BCS DEAF CHURCH FEB 28, 2016 The Life of Joseph Week 7: Forgiveness – Genesis 42-50

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GENESIS 42-50 Forgiveness and Reconciliation

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Genesis 41 • Joseph becomes “Prime Minister” of Egypt. • Joseph oversees food storage through 7 years of plenty – then famine hits.

Genesis 42 • Famine hits the land – everyone is starving. • Jacob and his sons are hit hard and need food! • Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to buy food.

Genesis 43-44 • Joseph meets his brothers, but they don’t recognize him. • Joseph tries to get the brothers to return with Joseph’s younger brother, Benjamin.

Genesis 45 Joseph reveals his true identity to all 11 of his brothers and forgives them for selling him into slavery.

Genesis 50 Joseph’s father dies. Joseph again forgives his brothers and promises to look after them and their families.

Forgiveness

Forgive: Why? Q: Why should we forgive others? Q: What happens when you do not forgive? Q: What is the main reason Jesus came? Q: Why is it so crucial for Christians to forgive?

Forgive: Why? God requires it. Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ 22Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ ”

Forgiveness is essential for our freedom. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “10If there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” • Why is not forgiving so painful? • Why do people refuse to forgive? • Forgiveness is often essential to end the pain. Forgive: Why?

Forgiveness is NOT:  Forgetting – Joseph never forgot what his brothers had done to him.  Excusing – Joseph said his brothers’ actions toward him were evil.  Tolerating Forgiveness: What does it mean?

Q: Why is tolerating the sin wrong? Matthew 18:6-7 (Jesus speaking) “6If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble!” Forgiveness: What does it mean?

 Forgiveness means paying the consequences ourselves for someone else’s sins against us.  We allow God to judge the person who sinned instead of making the judgment ourselves!  Joseph said to his brothers: “Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you.” (Genesis 50:19, ERV) Forgiveness: What does it mean?

How do we forgive?  Be honest about the offense.  Challenge the sin.  Matthew 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”  Accept the burden.  Allow reconciliation.  Romans 12:17-19 “17Do not repay anyone evil for evil... 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge…”

We need to understand:  Forgiving may be a long process.  The person who sinned may not want or accept forgiveness  We need forgiveness, too!  The price for our forgiveness was Jesus death on the cross. We were God’s enemy – but Jesus died for us to reconcile us with God. When it‘s hard to forgive: take it to the Cross! How do we forgive?

An example of Forgiveness People of the Second Chance: Emmanuel’s Story

• Faulkner family – Brock passed away after two years of leukemia. They have three young children. • Jena is having a myelogram (medical test) in Austin on Wednesday. • Paul is still searching for a job. Prayer Requests

• Dinner Social before Breakaway: Tuesday night at 7:00pm, Jason’s Deli • Breakaway at 9:00pm in Reed Arena. Certified Interpreters provided in Section 109. Announcements