hatred for hatred. • Romans 12:17-18 –”repay no one evil for evil” • I Thessalonians 5:15 – “no one renders evil for evil” • I Peter 3:8-9 – “not returning evil for evil”
Facing Envy & Hatred • Our Applications: • 3.) We must follow the example of Christ • I Peter 2:21-23 – “do not revile in return” • Matthew 5:43-44 – “love you enemies” • Matthew 7:12 – “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them”
Joseph • 1.) Facing Envy & Hatred • 2.) Facing Betrayal
Facing Betrayal • Genesis 37:18-36 • Joseph’s Problem: • Genesis 37:18 - His own brothers conspired to murder him. • Genesis 37:24 - His brothers cast him into a pit without food or water. • Genesis 37:28 - They sold Joseph into slavery.
Facing Betrayal • Genesis 39:1-2 • Joseph’s Response: • Genesis 42:21 – Joseph pleaded with his brother not to do this evil. • Genesis 39:2 – “The Lord was with Joseph” • Acts 7:9 – “God was with him” • Genesis 39:3-6 – What did Potiphar see in Joseph?
Facing Betrayal • Our Applications: • 1.) We will face betrayal in our lives. • Matthew 10:35-36 – “enemies… those of his own household” • I Peter 3:15-17 – “defame you as evildoers”
Facing Betrayal • Our Applications: • 2.) Jesus was faced with betrayal. • John 6:60-61, 66 – “many of His disciples… walked with Him no more” • Matthew 26:48-50 – “His betrayer had given” • Matthew 26:55-56 – “all the disciple forsook Him and fled”
Facing Betrayal • Our Applications: • 3.) We must put our trust in the Lord • Psalm 37:1-40 • (3) – “Trust in the Lord, and do good” • (5) – “Commit your way to the Lord” • (7) – “Rest in the Lord” • (25) – “I have not seen the righteous forsaken”
Facing Life’s Problems • We must not return evil for evil in our lives. • We must put our trust in God and continue to be faithful to His word. • Although the problems of this life may seem huge, heaven will be worth it all.