2.  Genesis 37:1-4, 18, 23-24, 28-35  Joseph and Man’s Favoritism  Discrimination is a word that we are all familiar with because at some point we have all experienced it. › Favoritism is a form of discrimination  Discrimination means to be isolated or set apart from › Favoritism means to show special attention

3. › The common denominator is “separation” › Favoritism and discrimination can both divide a church › Q: Do you play favorites? › Q: Are you more likely to listen to counsel of a rich person over that of a poor person › Q: Do you tend to take more stock in religious matters of those from well known church over a lesser known church › Q: Do you frown upon those who exalt the Lord openly

4.  If you answered yes to any of these questions then chances are you are showing favoritism  We have a tendency to judge people by their possessions and financial achievements.  We also play the dangerous game of favorites among our own family members.  Playing favorites always leads to trouble

5. A.Joseph was the youngest of the twelve sons of Jacob – now called Israel. What events led to Jacob’s name being changed? Where did these events take place? Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in he old age.

6. Everyone had a robe or a cloak. The were used to keep warm and bundle belongings for trips Most were knee length, short sleeved and plain They were made from common wool. Joseph’s was made like one made for royalty, long sleeved, ankle length and colorful. That’s why the robe became a symbol of Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph. It aggravated the already strained relationship between Joseph and his brothers.

7. Favoritism plants seeds of jealousy. Motivated Joseph’s brothers to plot against him Jacob must have felt devastated when his sons returned home with Joseph’s coat stained with blood. Favoritism destroys unity.

8. 1.Fair distribution a)A fair distribution of love is essential for spiritual growth both in our families and in our family of God.  1 Timothy 3:5  What method can a church use to make people feel welcome?  What method can a church take to make people that have isolated themselves become more involved?

9. A: A few things we can do are:  take on a new spiritual partner  change where we sit during worship  engage in new conversation  develop a new relationship with someone you don’t know

10. Consistent Christian living makes the deepest impression not just on our children but on the world. Eternal truths are most effectively taught to our children in the loving environment of a God- fearing home and then carried forward into our community.

11. Q: We are responsible for the spiritual up bringing of our youth in our church. How would you rate our performance? Q: What can we do to improve on the help we offer parents to train up in the way that should go?

12.  God’s command applies to both parents and children.  If our love for Christ is real it will prove itself at home in our relationship with those who know us best.  Children and parents have a responsibility to each other. Children should honor their parents even if the parents are demanding and unfair. Parents should gently care for their children even if the children are disobedient and unpleasant.

13. We are commanded not obey one another but to honor one another. There is a difference between obeying and honoring. To obey means to do as one is told, to honor means to respect and love. Q: read 1 Timothy 5:21 and Romans 12:10 How can we as churches ensure that these mandates are being followed?

14. A: Season Saints may find it easy to obey the Lord!! Unfortunately the church is filled with diverse level of faith. Those who are stronger must bear the infirmities of those who are weak. Our expression of love for everyone must be genuine. Pretending to love everyone is hypocritical and eventually will be exposed.

15. We are all family because we have the same father. There is no room for favoritism because God is the source of all creation; the rightful owner of everything.

16.  For next week’s discussion › Study the first four lesson be prepared for review. › Test will follow the review.