Wednesday Night Adult Class
South Jackson church of Christ
Lesson 15 – Joseph: Finding Family
Forgiveness
December 28, 2011
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Introductory Thoughts
One of the most fascinating stories in scripture is
that of Joseph
A story that covers 20 chapters of Genesis
Joseph is one of the 12 sons of Jacob
His early years were spent in a home marked by sin,
sadness, strife and struggles
A story that illustrates God’s providence
Introductory Thoughts
Tonight, we wish to explore the case of Joseph to
learn how we, like he, can forgive
Joseph, after all, had so much he could hold
against his brothers.
Because Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons,
Joseph's brothers couldn't stand him
When Joseph told his brothers his dreams about their
paying homage to him, they became jealous
Then, his brothers took Joseph, sold him into slavery, and
they reported to their father that Joseph had been killed
Joseph Valued His Family
Even though his family had done him so wrong,
Joseph still loved them - Genesis 43:26-30
Some lessons we can learn from Joseph
He still loved and valued his family, even his rotten ten
brothers who sold him into slavery.
He knew there was value in his family even when his
family had severely disappointed him.
He knew that family was a small circle and that family
needed to be protected.
He knew this was the family he had, and he couldn't go
out and find a new family
Joseph Knew That God Had a Plan
Confirmed by Joseph’s statement to his brothers
Genesis 45:8
Is it too much to think that even when our family
severely disappoints us that God is in control and
has a plan?
Joseph certainly seemed to recognize the hand of
God, and he was able to forgive his 10 brothers
Will we see the hand of God and be able to
forgive?
Joseph Knew He Had to Do the Right Thing
Genesis 42:18 confirms this
An examination of his life proves his fear
Potiphar’s wife – Genesis 39:9
The interpretation of dreams in prison
Lack of retaliation against his brothers
Joseph Knew He Had to Do the Right Thing
When our family sins against us, we have a
decision to make
Will we like Joseph do the right thing, or will we not do the
right thing?
He Still Served
As we read through the narrative of Joseph, we
find him serving his family
He gave his brothers grain when they came to him.
The second time the brothers came to him Joseph threw a
feast for them – Genesis 43:16
Joseph helped his brothers settle in Egypt –
Genesis 47:11
Joseph didn't sit around and think, "They were so cruel to
me, and they owe me something.“
Instead, he went out and served them
He Still Served
Will we serve our family even though we might
have been wronged?
Jesus told us that greatness comes from serving –
Matthew 20:26-27
Greatness doesn't come by saying, "Hey, you did
something against me, and you owe me
something.“
Greatness comes by saying, "Let me serve you.“
Will we serve when we've been wronged?
Thoughts and Application
Forgiveness is easier said than done
Ephesians 4:32
Will we forgive those who have wronged us?
Matthew 6:12
Next Weeks Lesson
Begin a New Study:
Old Testament Kings
King Asa: The Failure of Compromise
2 Chronicles 14-16