Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler - Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO SERIES
Joseph's Background:
Great-grandfather = Abraham
Grandfather = Isaac
Father = Jacob
2 Brothers + 10 Half brothers = heads of the 12 tribes of Israel
What is God's purpose with all of Joseph's baggage?
1. To protect and deal with the line of blessing.
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you."-Genesis 12:2-32. For Joseph to honor God's name to those outside the faith through his life.
"When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant."-Genesis 39:33. To save the lives of thousands through Joseph.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."-Genesis 50:20
TAKE AWAY: God's purposes will often be fulfilled in our lives in ways we would not endorse nor imagine.
QUESTIONS:
1. If you lead your household, what are you intentionally doing to insure a Godly lineage?
2. How would those outside the faith who have observed your life say you have handled your baggage?
Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Struggling With God's Will (Rejection)
Listen to Pastor Dan Houze's Sermon HERE.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Struggling with God's Will
Genesis 37:1-11
October 11th, 2009
Children by Leah Bilhah Zilpah Rachael
Reuben Dan Gad Joseph
Simeon Naphtali Asher Benjamin
Levi
Judah
Issachar
Zebulun
Dinah (d.)
God reveals His will to Jacob's family concerning Joseph in two ways:
- Through observation of Joseph's character.
- Through Joseph's dreams.
- Today God's revealed will is given to us in His Word.
- His will is always about who we are being rather than what we do.
- God works-out His will even through obstinate, sinful people.
Acts 26:14b, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
TAKE AWAY: To reject God's message is to reject God.
QUESTIONS:
- Is there any instruction from the Bible you find yourself "kicking against?" Why?
- Knowing that refusing God's will is a losing and painful proposition will you repent of your disobedience today and do whatever it takes to respond obediently?
Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler: From Rejection to Persecution
Listen to Pastor Dan Houze's Sermon HERE.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
From Rejection to Persecution
Genesis 37:12-36
1. Sometimes the suffering of persecution comes without just cause.
- 1 Peter 2:20-25 - "...if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called,..." (vv. 20-21a)
- 1 Peter 3:17 - "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
- 1 Peter 4:4-5 - "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you." (v. 4)
- 1 Peter 4:4-5 - "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you... if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." (vv. 14, 16)
2. What is God's purpose in our suffering? (James 1:2-4)
1. Stronger Faith
2. Maturity
3. Joy
TAKE AWAY: Our ability to endure and grow through persecution will be based on where we are receiving our identity and our purpose.
QUESTIONS:
- Are you open about your faith or do you find yourself downplaying it to avoid persecution?
- Where are you finding your purpose and identity?
Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Dealing With Dirty Laundry
Listen to Pastor Dan Houze's Sermon HERE.
JOSEPH... THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Dealing with Dirty Laundry
Genesis 38:1-30
Scene I (38:1-11)
*I Corinthians 15:33
*Hebrews 10:24-25
*2 Corinthians 6:14-15
*Genesis 24:3; 28:1
*Deuteronomy 25:5-10
Scene II (38:12-19)
*I Samuel 25:11, 36; 2 Samuel 13:23, 28
Scene III (38:20-26)
*Romans 2:1; Luke 12:2-3
*Genesis 43
*Genesis 44
Scene IV (38:27-30)
*Ruth 4:18-22
*Matthew 1:3
*I Corinthians 1:26-31
*Related passages
TAKE AWAY: While we all have the burden of "dirty laundry" we also have the choice to continue to carry it or drop it at the door of grace.
Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Potential Pitfalls of Promotions (Temptation)
Listen to Pastor Dan Houze's Sermon HERE.
JOSEPH... THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Potential Pitfalls of Promotions
Genesis 39:1-23
1. God's blessings go beyond the ordinary (1-6a)
- Matthew 5:45b, "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous."
- Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven."
2. God's blessings are followed by our adversaries temptations (6b-23)
Three faces of temptation:
Material
Personal
Sensual
- James 1:13-14, "When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."
- I Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
TAKE AWAY: Continued supernatural blessings come by standing against temptation which requires us not to be gentle with our emotions or confused by the immediate results of resistance.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER:
- Where would those who know you best say they see supernatural blessings in your life?
- Of the three faces of temptation with which would you be most inclined to struggle? Do you have a trusted and spiritually mature friend who is aware of this?
Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Abandoned But Not Alone
Listen to Pastor Dan Houze's Sermon HERE.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Abandoned but not Alone
Genesis 40:1-23
Three essentials Joseph models for us in the midst of suffering:
- Joseph had an unshakeable CONFIDENCE that God was with him.
(Genesis 39:2-3, 21, 23; Hebrews 13:5) - Joseph had ASSURANCE God would fulfill his promises in His time and His way. (Hebrews 12:11)
- Joseph SERVED others rather than wallow in SELF-PITY.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
TAKE AWAY: Preoccupation with despair leads only to more of the same, while trust in the midst of suffering becomes quiet contentment in the Lord.
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER:
- Which do you desire more in your life, internal contentment or the physical comforts of the world?
Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Lessons From the Hard Years
Listen to Pastor Danny's Message from Nov. 15th, 2009.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Lessons from the Hard Years
Genesis 41:1-57
1. Adversity is for our enlargement not our destruction
- Being pious without self-discipline is foolishness
- Discipline strengthens the will when life gets tough (Dan. 3:16-18)
- Discipline brings our spiritual gifts to a high level of effectiveness (1 Tim. 4:14-15)
- Discipline produces excellence in life and work (2Tim. 3:10)
2. Humility gives us a quiet confidence for the future (Prov. 3:5-7)
Warren Bennis, On Becoming a Leader, "Leaders have not interest in proving themselves, but an abiding interest in expressing themselves. The difference is crucial, for it's the difference between being driven, as too many people are today, and leading, as too few people do."
- Proving myself (identity in me): Selfish, easily threatened, competitive in an unhealthy way (coveting), fear of failure, fear of success, fear of being found out, use people rather than develop people.
- Expressing myself (identity in Christ): Define myself and others with reality (all beggars at the door of grace), other focused, content with less, living with sense of gratefulness, clearer view of the "big picture."
- To me, the natural outgrowth of finding our identity in Christ is humility and confidence in the One in whom we rest and hope. It's all Jesus and he's more than enough (Gal. 2:20).
TAKE AWAY: Testing illuminates a quality of character that opens the door to influence.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
- What does it mean to be "wise in your own eyes"?
- When have you been "wise in your own eyes" in your own life? What were the results?
Joseph - The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Activating A Seared Conscience
Listen to Pastor Danny's Sermon from Nov. 22nd, 2009.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Activating a Seared Conscience
Genesis 42:1-38
Activating a Seared Conscience requires...
- Taking responsibility (vv.21-22)
Psalm 32:3-4 - Gaining a new perspective about ourselves and God (v.28)
Daniel 4:28-35 - Accepting unmerited and undeserved grace (vv. 25-26)
Romans 5:6-8
TAKE AWAY: A seared conscience makes it impossible to enjoy the blessings of our faith.
Joseph...The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Facing Our Fears and Tears
Listen to the message from November 29th, 2009.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Facing Our Fears and Tears
Genesis 43:1-34
Jacob's 7 Lousy Laws of Leadership
1. Procrastination always solves problems today (v.10).
2. Denying the problem helps your day go smoother (v.2).
3. If you want to win remember, honesty is not always the best policy (v.6).
4. Always look out for number one (v.3).
5. As much as is possible, see to it that others receive the blame for any problems (v.6).
6. Throwing money at a problem always helps (11-12).
7. When all else fails, trust God (v.14).
Two vital principles from Joseph's emotions:
1. Emotions should be real but always yielded to God's purposes.
Ezekiel 24:15-18
2. Real love is always regulated by knowledge and discernment.
Philippians 1:9
TAKE AWAY: Fear distorts reality and makes it impossible for us to make a wise decision, but feelings fully devoted to God produce strength and wisdom.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
- Call to mind your most recent test. Did you respond with trust or like Jacob?
- Are you working for God's approval or resting in the relationship?
Joseph...The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Finding Hope in Repentance
Listen to the message from December 6, 2009.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Finding Hope in Repentance
Genesis 44:1-34
"This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."-Matthew 24:46-47
"Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins'."-Acts 2:38
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."-Acts 17:30
"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."-Acts 20:21
"I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds."-Acts 26:20
Three elements of repentance:
1. The Intellectual Element: There is a change of view, a recognition of sin as involving personal guilt, defilement, and helplessness. It is designated in scripture as the "knowledge of sin" (Gen. 44:16; Rom. 3:20).
2. The Emotional Element: There is a change of feeling, manifesting itself in sorrow for sin committed against a holy and just God (Gen. 44:34; Ps. 51:2, 10, 14).
3. The Volitional Element: This is a change of purpose, and inward turning away from sin and a disposition to seek pardon and cleansing (Gen. 44:33; Ps. 51:5, 7, 10; Jeremiah 25:5).
TAKE AWAY: We can enjoy a genuine hope in the reconciling purpose of Jesus' advent when and only when we move in genuine repentance.
QUESTION FOR PRAYER AND CONSIDERATION:
Do you understand what it means to repent with consideration to the intellectual, emotional and volitional elements? Have you then genuinely repented? Prayerfully consider the words of Psalm 51.
Psalm 51
For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Joseph...The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Finding Hope By Forgiving
Listen to the message from December 13th, 2009.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Finding Hope by Forgiving
Genesis 45:1-28
A general definition of forgiveness:
Forgiveness is a personal decision on the part of the offended party to release the offender from the penalty and guilt of the offense committed. This not only frees the offender, but it also frees the forgiver of anger and bitterness.
1. We forgive because it is not optional (Colossians 3:12-13).
2. We forgive because we have been forgiven of much (Luke 7:40-48).
3. We forgive because we trust God's purpose in the offense (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
4. We forgive because we desire to express Biblical love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
TAKE AWAY: We are never more like Christ than when we serve and forgive.
JOSEPH...The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Finding Hope in Relationship with Christ
Listen to Danny's message from December 20th, 2009.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Finding Hope in Relationship with Christ
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the race to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." - I Peter 1:13
The impact hope should have on our conduct, specifically, our relationships in and through Christ:
1. Our relationship to our culture: Holiness - I Peter 1:14-16
2. Our relationship to our heavenly Father: Fear - I Peter 1:17-21
3. Our relationship to the Word and to one another: Love - I Peter 1:22-2:3
Hope Texts for Further Meditation and Study
For what do we hope?
1. Deliverance from death-Psalm 16:9; 33:18
2. Deliverance from enemies-Psalm 71:4, 5, 14
3. For eternal life-Titus 1:2; 3:7
4. For freedom from oppression-Job 5:15
5. For fruit from our spiritual labors-1 Corinthians 9:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:18
6. For God's abiding presence-Psalm 42:1-11
7. For God's unfailing love-Psalm 33:22; 147:11
8. For the grace to be given-1 Peter 1:13
9. For the redemption of our bodies-Romans 8:23
10. For the resurrection of the dead-Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6; 1 Corinthians 15:15-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
11. For the return of Christ-Titus 2:13
12. For righteousness-Galatians 5:5
13. For security-Job 11:13-17
14.For the sharing of God's glory-Romans 5:1-2
15. For temporal and spiritual restoration-Ezra 10:2; Psalm 37:9; Jeremiah 14:8; 31:17; Lamentations 3:29; Hosea 2:15; Zechariah 9:12
How does hope benefit the believer?
1. Hope characterizes the Christian faith-1 Corinthians 13:13; Hebrews 11:1
2. Hope equips us for spiritual warfare-1 Thessalonians 5:8
3. Hope gives us assurance-Psalm 25:3; Romans 8:25; Hebrews 6:16f.
4. Hope calls upon divine help-Psalm 146:5-10
5. Hope is alive-1 Peter 1:3-5
6. Hope is clear-Hebrews 10:23; 1 Peter 3:15
7. Hope leads to rejoicing-Romans 5:1; 12:12
8. Hope produces boldness-2 Corinthians 3:12
9. Hope produces godly living-Psalm 25:21; Hebrews 6:10; 1 John 3:2-3
10. Hope strengthens and encourages-Psalm 31:24; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 49:23; Rom. 5:3; Ephesians 1:18-19; Philippians 1:20.
TAKE AWAY: All of our potential and perseverance is all wrapped-up in the hope found in relationship with Jesus Christ.
Joseph... The Ultimate Bagger Handler: Wrestling with Prosperity and Poverty
Listen to this message from Pastor Dan Houze given on Dec. 27th, 2009.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Wrestling with Prosperity and Poverty
Genesis 47: 13-27
Principles of prosperity and poverty:
1. Freedom is a privilege, not a right (I Cor. 7:21; I Peter 2:18-25).
2. Prosperity is not a right, but a privilege and responsibility (Deut. 15:4-6; 15:11; Prov. 10:4).
3. In the Bible, poverty is not viewed as an intrinsic evil that must be abolished (Phil. 4:12-13; 2 Cor. 8:9; Luke 6:20-21; John 12:8).
When does wealth become evil?
- Matt. 6:24-34: has too much of our thought and concern.
- Luke 16:10-11,14: given too much importance.
- Luke 3:13-14: when it is wrongfully gained.
- Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:13-21: when it is selfishly stored-up.
- Luke 15:1ff; James 5:5: When it is sinfully squandered.
- Matt. 19:16-22; I Tim. 6:17: when we find our security in it.
When is poverty evil?
- I Tim. 5:9: When there is lack of consideration or responsibility.
- 2 Thess. 3:6-15: When there is a lack of diligence.
The problem of poverty doesn't have a simple solution:
- Sometimes told to give to those in need (Prov. 22:9; 28:27)
- Sometimes told to lend to poor without interest (Lev. 25:35-37; Prov. 11:26; 16:26).
- Paul instructs us to let the lazy person suffer the consequences of their choices (2 Thess. 3:10).
When working with issues of charity to goals should be maintained:
- We should seek to preserve the dignity of the needy.
- We should seek to promote the diligence of the needy.
4. The accumulation of wealth is frequently the means for helping the poor (Acts 4:34-35; I Cor. 16:1-2).
5. God's provision for his people does not require times of national economic prosperity.
TAKE AWAY: God's ability to provide for his own does not depend upon the Dow-Jones averages.
QUESTION FOR PRAYER AND CONSIDERATION:
What action or attitude regarding prosperity and poverty do you need to address in your own life?
JOSEPH...The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Finishing Well
Listen to the sermon from January 3rd, 2010.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Finishing Well
Genesis 47:28-49:33
Three sure ways to finish well:
1. Finish well by blessing the next generation (48:1-49:28).
"By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and worshipped as he leaned on the top of his staff."-Hebrews 11:21
God's glory is so all-consuming that it is the very foundation of our blessings or happiness.
2. Finish well by worshipping with genuine joy (47:28-31).
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth."-John 4:23-24
"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."-John 3:6
"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."-John 15:10-11
Our happiness in our relationship with the Lord is expressed outwardly through our joy.
3. Finish well by leaving a legacy of faith to follow (48:29-33).
TAKE AWAY: Regardless of our past there always remains the opportunity to make impact by finishing well.
QUESTIONS FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION:
What impact would you leave with those who know you if you died today? Does it match with the desired impact you wish to leave? If not, what do you need to do today to make a change?
JOSEPH...The Ultimate Baggage Handler: Disposing of the Baggage, Leaving a Legacy
Listen to the message delivered on January 10th, 2010.
JOSEPH...THE ULTIMATE BAGGAGE HANDLER
Disposing of the Baggage, Leaving a Legacy
Genesis 50: 1-26
Three legacies Joseph leaves as a model for all of us:
1. Joseph never lost his identity or purpose as a God-follower.
2. Joseph never stopped growing as a forgiver and grace-giver.
3. Joseph died at peace with man and with God.
TAKE AWAY: Life's baggage will either define us by the tyranny of bitterness or as stewards of the contagious charm of grace.
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER:
What will you do with all the "whys" of this life?
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