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Free at Last
Genesis 50:15-26
Pastor Tom
11-21-10

Introduction – Many times the inner turmoil that enslaves ones soul cannot be seen outwardly.

I. Absent from Daddy’s protection – vv. 15-18

• The accusation of a guilty conscience
• Pleading for pardon – proxy and person
• Jacob questioned their humility not Joseph’s forgiveness
• Fellow servants of God

II. Joseph’s compassion – vv. 19-21

• Direct repentance to God! – Romans 12:19-21
• God meant one thing, the brothers another – Acts 2:23
• Joseph comforted them

III. Joseph’s heritage – vv. 22-26

• Prolonged life
• Saw children become tribes – Psalm 128:6
• God will visit you and bring you out – Genesis 15: 13-14
• Great faith in resurrection – Hebrews 11:22
• Coffin in Egypt, burial in Canaan – Joshua 24:32

Conclusion – What man destroyed with evil, Jesus redeemed through sacrifice, reuniting forever soul and body in the resurrection

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Paying Last Respects
Genesis 50:1-14
Pastor Tom
11-17-10

Introduction- Parting with those we have great affection for, causes sorrow and floods of tears. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13

I. Tears and kisses – vv. 1-6

• The honor to die lamented
• Preparation for the journey – embalming
• Permission to attend funeral
• Promises kept with Father and Pharaoh
• The superiority of Christ’s service – Mathew 8:22

II. The funeral – vv. 7-14

• Elaborate, stately funeral – God was better than expected
• Expectation of earthly and heavenly Canaan – Hebrews 11:13-16
• Jacob’s faithful conduct caused great mourning – recognized loss – Acts 8:2

Conclusion – The name, Abel-mizraim, the mourning of the Egyptian stood as a testament against future mistreatment.

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Leave the Best for Last
Genesis 49:13-33
Pastor Tom
11-14-10

Introduction – Jacob blesses his varied sons in preparation for death.

I. Six sons’ prophecy – vv. 13-21

• Zebulun – His lot on the coast
• Issachar – Labor and husbandry
• Dan – Subtle like a serpent – Samson
• Gad – Warriors who overcome
• Asher – Wealth and dainties
• Naphtali – Loving hind – kind words
• Diverse yet one – 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

II. Joseph’s inheritance – vv. 22-26

• Fruitful in difficulty
• Shot at but prevailed through strength
• Shepherd and stone – feed and support
• Blessings above, below through God’s word – 1 Peter 1:23; 2:2
• Protective prayer – helmet and crown

III. Benjamin’s share – v. 27

• Warlike left-handed tribe – activity
• Ehud the second judge and Saul the first king
• Esther and Mordecai destroy enemies
• Paul – persecuted in morning – divided spoils as a preacher

Conclusion – vv.28-33; Jacob freely resigned his spirit to God for he was homesick.

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Last Will and Testament
Genesis 49:1-12
Pastor Tom
11-10-10

Introduction – Children are gathered to Jacob’s deathbed to learn how to live. –vv. 1-2

I. Reuben’s disappointment – vv. 3-4

• Forfeit the birthright
• He was unstable in his virtue and honor – Romans 1:24
• No judge, prophet or prince

II. Simeon and Levi’s violence – vv. 5-7

• Treacherous self–will of youth – Matthew 5:22
• Our soul distinguishes us from beasts
• Division – Levites scattered, Simeon’s small

III. Praise of Judah – vv. 8-12

• Successful in war – Psalms 18:40
• Superior to other tribes – Lawgiver – Psalms 60:7
• Strong and courageous – Lion crouching
• Royal tribe – Scepter remains until Shiloh come
• Fruitful and healthy

IV. Applied to Christ

• Praise be the Ruler of Children and Conqueror of Enemies
• Lion of Tribe of Judah – Revelation 5:5
• Lawgiver who gathers – John 12:32
• In Him is plenty to nourish and refresh to soul – Isaiah 55:1

Conclusion – Jacob was comforted in death to foresee Christ’s coming.

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The Right Stuff
Genesis 48:8-22
Pastor Tom
11-7-10

Introduction – Jacob experiences the blessings of obedience as he lays hands on the sons of Joseph.

I. Blind yet seeing – vv.8-12

• Jacob’s eye of faith was clear
• Seeing proof of God’s faithful promise
• God exceeds our expectations by magnifying His favors

II. The source of blessings – vv.13-16

• God’s constant care
• Redeemed from evil – 2 Timothy 4:18
• Places them under Abraham and Isaac’s name
  • Pattern and example

III. Prophetic hand crossing – vv. 17-20

• Ephraim the younger made greater than Manasseh the older
  • – 1 Samuel 16:7b
• Grace shines forth – Galatians 4:27

IV. Particular favors – vv. 21-22

• Promise of returning out of Egypt
• Extra portion – Joshua 24:32

Conclusion – Don’t get too enchanted with Egypt – our return home is coming soon.

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Adoption By Grace
Genesis 48:1-7
Pastor Tom
11-03-2010

Introduction – Grace abounds where the riches of this life fail.

I. News of death – vv. 1-2

• Opportunity for good, counsel, comfort, and instruction – Ecclesiastes 7:1-4
• Children included
• Jacob strengthened himself

II. The adoption – vv. 3-6

• Recital of God’s promise: issue and Canaan
• Each son a tribe – Hebrews 11:21
• Inheritance in promise not Egypt – Hebrews 11:24-26
• Prudence attending God’s providence

III. Rachel’s death – v. 7

• Remembering his beloved – Genesis 35:19
• Strong affections in enjoyment caused long afflictions in the loss

Conclusion – Ephraim and Manasseh receive much more by faith than by birthright. – Romans 4:9-17

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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.