Facing Life’s Problems
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Transcript of Facing Life’s Problems
W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007
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Don McClain
Facing Life’s Proble
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W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007
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Facing Hatred & Envy Facing Betrayal Facing Persistent
Temptation Facing False
Accusations Facing Ingratitude Facing Power &
Responsibility Facing Painful
Memories Facing Past Forgiven
Sins
Don McClain
W 65th St church of Christ / July 29,2007
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Joseph’s Problem Potiphar’s wife “cast
longing eyes on Joseph, and she said ‘Lie with me’” (Gen 39:7)
She persisted in tempting Joseph every day – (Gen 39:10)
She increased the aggressive nature of her temptation – (Gen 39:11,12)
Don McClain
Facing Persistent Temptation
Genesis 39:1-11
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Joseph’s Response8 But he refused . . . 9 . . .How then
can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (39:8-9)
10 . . . he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. (39:10)
12 . . . he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. (39:11,12)
Don McClain
Facing Persistent Temptation
Genesis 39:1-11
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Application All of us will face
temptation (1 Cor 10:13) We can and should say “no”
– (Gen 4:7; Pro 1:10) Refuse to listen, and avoid
temptation – (Pro 5:8) RUN!! – (1Co 6:18; 10:14;
1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:22)Don McClain
Facing Persistent Temptation
Genesis 39:1-11
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Don McClain
Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23
Joseph’s Problem Falsely accused by
Potiphar’s wife – She told the men of her
house – (14-16) Then she told Potiphar –
(17-19) Potiphar puts Joseph in
prison – (20)
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Don McClain
Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23
Joseph’s Reaction No longer tempted by
Potiphar’s wife – Could have allowed
discouragement, hatred and bitterness to destroy him . . .
BUT – The Lord blessed Joseph – Implying that Joseph kept a faithful spirit – 21-23
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Don McClain
Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23
Application We must keep our lives above
reproach – but that will not guarantee our enemies will not falsely accuse us – (1 Pet 3:16; Luke 6:22)
Enemies will constantly watch us to discredit and accuse us – (Lk 6:7; 11:53,54).
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Don McClain
Facing False AccusationsGenesis 39:12-23
Application Too many brethren are too
quick to believe false accusers without having any evidence.
When falsely accused – Let us be like Joseph and Jesus – Retain our trust in God – Remain faithful to God – Be meek and humble -
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Don McClain
Facing IngratitudeGenesis 40:1-41:16
Joseph’s Problem Joseph in charge of chief
butler & chief baker – (40:1-4) Each had a dream & Joseph
interpreted them – (40:5-19) The butler was restored to his
position – but forgot about Joseph for two full years – (40:14,23; 41:1,9-13)
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Don McClain
Joseph’s Reaction Joseph could have become
bitter, despondent and sullen. The two years did not make
Joseph hostile, ungracious, or ungrateful for his release . . .
“. . . "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.“ (41:14,15)
Facing IngratitudeGenesis 40:1-41:16
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Don McClain
Application Do not be like the butler – We
should remember the good that others do for us – and keep our word – Phili 1:3,4
We need to Keep a good attitude – even if others fail to demonstrate appreciation for our efforts – (1 Cor 15:58)
Facing IngratitudeGenesis 40:1-41:16
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Don McClain
How do you respond to
Temptation? False
Accusations? Ingratitude?
Surrender – or Overcome?
Bitterness – or Trust in God?
Sullen? Or Keep serving God?
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Facing Hatred & Envy Facing Betrayal Facing Persistent
Temptation Facing False
Accusations Facing Ingratitude Facing Power &
Responsibility Facing Painful
Memories Facing Past Forgiven
Sins
Don McClain