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

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

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 Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 3

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.... Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 4

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 Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 5

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) Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 6

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. Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 7

8. 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NKJV) 10 For "He who would love life And 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.“ Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 8

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 Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 9

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 – Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 10

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 Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 11

12. Don McClainW 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007 12

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

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