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

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Don McClain

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

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Facing Hatred & Envy Facing Betrayal Facing Persistent

Temptation Facing False

Accusations Facing Ingratitude Facing Power &

Responsibility Facing Painful

Memories Facing Past Forgiven

Sins

Don McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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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 12:17,18Don McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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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 McClain

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

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Don McClain

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

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Facing Hatred & Envy Facing Betrayal Facing Persistent

Temptation Facing False

Accusations Facing Ingratitude Facing Power &

Responsibility Facing Painful

Memories Facing Past Forgiven

Sins

Don McClain

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

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Don McClain

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

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Don McClain

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

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Don McClain

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

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Don McClain

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

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Don McClain

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

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Bruce Is . . .

Big Ugy Hungry

Don McClain