joseph was raised to freedom and power by god’s provisions n n 1 john 5:14-15 (nkjv) now this is...

Joseph was raised to freedom and power by Joseph was raised to freedom and power by God’s provisionsGod’s provisions

Joseph was raised to freedom and power by Joseph was raised to freedom and power by God’s provisionsGod’s provisions

1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV)Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Joseph was successful in his work because of GodJoseph was successful in his work because of GodJoseph was successful in his work because of GodJoseph was successful in his work because of God

When he stood before Pharaoh he made that When he stood before Pharaoh he made that point clear. point clear. (Gen 41:14-16)(Gen 41:14-16)


Genesis 41:14-16 (NKJV) Genesis 41:14-16 (NKJV) Then Pharaoh sent Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. 15 changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. 15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and dream, and there isthere is no one who can interpret no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you it. But I have heard it said of you thatthat you can you can understand a dream, to interpret it.”understand a dream, to interpret it.”


16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It It isis not in me not in me; God will give Pharaoh an ; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”answer of peace.”



This could have offended Pharaoh. Still it This could have offended Pharaoh. Still it was the truth.was the truth.




This was God’s timing. Pharaoh was ready This was God’s timing. Pharaoh was ready to listen.to listen.




This was God’s timing. Pharaoh was ready This was God’s timing. Pharaoh was ready to listen.to listen.

Joseph gave the interpretation without Joseph gave the interpretation without seeking advantages for self. seeking advantages for self. (Gen 41:17-32)(Gen 41:17-32)


Genesis 41:17-32 (NKJV)Genesis 41:17-32 (NKJV) Then Pharaoh said to Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank Joseph: “Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river. 18 Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river. 18 Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. 19 Then behold, seven other cows the meadow. 19 Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt. 20 And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up of Egypt. 20 And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows. the first seven, the fat cows.


21 When they had eaten them up, no one would 21 When they had eaten them up, no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they have known that they had eaten them, for they werewere just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke. 22 Also just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke. 22 Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, full and good. 23 Then behold, up on one stalk, full and good. 23 Then behold, seven heads, withered, thin, seven heads, withered, thin, andand blighted by the east blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. 24 And the thin heads wind, sprang up after them. 24 And the thin heads devoured the seven good heads. So I told devoured the seven good heads. So I told thisthis to the to the magicians, but magicians, but there wasthere was no one who could explain no one who could explain itit to me.” to me.”


25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of 25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh Pharaoh areare one; God has shown Pharaoh what He one; God has shown Pharaoh what He isis about to do: 26 The seven good cows about to do: 26 The seven good cows areare seven seven years, and the seven good heads years, and the seven good heads areare seven years; the seven years; the dreams dreams areare one. 27 And the seven thin and ugly one. 27 And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them cows which came up after them areare seven years, seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine. 28 This are seven years of famine. 28 This isis the thing the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He Pharaoh what He isis about to do. about to do.


29 Indeed seven years of great plenty will come 29 Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; 30 but after them throughout all the land of Egypt; 30 but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. 31 So the plenty will famine will deplete the land. 31 So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it following, for it will bewill be very severe. 32 And the very severe. 32 And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing thing isis established by God, and God will shortly established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.bring it to pass.


There was no flattery for Pharaoh.There was no flattery for Pharaoh.


There was no flattery for Pharaoh.There was no flattery for Pharaoh. The truth about the future would benefit the The truth about the future would benefit the

country. country.



country. country. Joseph recommended a course of action that Joseph recommended a course of action that

was wise. He did not recommend himself was wise. He did not recommend himself for the position! for the position! (Gen 41:33-36)(Gen 41:33-36)


Genesis 41:33-36 (NKJV)Genesis 41:33-36 (NKJV) “Now therefore, let “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this,this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth collect one-fifth of the produceof the produce of the land of of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. 35 And let Egypt in the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.


36 Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land 36 Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.” the famine.”



country. country. Joseph recommended a course of action that Joseph recommended a course of action that

was wise. He did not recommend himself was wise. He did not recommend himself for the position! for the position! (Gen 41:33-36)(Gen 41:33-36)

Pharaoh made a wise decision that greatly Pharaoh made a wise decision that greatly blessed his country. blessed his country. (Gen 41:37-45)(Gen 41:37-45)


Genesis 41:37-45 (NKJV)Genesis 41:37-45 (NKJV) - So the advice was - So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38And Pharaoh said to his servants, his servants. 38And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find “Can we find such a onesuch a one as this, a man in whom as this, a man in whom isis the Spirit of God?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, the Spirit of God?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there isthere is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40You shall no one as discerning and wise as you. 40You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”will I be greater than you.”


41And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set 41And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43And he had him ride in the second chariot 43And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. Egypt.


44 Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I 44 Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I amam Pharaoh, Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 And Pharaoh or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over allall the land of Egypt.the land of Egypt.


Joseph gave God the glory for the good he Joseph gave God the glory for the good he now experiences now experiences (Gen 41:46-52)(Gen 41:46-52)


Genesis 41:46-52 (NKJV) Genesis 41:46-52 (NKJV) Joseph was thirty years Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 Now and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. 48 So he gathered up all the food of the abundantly. 48 So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. the food of the fields which surrounded them.


49 Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of 49 Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for the sea, until he stopped counting, for it wasit was immeasurable. 50 And to Joseph were born two sons immeasurable. 50 And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. 51 daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: ““For God has made me forget all my toil and all my For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s housefather’s house.” 52 And the name of the second he .” 52 And the name of the second he called Ephraim: “called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be For God has caused me to be fruitfulfruitful in the land of my affliction.” in the land of my affliction.”



When the famine came then the nation not When the famine came then the nation not only was preserved but grew mightily in only was preserved but grew mightily in power and wealth. power and wealth. (Gen 41:53-57)(Gen 41:53-57)


Genesis 41:53-57 (NKJV)Genesis 41:53-57 (NKJV) Then the seven years Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 So but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.”he says to you, do.”


56 The famine was over all the face of the earth, 56 The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. 57 So all countries came to the land of Egypt. 57 So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy Joseph in Egypt to buy grain,grain, because the famine because the famine was severe in all lands. was severe in all lands.



When the famine came then the nation not When the famine came then the nation not only was preserved but grew mightily in only was preserved but grew mightily in power and wealth. power and wealth. (Gen 41:53-57)(Gen 41:53-57)

There came a day where Egypt forgot this There came a day where Egypt forgot this great man. great man. (Ex 1:8)(Ex 1:8)


Exodus 1:8 (NKJV) Exodus 1:8 (NKJV) Now there arose a Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.Joseph.

God’s work prospered though JosephGod’s work prospered though JosephGod’s work prospered though JosephGod’s work prospered though Joseph

What is the plan of God? What is the plan of God? (Gen 12:1-3)(Gen 12:1-3)


What is the plan of God? What is the plan of God? (Gen 12:1-3)(Gen 12:1-3) This is the main reason for Joseph’s coming This is the main reason for Joseph’s coming

to Egypt. to Egypt. (Gen 50:20)(Gen 50:20)



to Egypt. to Egypt. (Gen 50:20)(Gen 50:20) God was to raise up a great nation.God was to raise up a great nation.



to Egypt. to Egypt. (Gen 50:20)(Gen 50:20) God was to raise up a great nation.God was to raise up a great nation. Joseph gave some crucial advice to his Joseph gave some crucial advice to his

father. father. (Gen 46:31-34)(Gen 46:31-34)



to Egypt. to Egypt. (Gen 50:20)(Gen 50:20) God was to raise up a great nation.God was to raise up a great nation. Joseph gave some crucial advice to his father. Joseph gave some crucial advice to his father.

(Gen 46:31-34)(Gen 46:31-34) How does this advice work out for good for How does this advice work out for good for

the future of God’s people?the future of God’s people?


Did Joseph need to be concerned with Did Joseph need to be concerned with anything besides telling the truth?anything besides telling the truth?


Did Joseph need to be concerned with Did Joseph need to be concerned with anything besides telling the truth?anything besides telling the truth?

The greatest purpose for a child of God is to The greatest purpose for a child of God is to be an instrument in the hands of God!be an instrument in the hands of God!


Discussion: How might God provide for Discussion: How might God provide for me?me?


1. Might we face situation where telling the 1. Might we face situation where telling the truth might cause others to become angry truth might cause others to become angry with us? What should we do?with us? What should we do?



2. What possible conflicts could we face in 2. What possible conflicts could we face in a job, in school or on a sports team?a job, in school or on a sports team?




3. How can we best avoid these conflicts?3. How can we best avoid these conflicts?




3. How can we best avoid these conflicts?3. How can we best avoid these conflicts? 4. What would a Joseph do? 4. What would a Joseph do?


Conclusion:Conclusion: Will you let God provide for Will you let God provide for you?you?

What Does it Mean to Forgive?What Does it Mean to Forgive?What Does it Mean to Forgive?What Does it Mean to Forgive?

One of the real tests of faith is ones One of the real tests of faith is ones willingness to forgive another.willingness to forgive another.



While this may not seem like a trial, it While this may not seem like a trial, it showed much about the character of Joseph.showed much about the character of Joseph.




Joseph was now the second most powerful Joseph was now the second most powerful man in Egypt.man in Egypt.




Joseph was now the second most powerful Joseph was now the second most powerful man in Egypt.man in Egypt.

His brothers through famine were now at his His brothers through famine were now at his mercy. What was he to do?mercy. What was he to do?


God exhorts everyone to be like Him. Our God exhorts everyone to be like Him. Our God majors in forgiveness! God majors in forgiveness! (Ex 34:6-7)(Ex 34:6-7)


Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV)Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV) 6 And the Lord passed 6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truthabounding in goodness and truth, 7keeping mercy , 7keeping mercy for thousands, for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression forgiving iniquity and transgression and sinand sin, by no means clearing , by no means clearing the guilty,the guilty, visiting visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”generation.”


Anyone who wishes to please God must Anyone who wishes to please God must learn to forgive. learn to forgive. (Mt 6:11-15)(Mt 6:11-15)


Matthew 6:11-15 (NKJV)Matthew 6:11-15 (NKJV) - Give us this - Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.forever. Amen.


14“For if you forgive men their trespasses, 14“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.your trespasses.


Forgiveness does not come naturally. We Forgiveness does not come naturally. We must be taught by God!must be taught by God!

God now comes to test Joseph’s brothersGod now comes to test Joseph’s brothersGod now comes to test Joseph’s brothersGod now comes to test Joseph’s brothers

They had time to think about what they had They had time to think about what they had done. done. (Gen 42:18-22)(Gen 42:18-22)



The conscience if not destroyed can bring The conscience if not destroyed can bring changes in time.changes in time.




Satan’s lies of quick revenge and reward Satan’s lies of quick revenge and reward can be seen for what it is in time.can be seen for what it is in time.


They had time to think about what they had done. They had time to think about what they had done. (Gen 42:18-22)(Gen 42:18-22)


Satan’s lies of quick revenge and reward can be Satan’s lies of quick revenge and reward can be seen for what it is in time.seen for what it is in time.

God’s word taught by example and word by a God’s word taught by example and word by a godly father would also have its effect. godly father would also have its effect. (Rom (Rom 6:20-21)6:20-21)


God now brings a series of calamities upon God now brings a series of calamities upon Joseph’s family.Joseph’s family.



He first brings drought and famine that He first brings drought and famine that drives the brothers to Egypt. drives the brothers to Egypt. (Gen 42:1-5)(Gen 42:1-5)



He first brings drought and famine that He first brings drought and famine that drives the brothers to Egypt. drives the brothers to Egypt. (Gen 42:1-5)(Gen 42:1-5)

He then makes the brothers leave one He then makes the brothers leave one behind. behind. (Gen 42:8-17, 24)(Gen 42:8-17, 24)



He first brings drought and famine that drives He first brings drought and famine that drives the brothers to Egypt. the brothers to Egypt. (Gen 42:1-5)(Gen 42:1-5)

He then makes the brothers leave one behind. He then makes the brothers leave one behind. (Gen 42:8-17, 24)(Gen 42:8-17, 24)

The rash, selfish action of the past is now The rash, selfish action of the past is now replaced by a painful choice to serve and help. replaced by a painful choice to serve and help.


Where the life of one brother was Where the life of one brother was disregarded in the past now every family disregarded in the past now every family member is important. member is important. (Gen 42:35-38)(Gen 42:35-38)



God is also working a plan to provide!God is also working a plan to provide!



God is also working a plan to provide!God is also working a plan to provide! He then drives the entire family into Egypt He then drives the entire family into Egypt

because of the famine. because of the famine. (Gen 43:1-14)(Gen 43:1-14)



God is also working a plan to provide!God is also working a plan to provide! He then drives the entire family into Egypt He then drives the entire family into Egypt

because of the famine. because of the famine. (Gen 43:1-14)(Gen 43:1-14) The brothers are put through one more major The brothers are put through one more major

test.test.


Circumstances are created to make it appear Circumstances are created to make it appear that Benjamin is in danger. that Benjamin is in danger. (Gen 44:1-5, 14-15)(Gen 44:1-5, 14-15)



A true attitude of selfless sacrifice in now A true attitude of selfless sacrifice in now shown. shown. (Gen 44:16-34)(Gen 44:16-34)




Joseph reveals himself to his family and Joseph reveals himself to his family and now a new test begins. now a new test begins. (Gen 45:1-8)(Gen 45:1-8)




Joseph reveals himself to his family and now Joseph reveals himself to his family and now a new test begins. a new test begins. (Gen 45:1-8)(Gen 45:1-8)

Will Joseph forgive his brothers?Will Joseph forgive his brothers?


Will Joseph’s brothers accept his Will Joseph’s brothers accept his forgiveness?forgiveness?

What is forgiveness?What is forgiveness?What is forgiveness?What is forgiveness?

What does it mean for God to forgive?What does it mean for God to forgive?


What does it mean for God to forgive?What does it mean for God to forgive? He blots out our sins!He blots out our sins!

(Acts 3:19; Isa 43:25)(Acts 3:19; Isa 43:25)


Acts 3:19 (NKJV)Acts 3:19 (NKJV) - Repent therefore and - Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, from the presence of the Lord,


Isaiah 43:25 (NKJV)Isaiah 43:25 (NKJV) - “I, - “I, eveneven I, I, amam He He who blots out your transgressions for My who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your own sake; And I will not remember your sins.sins.


God hates sin, but He loves us.God hates sin, but He loves us.


God hates sin, but He loves us.God hates sin, but He loves us. If I can live and die in this forgiveness then If I can live and die in this forgiveness then

all is well.all is well.


God hates sin, but He loves us.God hates sin, but He loves us. If I can live and die in this forgiveness then If I can live and die in this forgiveness then

all is well.all is well. God does not remember our sins any God does not remember our sins any

more.more. (Heb 8:12)(Heb 8:12)


Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV)Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV) - - For I will be For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,merciful to their unrighteousness, and their and their sinssins and their lawless deeds I will and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”remember no more.”


He is described as casting them into the sea. He is described as casting them into the sea. (Mic 7:18-19)(Mic 7:18-19)


Micah 7:18-19 (NKJV) Micah 7:18-19 (NKJV) - Who - Who isis a God a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights forever, Because He delights inin mercy. 19 mercy. 19 He will again have compassion on us, And He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. our sins Into the depths of the sea.


"When God buries our sins in the deepest "When God buries our sins in the deepest sea, He posts a sign which reads: No sea, He posts a sign which reads: No Fishing!”Fishing!”


When God forgives our sin is long gone! When God forgives our sin is long gone! Do you believe this?Do you believe this?


"Everyone has an irrevocable past. What is "Everyone has an irrevocable past. What is done is done. It can never be changed or done is done. It can never be changed or recalled. Lord Byron, the English poet, once recalled. Lord Byron, the English poet, once wrote, "No hand can make the clock strike wrote, "No hand can make the clock strike for me the hours that are past.""for me the hours that are past.""


God receives us back to a full fellowship.God receives us back to a full fellowship. (Lk 15:20-24)(Lk 15:20-24)


Luke 15:20-24 (NKJV)Luke 15:20-24 (NKJV) - “And he arose - “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21And the son said to neck and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’to be called your son.’


22 “But the father said to his servants, 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put ‘Bring out the best robe and put itit on him, on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on and put a ring on his hand and sandals on hishis feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill and kill it,it, and let us eat and be merry; and let us eat and be merry; 24for this my son was dead and is alive 24for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.began to be merry.


There is no grudge holding with God.There is no grudge holding with God.


Our biggest problem is in believing this.Our biggest problem is in believing this.


Our biggest problem is in believing this.Our biggest problem is in believing this. Why is forgiveness hard?Why is forgiveness hard?


Our biggest problem is in believing this.Our biggest problem is in believing this. Why is forgiveness hard?Why is forgiveness hard? In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt

and write it off.and write it off.


Our biggest problem is in believing this.Our biggest problem is in believing this. Why is forgiveness hard?Why is forgiveness hard? In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt In real forgiveness you take the loss or hurt

and write it off.and write it off. We are a people who do not want to be We are a people who do not want to be

cheated! It is with the utmost difficulty that cheated! It is with the utmost difficulty that we let go of a real debt! we let go of a real debt!


Before you try to justify your holy war over Before you try to justify your holy war over your hurts ask this question: "What if God your hurts ask this question: "What if God treated my debt to Him as I am treating treated my debt to Him as I am treating others?" others?" (Mt 18:23-35)(Mt 18:23-35)


Matthew 18:23-35 (NKJV)Matthew 18:23-35 (NKJV) -Therefore the -Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. be made.


26 The servant therefore fell down before him, 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27Then the master of that servant pay you all.’ 27Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.28 “But that servant went out forgave him the debt.28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took and took himhim by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ you owe!’


29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32Then his told their master all that had been done. 32Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. you begged me.


33 Should you not also have had compassion on 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”forgive his brother his trespasses.”


Notice the great emphasis of the scriptures Notice the great emphasis of the scriptures here. here. (Mt 6:14-15, 18:35)(Mt 6:14-15, 18:35)


Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) - “For if you - “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.will your Father forgive your trespasses.


Humility is a must for one to truly forgive. Humility is a must for one to truly forgive. (Col 3:12-13)(Col 3:12-13)


Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV)Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) - Therefore, as - Therefore, as thethe elect of God, holy and beloved, put on elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.must do.


A proud person will pursue the one who A proud person will pursue the one who injured him for as long as it takes!injured him for as long as it takes!



In humility we recognize who we really are. In humility we recognize who we really are. Let go!Let go!




How does one find the strength to forgive?How does one find the strength to forgive?




How does one find the strength to forgive?How does one find the strength to forgive? You learn about God’s forgiveness of your You learn about God’s forgiveness of your

own sins! own sins! (Lk 7:36-50; Mt 18:22-35)(Lk 7:36-50; Mt 18:22-35)


Luke 7:36-50 (NKJV)Luke 7:36-50 (NKJV) - Then one of the Pharisees - Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37And behold, Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that knew that JesusJesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38and stood at His feet behind 38and stood at His feet behind HimHim weeping; and she weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped themthem with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed anointed themthem with the fragrant oil. with the fragrant oil.


39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw saw this,this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman manner of woman this isthis is who is touching Him, for who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered and said she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.


42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the answered and said, “I suppose the oneone whom he whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped wiped themthem with the hair of her head. with the hair of her head.


45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, Therefore I say to you, her sins, which arewhich are many, many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, little is forgiven, the samethe same loves little.” 48 Then loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”


49 And those who sat at the table with Him began 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”“Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”


This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. This issue was settled years ago by Joseph.


This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. If bitterness had set in over the years, it If bitterness had set in over the years, it

would be very difficult to deal with it now.would be very difficult to deal with it now.


This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. This issue was settled years ago by Joseph. If bitterness had set in over the years, it If bitterness had set in over the years, it

would be very difficult to deal with it now.would be very difficult to deal with it now. This is key to a victorious life. Put away This is key to a victorious life. Put away

your anger quickly! your anger quickly! (Eph 4:26-27)(Eph 4:26-27)


Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) - - “Be angry, “Be angry, and do not sin”and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down : do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.devil.


Look at the contrast between Joseph and his Look at the contrast between Joseph and his brothers. One had a clear conscience while brothers. One had a clear conscience while the others did not. the others did not. (Gen 50:15-21)(Gen 50:15-21)


Look at the contrast between Joseph and his Look at the contrast between Joseph and his brothers. One had a clear conscience while brothers. One had a clear conscience while the others did not. the others did not. (Gen 50:15-21)(Gen 50:15-21)

Self-deception is very strong when it comes Self-deception is very strong when it comes to forgiveness. to forgiveness. (Jas 1:26)(Jas 1:26)


James 1:26 (NKJV)James 1:26 (NKJV) 26If anyone among 26If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion heart, this one’s religion isis useless. useless.


We can say we "forgive" while at the same We can say we "forgive" while at the same time harbor bitterness in our hearts.time harbor bitterness in our hearts.


We can say we "forgive" while at the same We can say we "forgive" while at the same time harbor bitterness in our hearts.time harbor bitterness in our hearts.

Even though we say the right words, it is Even though we say the right words, it is plain to others that we have a vendetta.plain to others that we have a vendetta.


Things which men substitute for Things which men substitute for forgiveness.forgiveness.



To ignore both the wrong done and the To ignore both the wrong done and the person who did it.person who did it.



To ignore both the wrong done and the To ignore both the wrong done and the person who did it.person who did it.

If we can by love cover a fault then all is If we can by love cover a fault then all is well. well. (1 Pt 4:8)(1 Pt 4:8)


1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) - And above all things - And above all things have fervent love for one another, for have fervent love for one another, for “love “love will cover a multitude of sins.”will cover a multitude of sins.”


But if we bury a hurt and then snub and But if we bury a hurt and then snub and avoid another, we are in trouble.avoid another, we are in trouble.



To go by the "eye for an eye" approach.To go by the "eye for an eye" approach. After I get even then all is well!After I get even then all is well!




To put the person on probation.To put the person on probation.




To put the person on probation.To put the person on probation. I will forgive you but if you do this I will forgive you but if you do this

again….be extra good or else!again….be extra good or else!


We may think we have forgiven but in truth We may think we have forgiven but in truth we have not! What is forgiveness? we have not! What is forgiveness? (Heb 8:12)(Heb 8:12)


Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV)Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV) - - For I will be For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,merciful to their unrighteousness, and their and their sinssins and their lawless deeds I will and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”remember no more.”

joseph was raised to freedom and power by god’s provisions n n 1 john 5:14-15 (nkjv) now this is...

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