Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness

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.

Remembered and Promoted

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 41:1–46

Affliction, mistreatment, persecution, hardship, and pain often characterize the Christian walk. We see that truth in Peter's words when he says: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). In life, testing is more often than not “par for the course.” But sometimes God rescues us from our plight, bringing us into new circumstances. For 13 years Joseph had been a slave in Egypt. But God was faithful; He never abandoned Joseph. And all the while, His plans for Joseph were in motion, leading Joseph to the cusp of his release from prison and an unexpected blessing. Through Joseph's example, we should be encouraged to trust God—even in difficult times of waiting.

Reaping the Rewards of Righteousness

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 41:41–57

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.

Activating a Seared Conscience

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 42:1–28

Are you the type of person who remembers what you ought to forget and forgets what you ought to remember? Think about that provocative question for a moment. Joseph had many years to ponder his answer. After seven years of blessing and abundance, the famine was in full bloom. People from the surrounding lands came to Egypt for grain—including Joseph's brothers. Upon recognizing the men who threw him into a pit and sold him as a slave, Joseph faced a difficult decision. Should he review his mental blacklist or shred it? Should he punish or forgive? Would he be the type of person who remembers what he ought to forget and forgets what he ought to remember? Are you?

Groanings of a Sad Dad

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 42:29—43:15

Have you ever accidentally dropped an open-faced peanut butter and jelly sandwich? In that split second before impact, your eyes widen with both childlike optimism and horror. You hope against hope that maybe, despite gravity and Murphy's Law, your little sandwich will be the miracle sandwich that lands right-side up. Maybe, oh just maybe . . . splat! Much of Jacob's life was just like that—peanut-butter-and-jelly-side-down. Though seasoned in walking with God, he remained a victim of his own carnal clumsiness. Instead of seeing the Lord's hand of protection on his sons' lives, he became paralyzed by fear, worry, and resentment. Jacob relied on himself rather than on God's strength. And his reluctance to trust God almost led to disaster. Sometimes we tend to be just like Jacob—expecting the worst rather than trusting God's best. We all have days when an inexorable force seems to be thwarting and frustrating our every move. We wash the car, and it rains. We make a sandwich, turn around for a moment, and suddenly the plate is empty, the dog licking his chops. Stuff happens—and it's often out of our control. But we can control our response to it.

Fear Displaced by Grace

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 43:15–34

Over time, some words tend to spoil, like milk left out too long on the kitchen counter. But there are two words that remain unspoiled: fear and grace. Fear reminds us that life is filled with guilt and uncertainty. Grace reminds us that there is forgiveness and assurance in the midst of blame and doubt. Joseph's brothers were well acquainted with guilt and uncertainty. Their return trip to Egypt brought hope of proving they weren't spies, of ransoming Simeon, and of buying more food. But they only had hope—they didn't know what would happen when they reached Egypt. Modeling God's grace, Joseph welcomed his brothers into his home, responded to their mistreatment with kindness and blessing, and gathered into a family those who had long felt alienated. As we watch Joseph's shamefaced brothers receive his outpouring of grace, we will be challenged to set aside our guilt and fear and accept God's free gift of grace.

"I Am Joseph!"

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 44:1—45:15

Joseph was one of the greatest men of the Bible. Yet he never did anything we normally associate with biblical greatness. He never performed a miracle. He never slew a giant. He never saw a burning bush. He never defeated pagan prophets. In fact, he never wrote one word of Scripture. He was just a plain, ordinary man who grew up in a dysfunctional family. So, what made Joseph so great? Why does the Lord devote so much space in Genesis to tell his story? It's simple really. Joseph's attitude set him apart. Joseph displayed greatness not because of some miraculous actions, but because he demonstrated a daily positive attitude toward God and others. And his example stands as a challenge for us today.

The Ultimate Family Reunion

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 45:16—46:30

Few things are more poignant than the reconciliation and reunion of a family long separated by distance or circumstance. The story of Joseph provides a moving example not just of reconciliation but of long-awaited reunion. Studying the reunion of Joseph and Jacob reminds us of that joyful day when we will be united with our heavenly Father. As we wait for the reunion of the family of God, how do we prepare? This lesson explores how we should live today in light of eternity.

On-the-Job Integrity

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 46:31—47:26

Can you be a person of integrity and a successful businessperson at the same time? A Christian should be. Christians are to demonstrate how God would negotiate a deal, try a case, diagnose an illness, teach a class, or build a building. Joseph is a perfect example—he demonstrated integrity in every aspect of his life. And by observing his business life, we'll learn how to order our priorities and test our motives. But too often Christians don't demonstrate integrity to the world. The world doesn't judge our integrity on Sunday morning. The world judges our integrity by the way we live on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday . . . God measures our integrity quotient every day of the week. If you need a standard by which to gauge your own business integrity, Joseph is a perfect candidate. Looking closely into his business life, we'll see why Pharaoh promoted him to prime minister.

Highlights of Twilight and Midnight

Pastor Chuck Swindoll • Genesis 47:27—50:26

When your loved ones gather to reminisce about your life, what memories will they share? What do you hope they will remember? The story of Joseph's life—his journey from the pit to the pinnacle—leaves us in awe. Few have known such highs and lows, and fewer still have lived a life so full of grace and forgiveness. And as we have discovered in our study of this extraordinary man, if we choose to follow Joseph's example, our lives can be marked by such noble traits, creating a spiritual legacy for those who come after us. What greater memory could we leave to those who love us than that of a life well-lived—full of grace and truth?

Insight