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GOD'S INCREDIBLES: 
What Bible Characters Teach Us About Life, Leadership, and the Power of God
"JOSEPH: Incredible Keys to Beating Bitterness and Finding Forgiveness" 
Pastor Rob Carlson
Sunday, August 21, 2005

4 KEYS TO BEATING BITTERNESS & FINDING FORGIVENESS:

1. BE MATURE BEYOND YOUR YEARS.

Joseph's Life 
· Birth to 17 (Gen. 30:24-37:2). Growing agitation of brothers.
· 17 to 30 (37:2-41:46). Brother’s rejection, enslavement, imprisonment.
· 30 to death (41:46-50:26). Last 80 years—God’s blessing.

How do we become more mature?
1. Truly trust the Lord in all circumstances. 
Proverbs 3:5,6--Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

2. Step back and see the big picture. 
James 1:2-5,12--Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him... Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Joseph's Plight
pits -- forsaken -- sold out -- incredible hatred
palace -- slandered -- hung out -- incredible lies
prison -- forgotten -- left out -- incredible injustice



2. BE QUICK TO FORGIVE.
See Philippians 3:13,14; Ephesians 4:31,32; Matthew 6:14,15; Hebrews 12:15; Colossians 3:17; Matthew 18:21ff; Matthew 5:23-25.



3. BE SLOW TO LOOK BACK.
Genesis 45:1,8,14,15--Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers... “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.” ...Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him. 

Genesis 45:24--Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!" 


4. THINK LEGACY: MAKE AN IMPACT
See Gen. 50:15-21.

1) Grow old free of bitterness.
2) Face death right with God and others is the finest way to enter eternity.

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. How do you keep on top of resentment? What is the key to forgiving others and not becoming bitter?

2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 

3. Share an example of forgiveness that has inspired your life.

4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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