Series: Genesis                                                                        April 24, 2005

           Message: “The Freedom of Forgiveness”                    Genesis 44:1-45:15

           

           Big Idea: Forgiveness is not just an option for the Christian. It is a

           requirement. It is essential to a healthy relationship to God and others.                            HeHH

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

                  I.  AN OVERVIEW OF CHAPTERS 41-45  

 

A.     Joseph RELATING to his brothers

 

1.  Chapter 41 = Joseph is EXALTED

 

      2.  Chapters 42-44 = Joseph CONCEALED

 

                            3.  Chapter 45 = Joseph REVEALED      

 

                      B.  Joseph TESTING his brothers

 

                            1.  It is not out of a spirit of REVENGE      

 

                            2.  It is out of a desire to see if they have CHANGED

 

         a.  Is there REPENTANCE concerning their brother?

 

                                 b.  Is there JEALOUSY among the brothers? 

 

                                 c.  Is there LOYALITY between them?

 

               II.  THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS      

                                   

                     A.  The FINAL exam   ch. 44      

 

                           1.  Flying HIGH   vs. 1-3   

                                          

                           2.  Not so FAST   vs. 4-10 

                    

                           3.  Look for YOURSELF   vs. 11-13   

 

                           4.  We’re all in this TOGETHER   vs. 14-34    

 

                     B.  The TEST is over   ch. 45             

 

                           1.  REVELATION   vs. 1-3     

               

                           2.  EXPLANATION   vs. 4-13 

 

                                a.  PERSONAL

 

                                b.  DOCTRINAL

 

                                c.  PRACTICAL

 

                           3.  REUNION   vs. 14,15   

 

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             III.  APPLICATIONS

 

                    A.  Forgiveness is HARD, pursue it anyway.   

 

                    B.  Forgiveness is COSTLY, but it is worth it.

 

                    C.  Forgiveness is the RIGHT thing to do, Jesus is our example. 

 

 

**Please be prayerful and quiet as we come to the end of our study.

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring life change in response to the Word. **