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The God Factor
Genesis 47:13-31
Pastor Tom
10-31-10

Introduction – Many struggle to find time to honor God, yet those that do, experience a fuller life. – Jeremiah 2:5

I. The state of Egypt – vv. 13-26

• Largely ignored God’s warning – hunger
• The price – everything of value
  • Money
  • Animals
  • Land
  • Labor
• Joseph’s righteous management – Hosea 4:6

II. The state of Jacob – vv. 27-31

• Replenished in a strange land – Isaiah 65:13
• The 17 year reversal
• Burial plans – Hebrews 11:14-16
• Humble thanksgiving – Psalm 22:26-31

Conclusion – As life draws to an end, the God factor makes all the difference.

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Joyful Reunion
Genesis 46:28-47:12
Pastor Tom
10-24-10

Introduction – Life affords us many opportunities to repay evil with good.

I. Family matters – vv. 46:28-34

• Jacob’s prudence
• Joseph’s respect and love for Jacob
• Instructions for settling
  • Separate
  • Shepherds – 1 Corinthians 7:24

II. Kingdom matters – vv.1-12

• Joseph’s respect for Pharaoh – Matthew 20:23
• Joseph’s respect for brothers – Hebrews 2:11
• Pharaoh’s interest in their occupation – 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Pilgrim – Hebrews 11:13
  • Life measured by days…few and evil – Job 14:1
  • The anointed (Jacob) blesses Pharaoh – Psalm 105:15
• Joseph repays evil with good

Conclusion – Those in God’s will, shall never be forgotten by God. – Psalm 37:19

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Status Quo Renounced
Genesis 46
Jack Smith
10-20-10

Introduction – This story, once again, points to God’s incredible power and His unstoppable plan.

I. The timing of God

• God’s timing rarely comes when we expect it – vv. 1-5
• God’s timing can be overwhelming – vv. 6-7

II. The strength of God

• God is self-sufficient – vv. 3-5
• God’s strength overshadows our earthly weakness – v. 27

III. The hope of God

• His promises cannot fail
• His will is perfect because it pursues His glory

Conclusion – Spiritual failure is not only found in sin but, all too often, in settling for good rather than God’s best for our lives.

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Night Vision
Genesis 45:25-46:4
Pastor Tom
10-17-10

Introduction – When we exchange our own thinking for trusting in God’s leading, we are rewarded with 20/20 vision.

I. Amazing news – vv. 25-28

• Fainting for disbelief – Psalm 27:13
• A revival spirit
• Content with life and death – Psalm 37:18-19

II. Divine direction – vv. 1-4

• Acknowledging God/Sacrifices – Proverbs 3:5-10
• Dark Fears
  • Isaac forbidden – Genesis 26:2
  • Abraham prophecy – Genesis 15:13
• Clear promises – multiply and presences
• Death valley
• Last comforts

Conclusion – God’s glorious plan for our lives revives us in the dark moments.

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The Long Reach of Providence
Genesis 45:5-24
Pastor Tom
10-10-10

Introduction – We cannot begin to comprehend the wonders of God’s work in men’s lives.

I. Calming their grief – vv. 5-15

• God sent me – Psalm 105:17
• Care for family – be with him – John 17:24
• True reconciliation – sweet communion

II. Pharaoh’s kindness – vv. 16-23

• Leaving the stuff – John 14:1-4
• Deserved gratitude

III. Reasonable caution – v-24

• Prone to quarrel
• The way – through Egypt – John 14:6

Conclusion – Since we have been given peace, we should love each other – Ephesians 4:31-32

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Intercession for the Guilty
Genesis 44:18 – 45:4
Pastor Tom
10-10-10

Introduction- People changed by a relationship with Christ grow a tender concern for the safety of others, especially family.

I. The appeal – vv. 18-31

• Worthy of compassion – A little one
• Joseph’s urgency had brought Benjamin there – Genesis 43:5
• Insurmountable grief to aged father

II. The offer – vv. 32-34

• Give himself as a bondsman
• Prudently asks for pity – Job 9:15
• Future coupling of Judah to Benjamin when ten tribes deserted
• Mediation of Christ / A surety – Hebrews 7:14, 22

III. The Answer – vv. 1-4

• Humbled for sin
• Mindful of others
• Respectful
• Tender
• Ripe for Comfort

Conclusion – God reveals Himself as Savior after we allow Him to prepare us.

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The Breaking Point
Genesis 44:1-17
Pastor Tom
10-6-10

Introduction – God arranges our lives to humble us and prove the sincerity of our repentance.

I. Pretend pursuit – vv. 1-6

• Regular cup
• Favorite cup

II. Solemn protest – vv. 7-10

• Gross ingratitude
• Severest punishment

III. The evidence – vv. 11-12

IV. Humble submission – vv. 13-16

• God has revealed His righteousness
• Surrender – we are you servants – Genesis 37:8

V. Standing alone

• Only the guilty
• Trial of false accusation
• Trial of brothers’ affection

Conclusion – God patiently molds us so that we cannot judge what men are or will be, by what they were.

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Return to Sender
Genesis 43
Pastor Tom
10-3-10

Introduction – God will continue to give opportunity to finish what has been left incomplete.

I. Persistent trial – vv. 1-14

• God’s Will be done
• Judah’s restitution – responsibility
• Constancy is a virtue, obstinacy is not
• Jacob’s wisdom – relies upon God’s mercy
  • Sent money back
  • Sent double money
  • Sent a present – Proverbs 21:14

II. The stewards’ encouragement – vv. 15-25

• The brothers’ fear
• The stewards’ orders – trusting providence

III. Joseph’s hospitality – vv. 26-34

• The brothers respect
• Joseph’s kindness
  • Inquiry of Jacob
  • Notice of Benjamin
  • Feast for all

Conclusion – The test: are we joyfully content and not grieved over what others have?