Christians are notoriously negative. Usually we focus on the difficulties, the pressures, and the problems of walking with God rather than the benefits and blessings of a relationship with Him. Praying and trusting are hard work. Resisting temptation isn't much fun either. And though most would never admit it, we've all thought at one time or another that godliness doesn't pay—at least not in tangible ways. When we see Christians prosper, we tend to raise our eyebrows and become suspicious of their faith. It just doesn't seem “spiritual” to prosper. God is never obligated to give us health and wealth, but the story of Joseph is an example of a man who was rewarded for his righteousness and kept his integrity intact. From him we can learn a lesson in how to respond to those who prosper and those who suffer.
Reaping the Rewards of Righteousness
Message 5
Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 41:41–57
Favored Son, Hated Brother
Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 37
The biography of Joseph is nothing short of remarkable, occupying as much or more space in Genesis than the biographies of Adam, Noah, Abraham, or even his father, Jacob. Joseph emerges from the pages of Scripture as a man with whom most of us can identify. His story begins at age 17 and ends at age 110 (Genesis 50:26). Over his long life, Joseph responded to broken dreams and impossible circumstances with a faith that propelled him from the pit of slavery to the pinnacle of power. In this message, we'll meet Joseph on the cusp of the pit and gain insight into the dangers of being a favorite son of a passive father.
Resisting Temptation
Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 39:1–20
When it comes to temptation, our culture offers very little motivation to resist it. More often than not, we hear the voices yelling “Give in! You deserve to be happy!” Truly, yielding to temptation is much easier than resisting it. But for those who yield, the path of life is strewn with the litter of remorse and shame. Their souls grow sick, not for longing to taste forbidden fruit but because the fruit made them sick. If we wish to avoid such soul sickness, we must resist temptation. But how? Joseph provides a sterling example of one who could have cuddled lust and enjoyed its warm embrace but instead chose to resist its persistent, alluring offer in favor of righteousness. Let those of us who stand today take heed, lest we fall tomorrow.
Imprisoned and Forgotten Imprisoned and Forgotten
Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 39:19—40:23
Joseph drifted like a lost raft on the ocean—sold into slavery, forced to learn a new language and lifestyle, accused of attempted rape, and finally dumped into prison. On top of all of this, even though he lived as a model prisoner deserving early release, the one man who could have requested his pardon totally forgot him. That hurts! The pain of unjust suffering—one of the most severe trials we can experience—tests our faith like nothing else. In our world today, we can't escape it. As difficult as injustice is to endure, the greater challenge is facing it with an attitude that preserves faith. For the most part, we can't control what happens to us today or tomorrow, whether fair or foul. But we can choose our attitude.