Jacob’s Journey to Egypt

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Jacob’s Journey to Egypt

Focus on Jacob

Isaiah 41:10 NLT
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 

Isaiah 41:10 is illustrated in today’s passage.

A great reminder for us here today.

Genesis 46:1-27 NLT
Jacob’s Journey to Egypt
1 So Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions. And when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. 2 During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called.
“Here I am,” Jacob replied.
3 “I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. 4 I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.”
5 So Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons took him to Egypt. They carried him and their little ones and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had provided for them. 6 They also took all their livestock and all the personal belongings they had acquired in the land of Canaan. So Jacob and his entire family went to Egypt— 7 sons and grandsons, daughters and granddaughters—all his descendants.
8 These are the names of the descendants of Israel—the sons of Jacob—who went to Egypt:
Reuben was Jacob’s oldest son. 9 The sons of Reuben were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
10 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul. (Shaul’s mother was a Canaanite woman.)
11 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
12 The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (though Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.
13 The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.
14 The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.,br>15 These were the sons of Leah and Jacob who were born in Paddan-aram, in addition to their daughter, Dinah. The number of Jacob’s descendants (male and female) through Leah was thirty-three.
16 The sons of Gad were Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.
17 The sons of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Their sister was Serah. Beriah’s sons were Heber and Malkiel.
18 These were the sons of Zilpah, the servant given to Leah by her father, Laban. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Zilpah was sixteen.
19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin.
20 Joseph’s sons, born in the land of Egypt, were Manasseh and Ephraim. Their mother was Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.
21 Benjamin’s sons were Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
22 These were the sons of Rachel and Jacob. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Rachel was fourteen.
23 The son of Dan was Hushim.
24 The sons of Naphtali were Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.
25 These were the sons of Bilhah, the servant given to Rachel by her father, Laban. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Bilhah was seven.
26 The total number of Jacob’s direct descendants who went with him to Egypt, not counting his sons’ wives, was sixty-six. 27 In addition, Joseph had two sons who were born in Egypt. So altogether, there were seventy members of Jacob’s family in the land of Egypt.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 46:1-27 NLTJacob’s Journey to Egypt
1 So Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions.

Abraham had also gone to Egypt during a famine.

Genesis 12:10 NLT
Abram and Sarai in Egypt
10 At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner. 

  • Jacob, in his old age, acts. 

And when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. 

  • Jacob worships God.

Jacob worships at Beersheba much like his father Isaac, and his grandfather Abraham worshipped the LORD.

Genesis 21:33 NLT
33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.

Genesis 26:23-25 NLT
23 From there Isaac moved to Beersheba, 24 where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” 25 Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well. 

2 During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called. 

Jacob had previous encounters with God.

Genesis 28:10-17
Jacob’s Dream at Bethel
10 Meanwhile, Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. 11 At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep. 12 As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.
13 At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. 15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”
16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” 17 But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!”

Genesis 32:24-30 NLT
Jacob Wrestles with God and Becomes Israel
24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. 25 When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!”
But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
27 “What is your name?” the man asked.
He replied, “Jacob.”
28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”
29 “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.
“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.
30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”

Genesis 35:1, 9-13 NLT
Jacob’s Return to Bethel
1 Then God said to Jacob, “Get ready and move to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother, Esau.”
9 Now that Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again at Bethel. God blessed him, 10 saying, “Your name is Jacob, but you will not be called Jacob any longer. From now on your name will be Israel.” So God renamed him Israel.
11 Then God said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants! 12 And I will give you the land I once gave to Abraham and Isaac. Yes, I will give it to you and your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from the place where he had spoken to Jacob. 

“Here I am,” Jacob replied. 

  • Jacob answers God.

3 “I am God, the God of your father,” the voice said. 

  • God introduces himself. 

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt,

  • God reassures Jacob. 

This is all a part of God’s plan for the Children of Israel.

Genesis 15:13 NLT
13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. 

for there I will make your family into a great nation.  

  • God reminds Jacob of his previous promises. 

4 I will go with you down to Egypt, 

Isaiah 41:10 NLT
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

and I will bring you back again.

The nation of Israel would return to Canaan.

  • God’s plans will be fulfilled.

You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.” 

  • God promised Jacob a peaceful death. 

5 So Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons took him to Egypt. They carried him and their little ones and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had provided for them.              

Genesis 45:19 NLT
19 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt to carry your little children and your wives, and bring your father here. 

6 They also took all their livestock and all the personal belongings they had acquired in the land of Canaan. So Jacob and his entire family went to Egypt— 7 sons and grandsons, daughters and granddaughters—all his descendants.

Genesis 46:8-27

8 These are the names of the descendants of Israel—the sons of Jacob—who went to Egypt:
Reuben was Jacob’s oldest son. 9 The sons of Reuben were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
10 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul. (Shaul’s mother was a Canaanite woman.)
11 The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
12 The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (though Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.
13 The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.
14 The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.,br>15 These were the sons of Leah and Jacob who were born in Paddan-aram, in addition to their daughter, Dinah. The number of Jacob’s descendants (male and female) through Leah was thirty-three.
16 The sons of Gad were Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.
17 The sons of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Their sister was Serah. Beriah’s sons were Heber and Malkiel.
18 These were the sons of Zilpah, the servant given to Leah by her father, Laban. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Zilpah was sixteen.
19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin.
20 Joseph’s sons, born in the land of Egypt, were Manasseh and Ephraim. Their mother was Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.
21 Benjamin’s sons were Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
22 These were the sons of Rachel and Jacob. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Rachel was fourteen.
23 The son of Dan was Hushim.
24 The sons of Naphtali were Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.
25 These were the sons of Bilhah, the servant given to Rachel by her father, Laban. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Bilhah was seven.
26 The total number of Jacob’s direct descendants who went with him to Egypt, not counting his sons’ wives, was sixty-six. 27 In addition, Joseph had two sons who were born in Egypt. So altogether, there were seventy members of Jacob’s family in the land of Egypt.

 Genealogies could include historical notes.

Genealogies generally excluded his wives, servants, and others attached to the household.

Daughters that were not the heads of separate houses are not mentioned.

Shaul’s mother: It was an exception for the sons of Jacob to take their wives from among the Canaanites. As a rule, wives were chosen from “the genealogy of Abraham.

Titus and His Companions

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Titus and His Companions

Traveling Together With Other Believers.

1 Corinthians 14:40 NLT
40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order. 

  • Be sure that everything is done properly and in order. 
  • Do not set other people up for failure.

2 Corinthians 8:16-24 NLT
Titus and His Companions
16 But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. 17 Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you. 18 We are also sending another brother with Titus. All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News. 19 He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help.
20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
22 We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you. 23 If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. 24 So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 8:16-24 NLT
Titus and His Companions
16 But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have.  

  • The enthusiasm Titus had for the Corinthians came from God.

17 Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you. 

2 Corinthians 8:6 NLT
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 

  • Titus welcomed the request to serve.
  • We should welcome opportunities to serve others. 

18 We are also sending another brother with Titus.

Unnamed.

All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News. 19 He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help. 

20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. 

1 Corinthians 16:3-4 NLT
3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

 Deuteronomy 19:15 NLT
15 “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Proverbs 11:14 NLT
14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
there is safety in having many advisers.

Galatians 6:1-2 NLT1 
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Genesis 2:18 NLT
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

  • A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated. 
  • Two people working together are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. … Three are even better.

21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable. 

Philippians 4:8-9 NLT
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. 

  • Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

  •  Do everything for the glory of God. 

22 We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. 

An additional “brother” was added to the traveling delegation.

He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you. 23 If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. 24 So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified. 

  • Christian community is not an optional part of the Christian life. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

 

 

 

Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt

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Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt

A story with “stunning” news.

Genesis 45:16-28 NLT
Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt
16 The news soon reached Pharaoh’s palace: “Joseph’s brothers have arrived!” Pharaoh and his officials were all delighted to hear this.
17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘This is what you must do: Load your pack animals, and hurry back to the land of Canaan. 18 Then get your father and all of your families, and return here to me. I will give you the very best land in Egypt, and you will eat from the best that the land produces.’”
19 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt to carry your little children and your wives, and bring your father here. 20 Don’t worry about your personal belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’”
21 So the sons of Jacob did as they were told. Joseph provided them with wagons, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he gave them supplies for the journey. 22 And he gave each of them new clothes—but to Benjamin he gave five changes of clothes and 300 pieces of silver. 23 He also sent his father ten male donkeys loaded with the finest products of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other supplies he would need on his journey.
24 So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left, he called after them, “Don’t quarrel about all this along the way!” 25 And they left Egypt and returned to their father, Jacob, in the land of Canaan.
26 “Joseph is still alive!” they told him. “And he is governor of all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned at the news—he couldn’t believe it. 27 But when they repeated to Jacob everything Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him, their father’s spirits revived.
28 Then Jacob exclaimed, “It must be true! My son Joseph is alive! I must go and see him before I die.”

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 45:16-28 NLT
Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt

16 The news soon reached Pharaoh’s palace: “Joseph’s brothers have arrived!” Pharaoh and his officials were all delighted to hear this. 

17 Pharaoh said to Joseph,

Pharaoh himself instructed Joseph to have his entire family move to Egypt.

“Tell your brothers, ‘This is what you must do: Load your pack animals, and hurry back to the land of Canaan. 18 Then get your father and all of your families, and return here to me. I will give you the very best land in Egypt, and you will eat from the best that the land produces.’”

Pharaoh offered Joseph’s family the best land in Egypt. 

19 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt to carry your little children and your wives, and bring your father here. 

Pharaoh provided wagons (carts) to transport members of Joseph’s family to Egypt.

20 Don’t worry about your personal belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’”

Joseph’s (God’s) role in preparing Egypt for the seven year famine was a direct benefit to his entire family.  Pharaoh’s appreciation of Joseph extended to his entire family.

  • God can, and does, use the ungodly to fulfill his plans.
  • God can, and does, use the ungodly to bless his chosen people.

21 So the sons of Jacob did as they were told. Joseph provided them with wagons, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he gave them supplies for the journey. 22 And he gave each of them new clothes—but to Benjamin he gave five changes of clothes and 300 pieces of silver. 23 He also sent his father ten male donkeys loaded with the finest products of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other supplies he would need on his journey. 

24 So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left, he called after them, “Don’t quarrel about all this along the way!” 

It was time for the brothers to put their sinful past behind them and enjoy the reunion and reconciliation that had taken place in their lives. 

Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 

  • Don’t dwell on the past. Rather, look forward to what lies ahead.

How might this apply to us?

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

25 And they left Egypt and returned to their father, Jacob, in the land of Canaan. 

26 “Joseph is still alive!” they told him. “And he is governor of all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned at the news—he couldn’t believe it. 

Jacob was stunned at the news—he couldn’t believe it.

Jacob’s state of mind:

Genesis 37:34-35 NLT
34 Then Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself in burlap. He mourned deeply for his son for a long time. 35 His family all tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “I will go to my grave mourning for my son,” he would say, and then he would weep.

Genesis 42:2 NLT
2 I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise we’ll die.”

Genesis 42:35
… the brothers and their father were terrified …

Genesis 42:38
… “you would send this grieving, white haired man to his grave. …

I can’t imagine anything more difficult and painful than a parent losing a child.

Having said that.  I do not believe that it was God’s plan for Jacob to live a life consumed by grief and fear. 

“Jacob was stunned at the news—he couldn’t believe it.”

Stunned: So shocked that one is temporarily unable to react. 

Should Jacob have been stunned when God blessed him with the wonderful news?

Genesis 28:13-15 NLT
13 At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. 15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”

  • We should not be stunned when God blesses us beyond our greatest expectations.

Reflect on the following scriptures.

Psalm 46 NLT
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.  

God always keeps his promises.

Numbers 23:19 NLT
19 God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

 Psalm 36:5 NLT
5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

Isaiah 25:1 NLT
1 O Lord, I will honor and praise your name,
for you are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago,
and now you have accomplished them.

Hebrews 6:18 NLT
18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 

David’s song of praise 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 NLT
8 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
9 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
10 Exult in his holy name;
rejoice, you who worship the Lord.
11 Search for the Lord and for his strength;
continually seek him.
12 Remember the wonders he has performed,
his miracles, and the rulings he has given,
13 you children of his servant Israel,
you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
14 He is the Lord our God.
His justice is seen throughout the land.
15 Remember his covenant forever—
the commitment he made to a thousand generations.
16 This is the covenant he made with Abraham
and the oath he swore to Isaac.
17 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:
18 “I will give you the land of Canaan
as your special possession.”
19 He said this when you were few in number,
a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.
20 They wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another.
21 Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.
He warned kings on their behalf:
22 “Do not touch my chosen people,
and do not hurt my prophets.”
23 Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
24 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
25 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
26 The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the Lord made the heavens!
27 Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and joy fill his dwelling.
28 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord,
recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
29 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his presence.
Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
30     Let all the earth tremble before him.
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
32 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
33 Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord,
for he is coming to judge the earth.
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
35 Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation!
Gather and rescue us from among the nations,
so we can thank your holy name
and rejoice and praise you.”
36 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who lives from everlasting to everlasting! 

  • Don’t be stunned when God does what He says He will do!
  • God always keeps his promises.

Psalm 23:1-4 NLT
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

Hebrews 13:5 NLT
5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.” 

I will not be stunned when God uses   ___________________ to fulfill his plans. 

Back to today’s text:

27 But when they repeated to Jacob everything Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him, their father’s spirits revived. 

28 Then Jacob exclaimed, “It must be true! My son Joseph is alive! I must go and see him before I die.”

Genesis 15:13NLT
13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years.  

  • Jacob’s family moving to Egypt was a part of God’s plan for the children of Israel (Jacob).

A Call to Generous Giving (Part 2)

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A Call to Generous Giving (Part 2)

2 Corinthians 8:10-15 NLT
A Call to Generous Giving (Part 2)
The Patterns of Giving
10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say,
“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,
and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 8:10-15 NLT
A Call to Generous Giving (Part 2)
The Patterns of Giving
10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started.

1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT
2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

The Corinthian church most likely stopped the process because they were influenced by false teachers.

2 Corinthians 2:17 NLT
17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. …

Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving.

  • Good intentions and eagerness are no substitute for good deeds.

James 2:15-16 NLT
15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

 1 John 3:18 NLT
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 

Give in proportion to what you have. 

1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT
2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

  • The New Testament never mentions set amounts or percentages for giving.
  • Give in proportion to what you have. 

12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. 

2 Corinthians 9:7
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 

And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.  

Don’t go into debt to give.

  • God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 

13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 

The word equality used here could be translated “balance” or “equilibrium”.

Help other believers meet their basic needs.

  • Scripture does not promote a welfare mentality.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 NLT
An Exhortation to Proper Living
6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 

14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.  

  • Balance: When you have plenty, help those who are in need. Later, when they will have plenty, they can share with you when you need it.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 

  • Be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 

15 As the Scriptures say,
“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,
and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

Exodus 16:16-18 NLT (Divine pattern)
16 These are the Lord’s instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent.”
17 So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. 18 But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.

Final thoughts:

Philippians 4:19 NLT
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 30:7-9 NLT
7 O God, I beg two favors from you;
let me have them before I die.
8 First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”
And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

Luke 6:38 NLT
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

 

Joseph Reveals His Identity

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Joseph Reveals His Identity

Review:

    • God is gradually preparing Joseph’s brothers to be leaders of his chosen people.
    • God’s testing is having a significant impact on Jacob and his sons.

Lives are being changed.

Genesis 45:1-15 NLT
Joseph Reveals His Identity
45 Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. 2 Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace.
3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. 6 This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. 8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.
9 “Now hurry back to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me master over all the land of Egypt. So come down to me immediately! 10 You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me with all your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. 11 I will take care of you there, for there are still five years of famine ahead of us. Otherwise you, your household, and all your animals will starve.’”
12 Then Joseph added, “Look! You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that I really am Joseph! 13 Go tell my father of my honored position here in Egypt. Describe for him everything you have seen, and then bring my father here quickly.” 14 Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin did the same. 15 Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and after that they began talking freely with him. 

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 45:1-15 NLT
Joseph Reveals His Identity

1 Joseph could stand it no longer.

Moved by Judah’s speech and all of the events leading up to this point, Joseph is unable to control his emotions.

There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers

Joseph would have been 39 years old, and away from his brothers for 22 years.

when he told them who he was. 2 Then he broke down and wept.

This was the third of five times Joseph wept over his brothers.

  • Reasons for Joseph’s tears:

Genesis 42:21-24 NLT
21 Speaking among themselves, they said, “Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.”
22 “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy?” Reuben asked. “But you wouldn’t listen. And now we have to answer for his blood!”
23 Of course, they didn’t know that Joseph understood them, for he had been speaking to them through an interpreter. 24 Now he turned away from them and began to weep. … 

    • Joseph was overcome with emotion when he sensed his brothers’ remorse.

Genesis 43:27-30 NLT
27 After greeting them, he asked, “How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?”
28 “Yes,” they replied. “Our father, your servant, is alive and well.” And they bowed low again.
29 Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin, the son of his own mother. “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Joseph asked. “May God be gracious to you, my son.” 30 Then Joseph hurried from the room because he was overcome with emotion for his brother. He went into his private room, where he broke down and wept. 

    • Joseph was overcome with emotion for the welfare of his father and his brother Benjamin.

This verse (Genesis 45:2)- God’s sovereignty

    • Joseph was overcome with emotion as he experienced God’s sovereignty in the life of his family.

The verse at the end of this passage:

Genesis 45:14-15 NLT
14 Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin did the same. 15 Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and after that they began talking freely with him.

Reconciliation  (after decades)

    • Joseph was overcome with emotion as he experienced the reconciliation taking place between him and his brothers.

Genesis 50:14-17 NLT
Joseph Reassures His Brothers
14 After burying Jacob, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him to his father’s burial. 15 But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said.
16 So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17 to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. 

    • Joseph was overcome with emotion as he witnessed repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace. 

3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?”

Joseph’s love and concern for his dad are evident.

But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 

  • The brothers were experiencing amazement and fear.

If Joseph had not been submissive to the sovereignty of God he may have readily had his brothers executed.

4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt.  

  • The process of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers is coming to a climax. 

5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. 

Joseph recognized that God, not his brothers, had sent him to Egypt.

  • Joseph saw, understood, and verbalized the sovereignty of God at work throughout this entire process.

***Because of Joseph’s understanding of the sovereignty of God, he was able to forgive his brothers.

  • We miss out on so many of God’s blessings when we do not recognize God’s sovereignty at work in our lives.

***Pray that God will help us see, understand, and be able to verbalize his sovereignty at work in our lives.

Genesis 50:20 NLT
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

6 This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 

Conditions will be getting a lot worse.

7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. 

  • Joseph understands, at least in part, the Abrahamic covenant and its promise of a nation.

Pray for an understanding of the bigger picture of God’s plan for our lives. 

8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.

  • God had put Joseph, an Israelite, in the position of governor of Egypt. (God can certainly do similar acts in 2020.)

9 “Now hurry back to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me master over all the land of Egypt. So come down to me immediately! 10 You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me with all your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. 

The region of Goshen was a fertile region, suited for grazing the herds of Jacob.

Separate from the populated areas in Egypt.

Genesis 46:33-34 NLT
33 Then he said, “When Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation, 34 you must tell him, ‘We, your servants, have raised livestock all our lives, as our ancestors have always done.’ When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the region of Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds.” 

11 I will take care of you there, for there are still five years of famine ahead of us. Otherwise you, your household, and all your animals will starve.’”

If Joseph’s family did not move to Egypt, they would not survive the famine.

12 Then Joseph added, “Look! You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that I really am Joseph! 13 Go tell my father of my honored position here in Egypt. Describe for him everything you have seen, and then bring my father here quickly.” 14 Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin did the same.  

15 Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and after that they began talking freely with him. 

Genesis 43:34 NLT
34 And Joseph filled their plates with food from his own table, giving Benjamin five times as much as he gave the others. So they feasted and drank freely with him. 

In Genesis 43 the brothers were drinking freely with the Governor of Egypt.  Here they are talking freely with their brother Joseph. 

  • Joseph and his brothers experienced the joy of reconciliation.

Nothing is too hard for God!

A Call to Generous Giving

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A Call to Generous Giving

The Patterns of Giving

Examples of Generosity (Liberality)

Paul is challenging the Corinthian Church to excel in the gracious act of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 NLT
A Call to Generous Giving
The Patterns of Giving
Examples of Generosity (Liberality)
1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 NLT

A Call to Generous Giving

The Patterns of Giving

Examples of Generosity (Liberality)

1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters,  

Paul is speaking to the Corinthian Church.

  • Paul is challenging the Corinthian Church to excel in the gracious act of giving. (v. 7) 

what God in his kindness has done 

What God has done. 

through the churches in Macedonia.  

Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea

2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy,

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 NLT1
 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
May God give you grace and peace.
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul knew that the abundant joy of the Macedonian believers came from their relationship with the Lord.

Psalm 28:7 NLT
7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. 

More about this in verse 5 

which has overflowed in rich generosity. 

Tested by many troubles and are very poor.

Filled with abundant joy.

Joy overflowed in rich generosity.

  • Paul’s model: The churches in Macedonia.

3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more.

  • They gave far more than they could afford.

Biblical principles for giving:

Proverbs 3:9 NLT
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce. 

Don’t give your leftovers!

1 Corinthians 16:2 NLT
2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 

And they did it of their own free will. 

  • They did it of their own free will.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.  

  • They begged for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers. 

5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

  • The #1 priority of the Macedonian believers was to give themselves to the Lord.

Romans 12:1 NLT
A Living Sacrifice to God
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Mark 12:30-31 NLT
30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Philippians 2:3-4 NLT
3 …. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 

  • Their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to others. 

6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 

Paul’s challenge to the Corinthian Church.

Finish what you started.

Follow through.

7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

God has blessed the Corinthians church in so many ways, the least they could do is to give generously to Christians in need.

8 I am not commanding you to do this.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 

  • God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 

But I am testing how genuine your love is 

Love is only expressed through giving. If there is no giving, there is no evidence that love exists. The only proof of love is giving. Giving is the action that demonstrates love.

  • Giving is the action that demonstrates love. 

John 3:16 NLT
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 

  • For this is how God loved the world: He gave … 

by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 

Comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

Comparing it with Jesus.

Luke 6:38 NLT
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

 

  • Paul is challenging the Corinthian Church to excel in the gracious act of giving. (v. 7)
  • Paul’s model: The churches in Macedonia.
    • They gave far more than they could afford.
    • They did it of their own free will.
    • They begged for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers.
  • The #1 priority of the Macedonian believers was to give themselves to the Lord.
  • Their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to others.
  • God loves a person who gives cheerfully.
  • Giving is the action that demonstrates love.
    • For this is how God loved the world: He gave …

Joseph’s Silver Cup

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Joseph’s Silver Cup

Review:

  • God is gradually preparing Joseph’s brothers to be leaders of his chosen people.
  • God’s testing is having a significant impact on Jacob and his sons.

Lives are being changed.

Genesis 44:1-34 NLT
Joseph’s Silver Cup
1 When his brothers were ready to leave, Joseph gave these instructions to his palace manager: “Fill each of their sacks with as much grain as they can carry, and put each man’s money back into his sack. 2 Then put my personal silver cup at the top of the youngest brother’s sack, along with the money for his grain.” So the manager did as Joseph instructed him.
3 The brothers were up at dawn and were sent on their journey with their loaded donkeys. 4 But when they had gone only a short distance and were barely out of the city, Joseph said to his palace manager, “Chase after them and stop them. When you catch up with them, ask them, ‘Why have you repaid my kindness with such evil? 5 Why have you stolen my master’s silver cup, which he uses to predict the future? What a wicked thing you have done!’”
6 When the palace manager caught up with the men, he spoke to them as he had been instructed.
7 “What are you talking about?” the brothers responded. “We are your servants and would never do such a thing! 8 Didn’t we return the money we found in our sacks? We brought it back all the way from the land of Canaan. Why would we steal silver or gold from your master’s house? 9 If you find his cup with any one of us, let that man die. And all the rest of us, my lord, will be your slaves.”
10 “That’s fair,” the man replied. “But only the one who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go free.”
11 They all quickly took their sacks from the backs of their donkeys and opened them. 12 The palace manager searched the brothers’ sacks, from the oldest to the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack! 13 When the brothers saw this, they tore their clothing in despair. Then they loaded their donkeys again and returned to the city.
14 Joseph was still in his palace when Judah and his brothers arrived, and they fell to the ground before him. 15 “What have you done?” Joseph demanded. “Don’t you know that a man like me can predict the future?”
16 Judah answered, “Oh, my lord, what can we say to you? How can we explain this? How can we prove our innocence? God is punishing us for our sins. My lord, we have all returned to be your slaves—all of us, not just our brother who had your cup in his sack.”
17 “No,” Joseph said. “I would never do such a thing! Only the man who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back to your father in peace.”
Judah Speaks for His Brothers
18 Then Judah stepped forward and said, “Please, my lord, let your servant say just one word to you. Please, do not be angry with me, even though you are as powerful as Pharaoh himself.
19 “My lord, previously you asked us, your servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ 20 And we responded, ‘Yes, my lord, we have a father who is an old man, and his youngest son is a child of his old age. His full brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him very much.’
21 “And you said to us, ‘Bring him here so I can see him with my own eyes.’ 22 But we said to you, ‘My lord, the boy cannot leave his father, for his father would die.’ 23 But you told us, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes with you, you will never see my face again.’
24 “So we returned to your servant, our father, and told him what you had said. 25 Later, when he said, ‘Go back again and buy us more food,’ 26 we replied, ‘We can’t go unless you let our youngest brother go with us. We’ll never get to see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’
27 “Then my father said to us, ‘As you know, my wife had two sons, 28 and one of them went away and never returned. Doubtless he was torn to pieces by some wild animal. I have never seen him since. 29 Now if you take his brother away from me, and any harm comes to him, you will send this grieving, white-haired man to his grave.’
30 “And now, my lord, I cannot go back to my father without the boy. Our father’s life is bound up in the boy’s life. 31 If he sees that the boy is not with us, our father will die. We, your servants, will indeed be responsible for sending that grieving, white-haired man to his grave. 32 My lord, I guaranteed to my father that I would take care of the boy. I told him, ‘If I don’t bring him back to you, I will bear the blame forever.’
33 “So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. 34 For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!”

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 44:1-17 NLT
Joseph’s Silver Cup
1 When his brothers were ready to leave, Joseph gave these instructions to his palace manager: “Fill each of their sacks with as much grain as they can carry, and put each man’s money back into his sack. 2 Then put my personal silver cup at the top of the youngest brother’s sack, along with the money for his grain.” So the manager did as Joseph instructed him.

The testing continues.

Joseph (God) was testing the brothers’ concern for both Benjamin and Jacob.

  • If Joseph’s brothers failed to demonstrate a concern for Benjamin (and Jacob) they would not be the kind of men God wanted as leaders for His chosen people.

Deuteronomy 11:27-28 NLT
27 You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. 28 But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the Lord your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.

Exodus 32:7-10 NLT
7 The Lord told Moses, “Quick! Go down the mountain! Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. 8 How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it. They are saying, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”
9 Then the Lord said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. 10 Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.”

3 The brothers were up at dawn and were sent on their journey with their loaded donkeys. 4 But when they had gone only a short distance and were barely out of the city, Joseph said to his palace manager, “Chase after them and stop them. 

When you catch up with them, ask them, ‘Why have you repaid my kindness with such evil? 5 Why have you stolen my master’s silver cup, which he uses to predict the future?

“My master’s silver cup, which he uses to predict the future.”

Verse 15: “What have you done?” Joseph demanded. “Don’t you know that a man like me can predict the future?”

In the Egyptian culture, Egyptian viziers practiced divination or hydromancy.  This cup would have been used in the process of pouring water into oil, interpreting the results, predicting the future, and passing new revelations on to the Pharaoh.

Joseph was continuing his ruse, he knew that only God grants revelation.

  • The silver cup found in Benjamin’s sack would have been extremely valuable to an Egyptian vizier.

Without this cup, the vizier could have felt handicapped in performing his duties. 

What a wicked thing you have done!’” 

The testing would be reaching a climax. 

6 When the palace manager caught up with the men, he spoke to them as he had been instructed.

 7 “What are you talking about?” the brothers responded. “We are your servants and would never do such a thing! 8 Didn’t we return the money we found in our sacks? We brought it back all the way from the land of Canaan. Why would we steal silver or gold from your master’s house? 9 If you find his cup with any one of us, let that man die.

This may be a foolish statement to make, but it was normal at this time to stake your life on what you said.

  • For a moment, the brothers were feeling confident and believed they were making things right with Joseph.

Genesis 43:34 NLT
34 And Joseph filled their plates with food from his own table, giving Benjamin five times as much as he gave the others. So they feasted and drank freely with him.

And all the rest of us, my lord, will be your slaves.” 

10 “That’s fair,” the man replied. “But only the one who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go free.” 

11 They all quickly took their sacks from the backs of their donkeys and opened them. 12 The palace manager searched the brothers’ sacks, from the oldest to the youngest.

They all quickly took their sacks from the backs of their donkeys and opened them.

The palace manager created tension by starting with the oldest and ending with Benjamin, knowing the silver cup was in Benjamin’s sack.

And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack! 13 When the brothers saw this, they tore their clothing in despair. 

  • In an instant, the brother’s confidence and hopes were crushed.

The brothers were experiencing despair similar to the despair Jacob experienced.  A feeling that “all was lost”.

Genesis 37:31-34 NLT
31 Then the brothers killed a young goat and dipped Joseph’s robe in its blood. 32 They sent the beautiful robe to their father with this message: “Look at what we found. Doesn’t this robe belong to your son?”
33 Their father recognized it immediately. “Yes,” he said, “it is my son’s robe. A wild animal must have eaten him. Joseph has clearly been torn to pieces!” 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself in burlap. He mourned deeply for his son for a long time. 

This would be a “new” feeling for the brothers.  They were beginning to “care”.

This was certainly a roller coaster experience for the brothers, but the brothers were “passing” the test. 

  • The tearing of one’s clothes is an ancient tradition among the Jews, and it is associated with mourning, grief, and loss. 

Then they loaded their donkeys again and returned to the city. 

14 Joseph was still in his palace when Judah and his brothers arrived, and they fell to the ground before him. 

They did not just bow politely,

They fell to the ground before him. This could be an indication of true remorse.

(Joseph’s dreams)

  • The brothers appeared to be demonstrating genuine remorse. 

15 “What have you done?” Joseph demanded. “Don’t you know that a man like me can predict the future?”

The ruse continues.

Joseph was still disguising himself as an Egyptian official.

16 Judah answered, “Oh, my lord, what can we say to you? How can we explain this? How can we prove our innocence?

Judah (not Reuben, the firstborn) was once again the spokesperson for the brothers.

God is punishing us for our sins.

Judah recognizes the hand of God in these events.

Hebrews 12:11 NLT
11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

  • God is working in the lives of Joseph’s brothers and they are responding in a positive way. 

My lord, we have all returned to be your slaves—all of us, not just our brother who had your cup in his sack.”

  • Judah is recognizing and confessing the sins of all of the brothers.

17 “No,” Joseph said. “I would never do such a thing! Only the man who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back to your father in peace.”

The testing continues.

Joseph is giving the brothers an “out”.  He is letting them “off the hook”.

If the brothers take Joseph up on this offer, they would be failing the test.

  • Joseph gives the brothers “an out”.

Judah Speaks for His Brothers
18 Then Judah stepped forward and said, “Please, my lord, let your servant say just one word to you. Please, do not be angry with me, even though you are as powerful as Pharaoh himself.
19 “My lord, previously you asked us, your servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ 20 And we responded, ‘Yes, my lord, we have a father who is an old man, and his youngest son is a child of his old age. His full brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him very much.’
21 “And you said to us, ‘Bring him here so I can see him with my own eyes.’ 22 But we said to you, ‘My lord, the boy cannot leave his father, for his father would die.’ 23 But you told us, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes with you, you will never see my face again.’
24 “So we returned to your servant, our father, and told him what you had said. 25 Later, when he said, ‘Go back again and buy us more food,’ 26 we replied, ‘We can’t go unless you let our youngest brother go with us. We’ll never get to see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’
27 “Then my father said to us, ‘As you know, my wife had two sons, 28 and one of them went away and never returned. Doubtless he was torn to pieces by some wild animal. I have never seen him since. 29 Now if you take his brother away from me, and any harm comes to him, you will send this grieving, white-haired man to his grave.’
30 “And now, my lord, I cannot go back to my father without the boy. Our father’s life is bound up in the boy’s life. 31 If he sees that the boy is not with us, our father will die. We, your servants, will indeed be responsible for sending that grieving, white-haired man to his grave. 32 My lord, I guaranteed to my father that I would take care of the boy. I told him, ‘If I don’t bring him back to you, I will bear the blame forever.’
33 “So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. 34 For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!”

Judah interceded for Benjamin with a lengthy plea to Joseph, offering to be imprisoned in the place of his younger brother.

This plea clearly demonstrated his concern for his father who would surely die if Benjamin did not return home.

  • The brothers demonstrated a genuine concern for their father and their younger brother, Benjamin. 

 

Notes on Judah:

Genesis 49:8-10 NLT
8 “Judah, your brothers will praise you.
You will grasp your enemies by the neck.
All your relatives will bow before you.
9 …
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants,
until the coming of the one to whom it belongs,
the one whom all nations will honor.

1 Chronicles 5:2 NLT
2 The descendants of Judah became the most powerful tribe and provided a ruler for the nation …

Judah is included in the lists of the ancestors of Jesus found in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.

A Feast at Joseph’s Palace

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A Feast at Joseph’s Palace

Review:

    • God is preparing Joseph’s brothers to be leaders of his chosen people.
    • God’s testing is having a significant impact on Jacob and his sons.
    • The brothers were terrified (again).

Lives are being changed.

Was it Godly Sorrow or Worldly Sorrow?

Genesis 43:19-34 NLT
A Feast at Joseph’s Palace
19 The brothers approached the manager of Joseph’s household and spoke to him at the entrance to the palace. 20 “Sir,” they said, “we came to Egypt once before to buy food. 21 But as we were returning home, we stopped for the night and opened our sacks. Then we discovered that each man’s money—the exact amount paid—was in the top of his sack! Here it is; we have brought it back with us. 22 We also have additional money to buy more food. We have no idea who put our money in our sacks.”23 “Relax. Don’t be afraid,” the household manager told them. “Your God, the God of your father, must have put this treasure into your sacks.
I know I received your payment.” Then he released Simeon and brought him out to them.
24 The manager then led the men into Joseph’s palace. He gave them water to wash their feet and provided food for their donkeys. 25 They were told they would be eating there, so they prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon.
26 When Joseph came home, they gave him the gifts they had brought him, then bowed low to the ground before him. 27 After greeting them, he asked, “How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?”
28 “Yes,” they replied. “Our father, your servant, is alive and well.” And they bowed low again.
29 Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin, the son of his own mother. “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Joseph asked. “May God be gracious to you, my son.” 30 Then Joseph hurried from the room because he was overcome with emotion for his brother. He went into his private room, where he broke down and wept. 31 After washing his face, he came back out, keeping himself under control. Then he ordered, “Bring out the food!”
32 The waiters served Joseph at his own table, and his brothers were served at a separate table. The Egyptians who ate with Joseph sat at their own table, because Egyptians despise Hebrews and refuse to eat with them. 33 Joseph told each of his brothers where to sit, and to their amazement, he seated them according to age, from oldest to youngest. 34 And Joseph filled their plates with food from his own table, giving Benjamin five times as much as he gave the others. So they feasted and drank freely with him.

Examine the Scriptures

Genesis 43:18 NLT
18 The brothers were terrified when they saw that they were being taken into Joseph’s house. “It’s because of the money someone put in our sacks last time we were here,” they said. “He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.”

From the previous lesson.

    • The brothers are terrified (again).

Genesis 43:19-34 NLT
A Feast at Joseph’s Palace
19 The brothers approached the manager of Joseph’s household and spoke to him at the entrance to the palace. 20 “Sir,” they said, “we came to Egypt once before to buy food.  

21 But as we were returning home, we stopped for the night and opened our sacks. Then we discovered that each man’s money—the exact amount paid—was in the top of his sack! Here it is; we have brought it back with us. 

  • The brothers are completely vulnerable and feeling the weight of God’s judgment on their consciences.
  • God’s testing is having an impact on Jacob and his sons.

The brothers displayed:
Honesty
Desire to settle their debt.

  • Were the brothers experiencing Godly Sorrow or Worldly Sorrow?

2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT
10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 

Psalm 51
For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
    because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
    blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt.
    Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion;
    it haunts me day and night.
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
    I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
    and your judgment against me is just.
5 For I was born a sinner—
    yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
6 But you desire honesty from the womb
    teaching me wisdom even there.
7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Oh, give me back my joy again;
    you have broken me—
    now let me rejoice.
9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.
    Remove the stain of my guilt.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
    Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11 Do not banish me from your presence,
    and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and make me willing to obey you.
13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
    and they will return to you.
14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
    then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
15 Unseal my lips, O Lord,
    that my mouth may praise you.
16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
    You do not want a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
    You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. 

  • Worldly sorrow provides opportunities for teaching Godly sorrow.

22 We also have additional money to buy more food. We have no idea who put our money in our sacks.” 

23 “Relax. Don’t be afraid,” the household manager told them. “Your God, the God of your father,

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was being active in this story, and that fact was recognized by the Egyptian household manager. 

must have put this treasure into your sacks.

This is a powerful statement.

Treasure (most translations) implies more than just a payment for a purchase.
Put the money in your sack as a gift. (ERV)

Isaiah 45:3 NLT
3 And I will give you (Cyrus) treasures hidden in the darkness—
secret riches.
I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

I know I received your payment.”

  • The Egyptian household manager recognized that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was active in this narrative. 

Then he released Simeon and brought him out to them. 

24 The manager then led the men into Joseph’s palace. He gave them water to wash their feet and provided food for their donkeys. 

Usual Eastern hospitality.

An act of courtesy to a traveler.

  • The brothers are treated with courtesy by the Egyptian household manager.

25 They were told they would be eating there, so they prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

Guests of the governor of Egypt.

26 When Joseph came home, they gave him the gifts they had brought him, then bowed low to the ground before him. 

Joseph’s boyhood dream (37:5-8)

27 After greeting them, he asked, “How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?”

28 “Yes,” they replied. “Our father, your servant, is alive and well.” And they bowed low again.

  • Joseph was no longer treating his brothers harshly.

29 Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin, the son of his own mother.

The son of his own mother. 

“Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Joseph asked. “May God be gracious to you, my son.” 

“May God”

Elohiym – the supreme God – same name as in Genesis 1:1

A demonstration of favoritism.

An answer to Jacob’s prayer.

Genesis 43:14 NLT
14 May God Almighty give you mercy as you go before the man, so that he will release Simeon and let Benjamin return. But if I must lose my children, so be it.”

  • Joseph recognized the fact that God played a significant role in this narrative. 

30 Then Joseph hurried from the room because he was overcome with emotion for his brother.

Painful memories.

Joy and thanksgiving.

Joseph and not seen Benjamin for 20 years.

He went into his private room, where he broke down and wept. 31 After washing his face, he came back out, keeping himself under control.

Joseph was not ready to reveal his identity.

Then he ordered, “Bring out the food!” 

32 The waiters served Joseph at his own table,

Joseph’s rank was clearly displayed with a table set just for him.

Since Joseph was not ready to reveal his identity, he could not sit with his brothers since Egyptians would never sit with Hebrews.

 and his brothers were served at a separate table. 

The Egyptians who ate with Joseph sat at their own table, because Egyptians despise Hebrews and refuse to eat with them.  

  • Egyptians normally despise Hebrews.

33 Joseph told each of his brothers where to sit, and to their amazement,

he seated them according to age, from oldest to youngest.  

“to their amazement” indicates that the brothers took note of Joseph’s seating arrangement.

How could the Egyptian governor have known this?

More divine intervention?

Genesis 42:21 NLT
21 Speaking among themselves, they said, “Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.” 

34 And Joseph filled their plates with food from his own table, giving Benjamin five times as much as he gave the others.

A clear demonstration of favoritism.

The brothers were confronted with generous and gracious dealings from God through Joseph, who tested their tolerance by reenacting the favoritism toward Rachel’s son that had galvanized their earlier hostility.

  • The brothers did not appear to react negatively to Joseph’s demonstration of favoritism toward Benjamin. 

So they feasted and drank freely with him. 

From terrified (verse 18) to feasting and drinking freely.

  • The brothers appeared to experience some degree of comfort feasting and drinking with the governor of Egypt. 
  • God is gradually preparing Joseph’s brothers to be leaders of his chosen people.

Paul’s Joy at the Church’s Repentance

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Paul’s Joy at the Church’s Repentance

Introduction:

Review:

2 Corinthians 6:14 & 17 NLT
14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers.

17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,

(These statements were directed to members of the Corinthian Church)

Why was Paul making these statements?

    • The Corinthians were siding with (believing) false teachers and they were rejecting Paul.

Paul’s appealed for reconciliation.

Paul’s had a burning desire for a restored relationship with the Corinthian Church.

    • Paul’s rivals were cunning.
    • Paul experienced deep discouragement.

2 Corinthians 7:8-16 NLT
Paul’s Joy at the Church’s Repentance
8 I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. 12 My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged. I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us. 13 We have been greatly encouraged by this.
In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was about the way all of you welcomed him and set his mind at ease. 14 I had told him how proud I was of you—and you didn’t disappoint me. I have always told you the truth, and now my boasting to Titus has also proved true! 15 Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect. 16 I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.

Examine the scriptures:
2 Corinthians 7:8-16 NLT
Paul’s Joy at the Church’s Repentance 

8 I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you (with Titus), though I was sorry at first,

(Refer to the note at the end)

What was the issue?

Paul had to defend his apostleship.

Paul’s character was being assaulted.

 for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 

Hebrews 12:11 NLT
11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

  • No discipline seems pleasant at the time. Later on, however, it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways.

A sorrow that led to repentance.

Pain or sorrow that causes repentance and change is a good thing.

  • Paul talks about two kinds of sorrow.

It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.  

10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. 

There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow.

2 Timothy 2:25 NLT
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 

  • The first kind of sorrow is a sorrow God wants us to experience. It is a sorrow that leads us away from sin and results in salvation.

But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

Sorry for getting caught.

  • The second kind of sorrow is worldly sorrow. Worldly sorrow lacks repentance and results in spiritual death. 

11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! 

Such earnestness,

Earnestness, diligence, or eagerness to pursue righteousness and make amends.

such concern to clear yourselves,

To explain and clear yourselves of the charges that you tolerate sin. 

such indignation,

At sin (the man who opposed Paul)

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 NLT
Forgiveness for the Sinner
5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8 So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.
9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

such alarm,

Fear of offending God.

such longing to see me, 

such zeal,

To do what is right. 

and such a readiness to punish wrong.

To punish those who sin and those who tolerate sin.  To see justice done.

 

Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! 

Earnestness,      a concern to clear yourselves,      indignation,      alarm,

a longing to see me,     zeal,     and a readiness to punish wrong. 

You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. 

 

12 My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged.  (Paul may be referring to himself as the one who was wronged. 2 Corinthians 2:5) I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us. 

  • Paul’s primary purpose in writing the letter was to benefit the Corinthians. The primary focus was not on the one who did the wrong.
  • Paul had a burning desire for a restored relationship with the Corinthian Church.

13 We have been greatly encouraged by this.

You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. (v.11) 

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was about the way all of you welcomed him and set his mind at ease. 14 I had told him how proud I was of you—and you didn’t disappoint me. I have always told you the truth, and now my boasting to Titus has also proved true! 15 Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect. 16 I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you. 

  • Overall, the outcome of Paul’s “severe” letter was positive.

 

 

 

Note added:

Four Letters, Three Visits

1st visit

A.D. 48-51      1 ½ years
Acts 18:1 (NLT)
Paul Meets Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth
Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

1st letter – now lost  From Ephesus – misunderstood by the Corinthians

1 Corinthians 5:9 (NLT)
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 

2nd letter  (1st Corinthians)  From Ephesus –  A.D 53-55 

2nd visit  A painful visit 

3rd letter – now lost   Tearful, severe letter

2 Corinthians 2:3-4 (NLT)
3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. 

2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NLT)
8 I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 

4th letter  (2nd Corinthians)  From Macedonia A.D. 55/56 

3rd visit  A.D. 56 -57

Acts 20:2-3 (NLT)
2 While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, 3 where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.

ESV Study Bible                    NIV Study Bible                    The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Lindsell Study Bible               The MacArthur Bible Commentary

God Encourages Those Who Are Discouraged

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God Encourages Those Who Are Discouraged

Review:

2 Corinthians 6:14 & 17 NLT

14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers.

17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,

(These statements were directed to members of the Corinthian Church)

          • Doing the right thing can be very painful.
          • Paul experienced deep discouragement.

God Encourages Those Who Are Discouraged

Paul’s Appeal for Reconciliation.

Paul’s Burning Desire for a Restored Relationship with the Corinthian Church.

2 Corinthians 7:2-7 (NLT)
2 Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor taken advantage of anyone. 3 I’m not saying this to condemn you. I said before that you are in our hearts, and we live or die together with you. 4 I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.
Paul’s Joy at the Church’s Repentance
5 When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. 6 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 7 His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!

Examine the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 7:2-7 (NLT)

Review:

2 Corinthians 6:14 & 17 NLT

14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers.

17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,

(These statements were directed to members of the Corinthian Church) 

  • The Corinthians were siding with (believing) false teachers and they were rejecting Paul. 

2 Please open your hearts to us.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 NLT
11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! 

  • Paul desperately wanted the Corinthian church to accept him as a spiritual leader. 

We have not done wrong to anyone,

2 Corinthians 2:17 NLT
17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. 

nor led anyone astray,

2 Corinthians 4:2 NLT
2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 

2 Corinthians 6:3 NLT
3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 

 nor taken advantage of anyone.  

A history of “hurt” with the Corinthian Church.

Some misunderstandings resulting from “the missing letter”.

2 Corinthians 2:1 NLT
So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit.

Paul is defending his actions. 

3 I’m not saying this to condemn you.

Paul did not blame the Corinthians for their vacillation.  His rivals, the false teachers, were cunning.

Cunning: having skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion.

  • Paul’s rivals were cunning.

2 Corinthians 11:3-5 NLT
3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.5 But I don’t consider myself inferior in any way to these “super apostles” who teach such things. 

2 Corinthians 10:12 NLT
12 Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

  • Paul’s rivals are described as wonderful, important, “super apostles”. 

I said before that you are in our hearts, and we live or die together with you.  

4 I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.

  • Paul was confident that God was at work in the Corinthian church.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 NLT
Paul Gives Thanks to God
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul’s Joy at the Church’s Repentance
5 When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest (no peace of mind) for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.  

  • Paul experienced deep discouragement.

6 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 

  • God encourages those who are discouraged.

7 His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you.

2 Corinthians 2:3-4 NLT
3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.

When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!

  • Doing the right thing can be very painful.