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

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Don McClain

Facing Life’s Proble

ms

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 Potiphar’s wife “cast

longing eyes on Joseph, and she said ‘Lie with me’” (Gen 39:7)

She persisted in tempting Joseph every day – (Gen 39:10)

She increased the aggressive nature of her temptation – (Gen 39:11,12)

Don McClain

Facing Persistent Temptation

Genesis 39:1-11

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

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Joseph’s Response8 But he refused . . . 9 . . .How then

can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (39:8-9)

10 . . . he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. (39:10)

12 . . . he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. (39:11,12)

Don McClain

Facing Persistent Temptation

Genesis 39:1-11

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

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Application All of us will face

temptation (1 Cor 10:13) We can and should say “no”

– (Gen 4:7; Pro 1:10) Refuse to listen, and avoid

temptation – (Pro 5:8) RUN!! – (1Co 6:18; 10:14;

1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:22)Don McClain

Facing Persistent Temptation

Genesis 39:1-11

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

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Don McClain

Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23

Joseph’s Problem Falsely accused by

Potiphar’s wife – She told the men of her

house – (14-16) Then she told Potiphar –

(17-19) Potiphar puts Joseph in

prison – (20)

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

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Don McClain

Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23

Joseph’s Reaction No longer tempted by

Potiphar’s wife – Could have allowed

discouragement, hatred and bitterness to destroy him . . .

BUT – The Lord blessed Joseph – Implying that Joseph kept a faithful spirit – 21-23

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

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Don McClain

Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23

Application We must keep our lives above

reproach – but that will not guarantee our enemies will not falsely accuse us – (1 Pet 3:16; Luke 6:22)

Enemies will constantly watch us to discredit and accuse us – (Lk 6:7; 11:53,54).

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

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Don McClain

Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23

Application Too many brethren are too

quick to believe false accusers without having any evidence.

When falsely accused – Let us be like Joseph and Jesus – Retain our trust in God – Remain faithful to God – Be meek and humble -

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

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Don McClain

Facing IngratitudeGenesis 40:1-41:16

Joseph’s Problem Joseph in charge of chief

butler & chief baker – (40:1-4) Each had a dream & Joseph

interpreted them – (40:5-19) The butler was restored to his

position – but forgot about Joseph for two full years – (40:14,23; 41:1,9-13)

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

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Don McClain

Joseph’s Reaction Joseph could have become

bitter, despondent and sullen. The two years did not make

Joseph hostile, ungracious, or ungrateful for his release . . .

“. . . "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.“ (41:14,15)

Facing IngratitudeGenesis 40:1-41:16

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

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Don McClain

Application Do not be like the butler – We

should remember the good that others do for us – and keep our word – Phili 1:3,4

We need to Keep a good attitude – even if others fail to demonstrate appreciation for our efforts – (1 Cor 15:58)

Facing IngratitudeGenesis 40:1-41:16

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

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Don McClain

How do you respond to

Temptation? False

Accusations? Ingratitude?

Surrender – or Overcome?

Bitterness – or Trust in God?

Sullen? Or Keep serving 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