Facing Hatred & Envy Facing Betrayal Facing Persistent Temptation Facing False Accusations

1. W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

2. Facing Hatred & Envy • Facing Betrayal • Facing Persistent Temptation • Facing False Accusations • Facing Ingratitude • Facing Power & Responsibility • Facing Painful Memories • Facing Past Forgiven Sins W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

3. Joseph’s Problem • Squealed on his brothers – Gen 37:2 • His father favored him – Gen 37:3 • His brothers hated him – Gen 37:4 • Their hatred grew – Gen 37:5 • They envied him – Gen 37:11 W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

4. Joseph’s Reaction • Obeyed his father’s instructions to find his brothers – Gen 37:13-14 • Knowing his brothers would not be happy to see him – he was yet persistent in his search for them – Gen 37:15-17 • There is no evidence of Joseph returning hatred for hatred, or envy for envy . . . . W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

5. Application • Can you identify? • We are instructed to never return “evil for evil,” or “reviling for reviling” – Rom 12:17; 1 Thes 5:15; 1 Pet 3:9 • But to “have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” - Rom 12:17,18 W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

6. Application • Can you identify? • We are instructed to never return “evil for evil,” or “reviling for reviling” – Rom 12:17; 1 Thes 5:15; 1 Pet 3:9 • But to “warn those who are unruly, . . .be patient with all. 15 . . . always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” - 1 Thes 5:15 (NKJV) W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

7. 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NKJV) 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

8. 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NKJV) 10 For "He who would love lifeAnd see good days,Let him refrain his tongue from evil,And his lips from speaking deceit.11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;Let him seek peace and pursue it.12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,And His ears are open to their prayers;But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.“ W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

9. Joseph’s Problem • His brothers conspired against him – Gen 37:18-20 • They cast him into a pit – Gen 37:24,25 • They sold him into slavery – Gen 37:26-28 W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

10. Joseph’s Response • Joseph pleaded with his brothers – Gen 42:21 • Joseph was trustworthy – loyal & godly - Gen. 39:1-6; cf. Acts 7:9 • Joseph did not fill his life with hatred, bitterness and/or ungodliness – W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

11. Application • Can we relate – • Betrayal does not justify hatred & bitterness – Mat. 5:43-48 • Godliness is NOT determined by circumstances – (We can be godly, content & blessed whatever our circumstance) – Phili 4:11; Heb 13:5,6; Ps 37 W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

12. How do you respond to hatred, envy & betrayal? Hatred? Or LOVE? Envy? Or Kindness? Revenge? Or Trust in God? W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

13. Facing Hatred & Envy • Facing Betrayal • Facing Persistent Temptation • Facing False Accusations • Facing Ingratitude • Facing Power & Responsibility • Facing Painful Memories • Facing Past Forgiven Sins W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007

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