WEBVTT

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 Well, please take your Bibles, and for the last time, let's open up to the book of Genesis.

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! Be honest, some of y'all thought that we would never make it to this point, but we are in the last

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 sermon in a long series in the book of Genesis that we started, I believe, last January. I think this is

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 sermon number 45, maybe 46 in this series. We took some breaks throughout, scheduled breaks,

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 to give us a little breather, but we have come to the end this morning. So Genesis chapter 50,

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 and our passage is verses 15 through 26, and when you found that in your Bibles, if you would,

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 if you're physically able, let's stand this morning in honor of the reading of God's Word.

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 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said,

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 it may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.

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 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, your father gave this command before he died. Say to

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 Joseph, please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to

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 you. And now please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.

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 Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said,

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 behold, we are your servants. But Joseph said to them, do not fear, for am I in the place of God?

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 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many

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 people should be kept alive as they are today. So do not fear, I will provide for you and your

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 little ones. Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. So Joseph remained in Egypt,

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 he and his father's house. Joseph lived 110 years, and Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third

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 generation. The children also of Mekir, the son of Manasseh, were counted as Joseph's own. And Joseph

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 said to his brothers, I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to

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 the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear,

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 saying, God will surely visit you and you shall carry up my bones from here. So Joseph died being 110

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 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. The grass withers and the flower

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 fades, but the word of the Lord endures forever. Father, we praise you for your word. And we praise

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 you for the book of Genesis. Even this morning, as we bring it to a close, God, would you remind us

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 once more of your great faithfulness, of your power and your holiness? And would you give us a heart of

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 faith in you and all you've promised us in Christ? We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. You may be seated.

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 One of my primary responsibilities, if not my primary responsibility as a parent,

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 is to instill in my children a God-centered worldview. I remember when some of them were

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 even smaller than they are now, going out to the beach, and we were out in the ocean. I was holding

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 one of them as the waves crashed against us, tossing us to and fro. We were riding the waves in and out,

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 just this massive body of water. And I would ask, well, who made the ocean? And the answer,

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 of course, is God made the ocean. And we'd look up at the sky, and we'd see the sky. And I would ask,

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 well, who made the sky? And the answer, of course, is, well, God made the sky. We'd look out on the

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 shore and at the sands. Who made the sand? The answer is God made the sand. Well, who made you?

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 Who made me? Well, God made you. God made me. The follow-up question then, well, to whom does all of

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 this belong? All of it belongs to God. Now, this is foundational starting point theology, but truly,

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 this is the theology that the book of Genesis wants to instill in all of us. And here on the last Sunday

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 of a long series in the big book, I think that is appropriate, to remind us this morning what the

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 book of Genesis is all about. And to put it as simply as I can, the book of Genesis is a book about

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 God. If you remember, this is where the book of Genesis begins. Genesis 1, verse 1, in the beginning,

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 God created the heavens and the earth. We learn right from the very first pages that there is an eternal

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 God who is good and powerful and capable of speaking the entire world into existence. All of it rightly

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 belongs to him. Genesis wants to teach us that if we're going to rightly understand the world that we

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 live in, if we're going to rightly live as God intended us to live, we must do so with a God-centered

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 perspective. Well, this morning, as we bring this book to a close, we get to see some of the implications

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 of that God-centered perspective. What does it look like practically for us to live with God in view?

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 And what does it look like practically for us to live with a God-centered perspective? And so what we'll

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 see this morning are three effects of a God-centered perspective. This will be our outline this morning.

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 If you're taking notes, this ought to help you follow along. Three effects of a God-centered perspective.

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 Number one, first, we see that a God-centered perspective produces fearlessness.

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 A God-centered perspective produces fearlessness. And what I mean by that is fearlessness for the righteous.

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 And by way of contrast, a God-centered perspective ought to produce fear for the guilty. Look there,

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 starting in verse 15. And we see the guilty first. Verse 15, it says, when Joseph's brothers saw that

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 their father was dead, they said, it may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil

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 that we did to him. And up to this point, Joseph has been incredibly gracious to his brothers. I mean,

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 sure, he messed with them a little bit. He tested them with the whole ordeal with his cup and Benjamin.

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 But for the most part, he has welcomed them. He has provided for them. He's paved the way for them to

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 come safely into Egypt. He's cared well for them. But now that dad is gone, well, they wonder and they

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 worry. Well, maybe all of this, maybe Joseph is going to change his tune. Maybe this whole thing was just

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 an act. Maybe Joseph has been waiting for this moment to pay us back for all those things that

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 we did to him. And so they are afraid. Verse 16 says that they craft this message. They send a messenger

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 before them. They can't even come and stand to see Joseph face to face. And they make up this story.

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 We have no record of this conversation ever happening. In fact, we have no record of the brothers ever

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 coming clean to their father about what they did in the first place. But they make up this story and

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 say, before he died, your father commanded us and he said to tell you to forgive us for all those bad

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 things that we did to you. They make up this story and they try to sweeten them up. They say, and by the

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 way, we're servants of your father's God, the same God that he served and that you serve. Yeah, we serve him

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 to. And they're pulling out all the stops here trying to avoid this judgment that they fear is

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 coming against them. And it says, when Joseph heard these things, look how he responds. It says he weeps.

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 And already we're getting a peek into Joseph's heart here, aren't we? He doesn't really seem like

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 somebody who's bent on vengeance, does he? He doesn't seem eager for revenge. He weeps at the

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 words of his brothers. And so when the brothers hear that their message has been well received and

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 and they could tell that Joseph, he's not preparing the guillotine for them when they arrive, right?

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 They come and they once again, they they fall down before Joseph. And now this is the third time now

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 that we've seen this happen. You remember Joseph's dreams. Joseph dreamed that his brothers and his

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 father would fall down before him. This is the third time that that's happened. And they grovel before

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 him and they say, we we are your servants. I want you to think about these two groups of people here

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 in the passage for a moment. These two groups of people here on the one side, you have the brothers.

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 They are guilty and they know that they're guilty. They have sinned and they know that they've sinned.

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 They have have done evil to Joseph and they know that they deserve punishment. And so as a result,

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 they are anxious and they're fearful and they're afraid that finally that bill is going to come due for

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 all the evil that they've done to Joseph. That's one side here is the wicked. But on the other side,

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 you have righteous Joseph who has nothing to fear. And in this moment, Joseph has not sinned against

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 his brothers. He's he's he's he's been righteous and has lived in integrity. And in this moment of judgment,

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 Joseph holds all the cards here and the wicked are fearful that Joseph is fearless. You know,

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 there's a proverb Proverbs chapter 28 verse one. It says the wicked flee when no one pursues,

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 but the righteous are bold as a lion. Have you ever experienced that in your own life?

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 Now, when you are walking in sin and when you know that you've done wrong, it's like you're, you're,

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 you're constantly looking over your shoulder. You're, you're wondering if or when you're going to be

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 caught and it colors, all the interactions that you have with people. It, it colors all the, all the

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 conversations that you have. You're just, you're constantly filled with this anxious spirit that

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 you're going to be found out at some point. Well, that's the state of the guilty. You're fearful.

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 But on the other hand, when you walk in integrity and you, you live in righteousness, you're upright.

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 Well, guess what? You have nothing to fear. The righteous are bold as a lion.

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 You know, when I go speeding down highway 17, right? Going 25 miles an hour faster than I know I should.

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 And I pass by a police car on the way and I see it. I get a sight of that police car. Well, guess what?

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 Even if he doesn't pull out to come get me, what am I doing? I'm constantly for another 10 miles

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 looking behind me, right? The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold

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 as a lion. That's true here and now we experience this with our own sin and our own uprightness. But

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 do you realize that that's ultimately true in light of the coming day of the Lord?

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 Do you realize church, you remember that one day soon, the Lord Jesus will return

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 and all will give an account of themselves to the Lord Jesus? Do we remember that John 5, 27,

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 it tells us Jesus has authority to execute judgment because he is the son of man.

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 That coming day of the Lord, that's a day of great fear for the wicked. But at the same time,

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 that coming day of the Lord is a day of great joy for the righteous.

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 The wicked are right to stand in fear of that day, but the righteous, meaning those who have been

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 made righteous by faith in Christ, that day is a great day of vindication and joy and celebration

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 in that day. Christians are those who by the grace of God, we live each day now in light of that day then.

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 This interaction here between Joseph and his brothers, it gives us a small picture. It's like a small

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 representation, the scene of that coming day of judgment at the return of Christ. Think about it.

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 On the one side here, the brothers give us a glimmer of the fear in the hearts of the wicked on that day.

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 And on the other side, Joseph here stands as a type of Christ.

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 He's a small shadow of the righteous king of all the earth, the one who will judge the world in righteousness.

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 But at the same time, Christian, do you realize, Joseph also gives us a small picture of our future

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 if we're in Christ? Think about it like this. The word tells us that if we are in Christ,

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 and this is beyond my comprehension, church, but the word tells us that if we are in Christ,

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 in fact, we will join Christ in that judgment.

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 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6, verse 22.

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 He goes on to say, in fact, we will judge the angels.

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 Jesus says in Revelation 2, verse 26,

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 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end,

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 to him I will give authority over the nations.

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 Do you see this represented here by Joseph?

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 And he goes on in chapter 3, verse 21 of Revelation.

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 He says, the one who conquers,

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 I will grant him to sit with me on my throne,

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 as I also conquered and sat down with my father on his throne.

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 This is absolutely stunning, church.

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 At his return, Christ, our head, will execute judgments,

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 but we, his body, will agree with him in full,

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 and even in a way that's beyond my understanding,

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 we will participate with him in his authoritative judgment over the nations.

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 We will share in a measure of the authority of Christ the King

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 as he rules over the nations.

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 It says, we will sit with him on his throne in the age to come.

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 This just baffles me.

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 We ought to marvel at this.

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 But it should also force a decision in your hearts right now.

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 Which side of this whole thing do you want to be on?

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 Do you want to stand in fear, as the brothers do,

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 knowing your guilt,

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 worrying whether or not judgment will come,

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 worrying when that bill is going to come due,

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 or do you want to stand vindicated,

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 righteous, with nothing to fear?

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 It's only by living with God in view,

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 with Christ in view,

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 that the sort of vindicated fearlessness is possible.

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 So first, we see a God-centered view produces fearlessness.

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 Not only this.

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 Second, we see a God-centered perspective also produces forgiveness.

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 Forgiveness.

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 How do we respond when others wrong us?

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 Think about this whole thing from Joseph's perspective for a minute.

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 I mean, just imagine the power that Joseph has in this moment.

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 I mean, whoo!

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 Opportunities like this are few and far between, aren't they?

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 You imagine, you just think about that one person that has wronged you more than anybody else.

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 That one thing that somebody did to you that just makes you so angry,

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 you can't even sleep at night.

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 Just imagine the people who have wronged you,

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 who have cheated you,

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 who have cursed you,

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 who have sinned against you.

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 Well, now they come groveling to you,

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 and you have the power to absolutely just ruin their lives.

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 How would you respond?

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 I know how you want to respond.

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 Our natural fleshly desire here is to seek vengeance, right?

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 And at the very least,

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 just make sure that they know what they did, right?

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 Stick it to them a little bit.

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 Make sure they know,

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 you better not even show your face around here anymore.

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 But with God in the view.

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 Look at what Joseph does here in our passage.

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 He gives four better responses here.

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 I want you to see each one.

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 Four better responses that flow out of a God-centered worldview.

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 For one, he responds with mercy.

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 Look there to verse 19.

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 The first thing he says to these brothers that have sinned against him,

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 that deserve judgment,

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 that have sold him for dead into slavery and betrayed him,

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 the first thing that he says to them,

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 what is it?

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 Do not fear.

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 Do not fear.

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 He knows that they're afraid.

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 Of course he knows they deserve judgment.

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 They do deserve judgment.

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 But he assures them,

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 I'm not going to repay you according to what you deserve.

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 This is mercy.

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 Mercy is withholding judgment deserved.

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 It's like when your kids smash in a window with a baseball.

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 This hasn't happened at our house.

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 It's just an example.

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 Okay?

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 Theoretical.

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 You've warned them over and over and over again.

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 Don't hit the ball towards the house.

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 And then boom,

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 there it goes through the window.

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 They come into the kitchen,

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 just heads down,

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 expecting judgment.

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 And instead,

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 you say,

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 come here.

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 It's okay.

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 I'm not going to repay you according to what you deserve.

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 This is mercy.

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 That's one response.

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 Not only this.

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 Second,

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 he also responds with humility.

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 Joseph responds with humility.

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 Look what he says.

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 Do not fear,

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 for am I in the place of God?

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 Am I in the place of God to repay you for what you've done?

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 Joseph recognizes humbly that as powerful as he is,

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 right?

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 He's the second most powerful man in all of Egypt.

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 He's powerful enough to hurt these brothers as much as he wants to hurt them.

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 Even so,

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 he recognizes,

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 I am not in the place of God.

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 He recognizes humbly,

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 ultimately,

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 this sin,

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 even though it affects me,

00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:14.980
 ultimately,

00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:18.380
 this is a sin and an offense against a holy God.

00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:24.480
 And while I can insert myself into the situation and stick it to you and hurt you,

00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:25.500
 ultimately,

00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:28.839
 I trust that God will make it right in the end.

00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:32.640
 He responds with humility.

00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.099
 Third,

00:19:35.559 --> 00:19:38.299
 Joseph responds with faith.

00:19:39.319 --> 00:19:40.319
 With faith.

00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:43.980
 This is a word that has been so watered down culturally,

00:19:44.139 --> 00:19:45.019
 it almost means nothing,

00:19:45.159 --> 00:19:45.419
 right?

00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.939
 And just have faith,

00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.819
 and it'll work out.

00:19:47.899 --> 00:19:48.939
 Just kind of blind faith,

00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:49.439
 empty faith.

00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:51.000
 That's not what faith,

00:19:51.179 --> 00:19:51.939
 biblically speaking,

00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:52.659
 means.

00:19:52.879 --> 00:19:57.099
 Faith in the Bible is trust that is anchored to something.

00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:57.960
 All right,

00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:58.259
 here,

00:19:58.419 --> 00:20:03.519
 Joseph trusts in a good and sovereign God who is faithful to all his promises.

00:20:04.159 --> 00:20:05.240
 That's biblical faith.

00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:07.639
 But look at what he says in verse 20.

00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:13.700
 And I just want to camp out here for just a minute because verse 20 is at the very heart of the Joseph story.

00:20:14.860 --> 00:20:14.960
 See,

00:20:15.020 --> 00:20:16.720
 Joseph looks at what's happened to him.

00:20:16.840 --> 00:20:21.820
 He sees how he's been betrayed and left for dead and sold into slavery.

00:20:22.040 --> 00:20:23.020
 He's been imprisoned.

00:20:23.520 --> 00:20:26.780
 He has plenty of reason to be angry with his brothers.

00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:28.680
 He has plenty of reason,

00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.779
 we would probably think,

00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:30.500
 to be tempted,

00:20:30.899 --> 00:20:33.839
 to be angry at God for what's happened to him.

00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.720
 But instead,

00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:36.619
 look what he says.

00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.920
 As for you,

00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:41.819
 you meant evil against me,

00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:45.279
 but God meant it for good.

00:20:46.279 --> 00:20:50.539
 To bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.

00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:52.339
 You meant it for evil,

00:20:52.859 --> 00:20:56.079
 but God meant it for good.

00:20:58.139 --> 00:21:00.519
 This is an incredibly profound statement.

00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:09.159
 Joseph understands that his brothers are completely responsible for their actions, right?

00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:10.639
 They did evil to him.

00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:12.159
 They had evil intentions.

00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:14.299
 They meant to destroy him.

00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:16.259
 They have sinned against him.

00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:19.180
 But at the very same time,

00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:22.099
 in those very same actions,

00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:24.420
 God was at work for good.

00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.579
 And so,

00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.759
 with God in view,

00:21:27.859 --> 00:21:28.359
 what does he do?

00:21:28.599 --> 00:21:30.180
 He responds with faith,

00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:35.160
 that God is working all things for his glory and for our good.

00:21:36.539 --> 00:21:38.079
 This is incredibly challenging,

00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:38.779
 isn't it?

00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:40.799
 I'll admit,

00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:44.059
 it's a mystery how these things work together.

00:21:44.200 --> 00:21:45.319
 But at the same time,

00:21:45.319 --> 00:21:45.619
 church,

00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:48.779
 this ought to be deeply comforting for us,

00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:50.919
 when we face trials of all sorts.

00:21:52.899 --> 00:21:55.200
 Whatever it is that you walk through,

00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:57.679
 in the deepest,

00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:59.779
 darkest moment of your soul,

00:22:01.059 --> 00:22:03.259
 God is in it for good.

00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:06.659
 The Bible clearly affirms,

00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:07.839
 at the same time,

00:22:07.919 --> 00:22:08.939
 these two truths.

00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:10.599
 God is at all times,

00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:12.019
 totally sovereign,

00:22:12.399 --> 00:22:13.539
 in all ways,

00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:15.819
 working all things for his glory,

00:22:16.039 --> 00:22:16.879
 and our good.

00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:17.619
 And,

00:22:17.799 --> 00:22:19.200
 at the same time,

00:22:19.399 --> 00:22:22.759
 we are totally responsible for our sinful actions.

00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:26.279
 Our good and sovereign God,

00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:27.339
 the Bible tells us,

00:22:27.639 --> 00:22:28.399
 he uses,

00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:31.019
 even the sinful choices of man,

00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:33.319
 to accomplish his good plans.

00:22:33.319 --> 00:22:36.139
 J.I.

00:22:36.179 --> 00:22:38.500
 Packer takes up this apparent issue,

00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:40.839
 between divine sovereignty,

00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:42.139
 and human responsibility.

00:22:42.639 --> 00:22:42.759
 Right?

00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:43.519
 And in his book,

00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:46.259
 Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God,

00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:46.539
 which,

00:22:46.899 --> 00:22:47.919
 it's a short read,

00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:49.659
 great for a week at the beach,

00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:51.039
 I would highly recommend you,

00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:52.339
 take this book and read it.

00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:54.319
 Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God.

00:22:55.379 --> 00:22:56.500
 He says this,

00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:58.559
 what the Bible does,

00:22:58.660 --> 00:23:00.819
 is to assert both truths,

00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:02.380
 side by side,

00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.460
 in the strongest,

00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:05.559
 and most unambiguous terms,

00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:07.160
 as two ultimate facts.

00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:08.359
 This,

00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:08.720
 therefore,

00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:10.500
 is the position we must take,

00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:11.539
 in our own thinking.

00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:14.519
 Charles Spurgeon was once asked,

00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:16.779
 if he could reconcile these truths,

00:23:16.859 --> 00:23:17.460
 to each other.

00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:18.680
 And what did he say?

00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:19.759
 I wouldn't try.

00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:22.579
 I would never reconcile friends.

00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:24.420
 Friends?

00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:24.620
 Friends?

00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:25.660
 Yes?

00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:27.060
 Friends?

00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:28.759
 This is the point,

00:23:28.880 --> 00:23:30.000
 that we have to grasp.

00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:31.120
 In the Bible,

00:23:31.580 --> 00:23:32.740
 divine sovereignty,

00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:34.380
 and human responsibility,

00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:36.019
 are not enemies.

00:23:36.800 --> 00:23:38.180
 They're not uneasy neighbors.

00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:40.440
 They're not in an endless state,

00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.880
 of cold war with each other.

00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:43.180
 They are friends.

00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:45.000
 And they work together.

00:23:46.680 --> 00:23:47.180
 Church,

00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:48.039
 we see this clearly,

00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:49.120
 here with Joseph.

00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:49.880
 But of course,

00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.660
 where do we see this,

00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.400
 more clearly,

00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:53.820
 than at the cross of Christ?

00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:57.320
 Isaiah chapter 53,

00:23:58.420 --> 00:24:00.000
 prophesies of this moment,

00:24:00.080 --> 00:24:01.100
 of Jesus' death.

00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:02.180
 And what does it say?

00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:02.759
 It says,

00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:04.440
 they made his grave,

00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:05.100
 with the wicked.

00:24:05.300 --> 00:24:06.440
 They made his grave,

00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.000
 with the wicked.

00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.960
 And with a rich man,

00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:09.680
 in his death.

00:24:10.340 --> 00:24:11.160
 Although he had done,

00:24:11.220 --> 00:24:11.940
 no violence,

00:24:12.039 --> 00:24:13.140
 and there was no deceit,

00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:13.779
 in his mouth.

00:24:14.080 --> 00:24:15.240
 They did that.

00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:17.300
 Sinners did that.

00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:18.759
 They're guilty for that.

00:24:19.100 --> 00:24:19.519
 Yet,

00:24:19.620 --> 00:24:20.240
 verse 10,

00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.720
 yet it was the will,

00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.560
 of the Lord,

00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:23.460
 to crush him.

00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:25.440
 He has put him,

00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:26.019
 to grief.

00:24:27.940 --> 00:24:28.539
 So Peter,

00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:30.000
 says in Acts chapter 2,

00:24:30.600 --> 00:24:31.380
 this Jesus,

00:24:31.880 --> 00:24:32.799
 delivered up,

00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:34.640
 according to the definite plan,

00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.700
 and foreknowledge,

00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.480
 of God,

00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:37.819
 you crucified,

00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:38.700
 and killed,

00:24:38.920 --> 00:24:39.620
 by the hands,

00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.579
 of lawless men.

00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:42.420
 This is divine sovereignty,

00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:44.000
 and human responsibility.

00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.640
 It is a mystery,

00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:46.740
 but they need not,

00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:47.799
 be reconciled,

00:24:47.840 --> 00:24:48.860
 because they are,

00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:49.640
 friends.

00:24:49.640 --> 00:24:50.580
 Joseph,

00:24:51.380 --> 00:24:52.759
 he recognizes,

00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:55.660
 you meant evil against me.

00:24:56.520 --> 00:24:57.600
 But he has a bigger,

00:24:57.880 --> 00:24:59.840
 God-centered perspective,

00:25:00.100 --> 00:25:01.140
 on the whole thing.

00:25:01.360 --> 00:25:01.720
 He says,

00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:03.220
 with God in view,

00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:04.540
 I can recognize,

00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.440
 that even though,

00:25:05.620 --> 00:25:07.080
 you meant evil against me,

00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:07.860
 yet God,

00:25:08.020 --> 00:25:09.300
 meant even this,

00:25:09.740 --> 00:25:10.600
 for good.

00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:14.060
 Fourth response.

00:25:15.400 --> 00:25:16.420
 Fourth response.

00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:18.800
 Joseph responds,

00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:19.480
 with grace.

00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:22.640
 Joseph responds,

00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.240
 with grace.

00:25:24.660 --> 00:25:25.320
 He says,

00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:25.980
 you meant this,

00:25:26.060 --> 00:25:26.500
 for evil,

00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:27.420
 but God,

00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:27.900
 meant this,

00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.400
 for good,

00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:28.720
 and so,

00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:29.779
 don't fear,

00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:30.900
 I'm going to provide,

00:25:31.100 --> 00:25:31.600
 for you.

00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:33.000
 I will provide,

00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:34.160
 for your little ones.

00:25:34.820 --> 00:25:35.080
 He says,

00:25:35.120 --> 00:25:36.320
 he comforts them,

00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:37.980
 he speaks kindly,

00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:38.740
 to them.

00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:40.080
 This is grace.

00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:40.759
 Do you know,

00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:41.160
 the difference,

00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:41.779
 between mercy,

00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:42.300
 and grace?

00:25:42.299 --> 00:25:43.940
 Right?

00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:44.500
 Mercy,

00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:45.960
 is withholding,

00:25:46.019 --> 00:25:47.000
 judgment deserved.

00:25:48.099 --> 00:25:48.579
 Grace,

00:25:48.659 --> 00:25:49.319
 is giving,

00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:50.039
 blessing,

00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:51.079
 undeserved.

00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:52.659
 Mercy,

00:25:52.659 --> 00:25:53.319
 is saying,

00:25:53.419 --> 00:25:53.639
 kids,

00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.339
 don't worry about,

00:25:54.419 --> 00:25:54.799
 the window.

00:25:55.819 --> 00:25:56.139
 Grace,

00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:56.680
 is saying,

00:25:56.899 --> 00:25:57.919
 come give me a hug,

00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.399
 I'm going to give you,

00:25:58.460 --> 00:25:59.079
 some ice cream.

00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:01.299
 Mercy,

00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:02.220
 is the father,

00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:03.220
 not berating,

00:26:03.399 --> 00:26:04.440
 the prodigal son.

00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:05.539
 Grace,

00:26:05.539 --> 00:26:06.240
 is the father,

00:26:06.379 --> 00:26:07.059
 running,

00:26:07.299 --> 00:26:08.180
 to embrace him,

00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:08.839
 in his arms,

00:26:08.960 --> 00:26:09.779
 and welcome him,

00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.859
 home with a celebration.

00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:12.459
 Mercy,

00:26:12.459 --> 00:26:13.219
 is God,

00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:14.159
 not paying us,

00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:15.439
 according to our sins.

00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:16.299
 Grace,

00:26:16.399 --> 00:26:16.899
 is God,

00:26:16.979 --> 00:26:17.579
 paying us,

00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:19.199
 according to Christ's,

00:26:19.199 --> 00:26:19.740
 righteousness.

00:26:21.199 --> 00:26:21.759
 Mercy,

00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:22.679
 is sparing us,

00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.619
 from his wrath.

00:26:24.719 --> 00:26:25.000
 Grace,

00:26:25.139 --> 00:26:26.179
 is delighting us,

00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:27.559
 with his love.

00:26:27.679 --> 00:26:28.539
 Do you see the difference?

00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.919
 Joseph responds,

00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:32.479
 to this,

00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:34.319
 this great sin,

00:26:34.379 --> 00:26:35.000
 against him,

00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:36.259
 in these powerful ways.

00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:36.919
 Why?

00:26:37.139 --> 00:26:37.699
 It's because,

00:26:37.699 --> 00:26:38.819
 he is living,

00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:39.759
 with God,

00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.839
 in view.

00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:41.960
 That's the only way.

00:26:43.359 --> 00:26:44.279
 This is the response,

00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:44.740
 of somebody,

00:26:44.859 --> 00:26:45.299
 who doesn't,

00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:45.980
 ultimately,

00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:46.920
 see things,

00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.480
 through a self-centered,

00:26:48.819 --> 00:26:49.559
 man-centered,

00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:50.259
 perspective,

00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:51.339
 but rather,

00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:52.460
 he's thinking,

00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:53.579
 about God,

00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:54.700
 and his glory,

00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:55.539
 God,

00:26:55.619 --> 00:26:56.599
 and his purposes,

00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:57.400
 God,

00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:58.359
 and his promises,

00:26:58.879 --> 00:26:59.160
 God,

00:26:59.240 --> 00:26:59.960
 and his work,

00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:00.779
 in the world.

00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:01.299
 Do you think,

00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:01.740
 that way?

00:27:04.160 --> 00:27:05.299
 Does that shape,

00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.200
 the way you interact,

00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:06.680
 with people?

00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:09.940
 Does that shape,

00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:10.940
 the way you respond,

00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.680
 when others sin,

00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.240
 against you?

00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:15.060
 Joseph,

00:27:15.060 --> 00:27:16.259
 has experienced,

00:27:16.380 --> 00:27:17.360
 God's kindness,

00:27:17.620 --> 00:27:18.680
 and so in turn,

00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:19.380
 he is able,

00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.500
 to offer that,

00:27:21.080 --> 00:27:21.740
 to others.

00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.160
 Church,

00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:22.920
 don't you realize,

00:27:23.060 --> 00:27:23.740
 Colossians 3,

00:27:23.860 --> 00:27:24.360
 tells us,

00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.080
 as the Lord,

00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:26.120
 has forgiven you,

00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.120
 so you also,

00:27:27.120 --> 00:27:27.860
 must forgive.

00:27:30.820 --> 00:27:31.820
 A God-centered,

00:27:31.900 --> 00:27:32.420
 perspective,

00:27:33.100 --> 00:27:33.920
 Christ-centered,

00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:34.500
 perspective,

00:27:34.860 --> 00:27:35.860
 is what makes,

00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:36.900
 this possible.

00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:39.620
 Third,

00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.160
 and finally,

00:27:41.320 --> 00:27:41.700
 we see,

00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.539
 a God-centered,

00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.220
 perspective,

00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:43.940
 produces,

00:27:44.620 --> 00:27:45.180
 faith.

00:27:45.560 --> 00:27:45.860
 Look there,

00:27:45.880 --> 00:27:46.560
 to verse 22.

00:27:46.840 --> 00:27:47.519
 The God-centered,

00:27:47.640 --> 00:27:48.100
 perspective,

00:27:48.360 --> 00:27:48.880
 produces,

00:27:49.600 --> 00:27:50.180
 faith,

00:27:50.320 --> 00:27:51.080
 and here,

00:27:51.300 --> 00:27:51.840
 from 22,

00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:52.600
 to the end,

00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:53.180
 we bring,

00:27:53.600 --> 00:27:54.680
 Joseph's story,

00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.640
 and in fact,

00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.180
 the story,

00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.700
 of Genesis,

00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:57.480
 to an end.

00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.279
 It says,

00:27:59.360 --> 00:27:59.980
 Joseph remained,

00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.500
 in Egypt,

00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.880
 he and his father's house,

00:28:02.120 --> 00:28:02.820
 Joseph lived,

00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:04.339
 110 years.

00:28:05.359 --> 00:28:06.019
 And Joseph saw,

00:28:06.099 --> 00:28:06.859
 Ephraim's children,

00:28:06.939 --> 00:28:08.039
 of the third generation,

00:28:08.939 --> 00:28:09.679
 the children also,

00:28:09.819 --> 00:28:10.319
 of Machir,

00:28:10.419 --> 00:28:11.379
 the son of Manasseh,

00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:11.859
 were counted,

00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:12.799
 as Joseph's own.

00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:14.299
 And Joseph said,

00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:14.879
 to his brothers,

00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:16.159
 I am about to die,

00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.899
 but God will visit you,

00:28:18.359 --> 00:28:19.240
 and bring you up,

00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:20.319
 out of this land,

00:28:20.399 --> 00:28:21.419
 to the land that he swore,

00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:22.000
 to Abraham,

00:28:22.339 --> 00:28:22.919
 to Isaac,

00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:23.819
 and to Jacob.

00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:25.259
 And then Joseph,

00:28:25.359 --> 00:28:26.220
 made the sons of Israel,

00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:26.740
 swear,

00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:27.139
 saying,

00:28:27.819 --> 00:28:29.500
 God will surely visit you,

00:28:29.659 --> 00:28:30.859
 and you shall carry up,

00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:32.000
 my bones from here.

00:28:32.819 --> 00:28:33.919
 So Joseph died,

00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:35.919
 being 110 years old.

00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.259
 They embalmed him,

00:28:37.339 --> 00:28:38.000
 and he was put,

00:28:38.119 --> 00:28:38.799
 in a coffin,

00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:40.299
 in Egypt.

00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:40.720
 You know,

00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:41.879
 it might seem strange,

00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:43.259
 for Genesis to end this way.

00:28:44.639 --> 00:28:45.659
 There really is,

00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:46.519
 no happy ending.

00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:49.359
 The story doesn't,

00:28:49.359 --> 00:28:50.359
 tie up nicely,

00:28:50.419 --> 00:28:50.700
 does it?

00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:51.279
 There's no,

00:28:51.379 --> 00:28:52.740
 real resolution,

00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.799
 here at the end.

00:28:53.939 --> 00:28:54.960
 Genesis begins,

00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.859
 in Eden,

00:28:55.859 --> 00:28:56.919
 and it ends,

00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.119
 in Egypt.

00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:58.839
 Those are the last,

00:28:58.960 --> 00:28:59.500
 two words,

00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:00.259
 in Egypt.

00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:02.240
 Genesis begins,

00:29:02.240 --> 00:29:02.980
 with life,

00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:03.819
 in the garden,

00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:04.759
 and it ends,

00:29:04.839 --> 00:29:05.420
 with death,

00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:06.019
 in Egypt.

00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:08.559
 But it's interesting,

00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:09.519
 here at the end,

00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.019
 we get,

00:29:10.619 --> 00:29:11.539
 we get a reminder,

00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:12.660
 we get a picture here,

00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:14.180
 of so many of the truths,

00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:15.039
 that we've seen,

00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:15.960
 as we've gone,

00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:16.980
 throughout this book.

00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:17.700
 We see yet,

00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:18.759
 another reminder,

00:29:18.759 --> 00:29:19.339
 for us,

00:29:19.379 --> 00:29:20.839
 of what life is like,

00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:21.579
 outside,

00:29:21.579 --> 00:29:22.619
 of the garden,

00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:23.339
 of Eden.

00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.079
 For one thing,

00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.740
 we're reminded,

00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:26.279
 life outside,

00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:26.839
 of the garden,

00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:28.059
 is full of blessing.

00:29:28.059 --> 00:29:28.559
 Even,

00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:31.980
 even in a sin-cursed world,

00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:32.559
 there are,

00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.559
 are blessings,

00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:34.279
 from God,

00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:34.960
 to enjoy.

00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:37.179
 Joseph lives,

00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.599
 110 years,

00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:39.359
 and that's a long,

00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:40.039
 healthy life,

00:29:40.099 --> 00:29:40.519
 for anybody,

00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:41.779
 but it's interesting,

00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:42.480
 the Egyptians,

00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:43.740
 saw that number,

00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.259
 110,

00:29:44.679 --> 00:29:45.440
 as the ideal,

00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:46.200
 life span.

00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:47.799
 Joseph,

00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.639
 lived,

00:29:49.139 --> 00:29:49.960
 a long,

00:29:50.139 --> 00:29:50.879
 healthy life.

00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.399
 We see that,

00:29:51.639 --> 00:29:52.019
 that Joseph,

00:29:52.119 --> 00:29:53.000
 got to see the blessing,

00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.559
 of seeing his own children,

00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:55.279
 grow up,

00:29:55.359 --> 00:29:55.720
 and then,

00:29:56.059 --> 00:29:57.039
 them having children,

00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:57.679
 of their own.

00:29:57.680 --> 00:29:58.779
 He is blessed,

00:29:58.900 --> 00:29:59.640
 even here,

00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:00.320
 in Egypt.

00:30:00.560 --> 00:30:01.060
 And yet,

00:30:02.460 --> 00:30:03.440
 we're also reminded,

00:30:03.680 --> 00:30:04.759
 that we still have,

00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:06.019
 this looming,

00:30:06.340 --> 00:30:06.900
 presence,

00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:08.000
 of death.

00:30:08.240 --> 00:30:08.960
 The problem,

00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:09.900
 of death,

00:30:10.100 --> 00:30:11.259
 still remains.

00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:14.360
 God promised,

00:30:14.440 --> 00:30:15.019
 Adam and Eve,

00:30:15.100 --> 00:30:15.600
 in the garden,

00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:16.860
 in the day you eat of it,

00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.779
 you will surely,

00:30:18.320 --> 00:30:18.640
 die.

00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:19.380
 We're told later,

00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:19.940
 in Romans,

00:30:20.060 --> 00:30:21.240
 the wages of sin,

00:30:21.340 --> 00:30:22.240
 is death.

00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:23.420
 And we see it here,

00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.279
 Genesis begins,

00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:25.380
 with life in the garden,

00:30:25.380 --> 00:30:26.400
 it ends with death,

00:30:26.560 --> 00:30:27.060
 in Egypt.

00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:28.059
 The problem,

00:30:28.059 --> 00:30:29.279
 still remains.

00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.359
 The problem,

00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:32.039
 of suffering,

00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:33.119
 still remains.

00:30:34.460 --> 00:30:35.440
 Sin is still,

00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:36.419
 wreaking havoc,

00:30:36.639 --> 00:30:38.059
 sin still remains.

00:30:38.179 --> 00:30:39.399
 But even so,

00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.720
 through it all,

00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:42.579
 we're reminded,

00:30:43.759 --> 00:30:44.759
 God's people,

00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:46.519
 have the certainty,

00:30:47.119 --> 00:30:49.019
 of God's promises.

00:30:49.599 --> 00:30:50.359
 Look what he says.

00:30:51.399 --> 00:30:52.259
 He says,

00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:53.920
 God will visit you,

00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:56.759
 and God will bring you out,

00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:59.079
 and he will bring you,

00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:00.160
 to the land,

00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:01.259
 that he promised,

00:31:01.420 --> 00:31:02.200
 to Abraham,

00:31:02.640 --> 00:31:03.420
 and to Isaac,

00:31:03.640 --> 00:31:04.420
 and to Jacob.

00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:05.200
 Even though,

00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:06.180
 I don't see clearly,

00:31:06.259 --> 00:31:07.519
 how this is going to work out,

00:31:07.680 --> 00:31:08.480
 I know,

00:31:08.599 --> 00:31:09.740
 and I trust with faith,

00:31:09.839 --> 00:31:10.660
 God promises,

00:31:10.900 --> 00:31:11.900
 still remain.

00:31:12.319 --> 00:31:13.779
 And because of this,

00:31:13.940 --> 00:31:15.259
 this is so fascinating to me.

00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.720
 Even here,

00:31:16.839 --> 00:31:18.680
 all the way back in Genesis,

00:31:19.220 --> 00:31:20.940
 Joseph trusts in faith,

00:31:21.120 --> 00:31:21.980
 that one day,

00:31:22.080 --> 00:31:23.180
 by the power of God,

00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:24.700
 he will enjoy,

00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:26.320
 the blessing of all,

00:31:26.320 --> 00:31:27.600
 that God has promised,

00:31:28.120 --> 00:31:28.340
 him.

00:31:28.400 --> 00:31:29.360
 Did you find it odd,

00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:30.180
 that Joseph gives,

00:31:30.759 --> 00:31:32.519
 instructions about his bones?

00:31:34.200 --> 00:31:35.340
 Why does a dead man,

00:31:35.400 --> 00:31:36.779
 care what happens to his bones?

00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.460
 You think about that?

00:31:40.500 --> 00:31:41.920
 Why does Joseph care,

00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:42.980
 what they do with his bones,

00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:43.920
 once he's dead and gone?

00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:44.259
 Why?

00:31:45.539 --> 00:31:47.080
 Joseph made the sons of Israel,

00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:47.480
 swear,

00:31:47.620 --> 00:31:48.660
 saying God's going to visit,

00:31:48.680 --> 00:31:49.000
 you,

00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:50.680
 he's going to bring you out,

00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.820
 you shall carry up,

00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:53.080
 my bones from here,

00:31:53.220 --> 00:31:54.519
 when you come out of Egypt,

00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:55.840
 bring my bones with you,

00:31:55.900 --> 00:31:56.759
 don't leave me there.

00:31:56.840 --> 00:31:57.100
 Why?

00:31:57.200 --> 00:31:57.820
 Why does he care?

00:31:57.880 --> 00:31:58.660
 Why would he say that?

00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:01.320
 Hebrews 11,

00:32:01.560 --> 00:32:02.240
 the passage that,

00:32:02.820 --> 00:32:04.279
 we had read earlier this morning,

00:32:04.380 --> 00:32:05.460
 gives us some insight,

00:32:05.580 --> 00:32:06.180
 it tells us,

00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:08.220
 Joseph is acting,

00:32:08.560 --> 00:32:09.320
 in faith,

00:32:09.580 --> 00:32:10.560
 by faith,

00:32:10.820 --> 00:32:11.480
 it says,

00:32:11.799 --> 00:32:12.299
 Joseph,

00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:14.160
 at the end of his life,

00:32:14.299 --> 00:32:15.080
 by faith,

00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:17.080
 he made mention of the exodus,

00:32:17.180 --> 00:32:17.820
 of the Israelites,

00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:19.059
 by faith,

00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:20.319
 he gave directions,

00:32:20.419 --> 00:32:22.179
 concerning his bones,

00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:23.159
 by faith,

00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:27.359
 Joseph gives instructions,

00:32:27.359 --> 00:32:28.579
 about his bones,

00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:29.399
 because,

00:32:30.399 --> 00:32:31.720
 Joseph believes,

00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:33.139
 that he will in fact,

00:32:33.419 --> 00:32:34.579
 rise again,

00:32:36.159 --> 00:32:37.700
 even here in the Old Testament,

00:32:38.599 --> 00:32:40.000
 even here in the first book,

00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:40.599
 of the Bible,

00:32:40.599 --> 00:32:42.019
 this is the hope,

00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:43.199
 of the resurrection,

00:32:43.919 --> 00:32:45.279
 he says,

00:32:45.339 --> 00:32:46.659
 I'm going to die in Egypt,

00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:48.439
 my body is going to lay in Egypt,

00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:49.419
 but one day,

00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:51.659
 I will not be in Egypt anymore,

00:32:52.159 --> 00:32:52.719
 why?

00:32:52.879 --> 00:32:54.099
 Because my God,

00:32:54.199 --> 00:32:55.459
 has promised me,

00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:57.299
 that I will inherit the land,

00:32:58.000 --> 00:32:58.919
 and that promise,

00:32:59.240 --> 00:33:00.399
 is powerful enough,

00:33:00.459 --> 00:33:02.259
 to transcend even death,

00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:04.659
 and so when you go,

00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:05.819
 be sure to bring my bones,

00:33:05.899 --> 00:33:06.699
 to the promised land,

00:33:06.740 --> 00:33:07.659
 because when I rise,

00:33:07.660 --> 00:33:08.480
 I want to be there,

00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:11.000
 this is faith,

00:33:11.080 --> 00:33:12.279
 and the promises of God,

00:33:13.860 --> 00:33:14.440
 and Christian,

00:33:14.540 --> 00:33:15.320
 do you realize,

00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.800
 we ought to share,

00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:18.360
 this same confident faith,

00:33:18.359 --> 00:33:20.799
 do you realize,

00:33:20.959 --> 00:33:21.259
 Christian,

00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:23.039
 that God has promised you,

00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:24.659
 in Christ,

00:33:25.399 --> 00:33:26.240
 one day,

00:33:26.379 --> 00:33:27.559
 you will rise,

00:33:27.959 --> 00:33:30.579
 and you will inherit,

00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:32.299
 not just the land of Canaan,

00:33:32.519 --> 00:33:34.799
 but all the new creation,

00:33:35.619 --> 00:33:36.500
 the new heavens,

00:33:36.579 --> 00:33:37.279
 and the new earth,

00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.659
 all the world,

00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:40.059
 will be remade,

00:33:40.099 --> 00:33:41.119
 into a new Eden,

00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:43.439
 freed from the curse of sin,

00:33:44.339 --> 00:33:45.979
 freed from the reign of death,

00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:47.900
 nothing but blessing,

00:33:47.900 --> 00:33:50.000
 in the presence of our God,

00:33:50.099 --> 00:33:51.240
 we will rise,

00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:52.819
 to be with him forever,

00:33:53.819 --> 00:33:56.079
 we have guarantee of this,

00:33:56.120 --> 00:33:57.599
 by the resurrection of Christ,

00:33:58.160 --> 00:33:59.299
 the first fruits,

00:33:59.339 --> 00:34:00.720
 of those who have fallen asleep,

00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:03.559
 do you live with that promise,

00:34:03.680 --> 00:34:04.039
 in view,

00:34:05.240 --> 00:34:07.339
 do you live in light,

00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.639
 of that great day,

00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:10.940
 does that promise,

00:34:11.219 --> 00:34:11.920
 shape the way,

00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:13.460
 that you think about your life,

00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:14.679
 and the way that you think,

00:34:14.679 --> 00:34:15.599
 about your death,

00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:18.300
 Joseph looked forward,

00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.219
 in faith,

00:34:19.380 --> 00:34:21.619
 with a lack of clarity,

00:34:21.820 --> 00:34:22.500
 of how exactly,

00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:23.679
 this was all going to play out,

00:34:23.760 --> 00:34:24.199
 but church,

00:34:24.420 --> 00:34:25.519
 we have the advantage,

00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:26.639
 of looking backwards,

00:34:27.059 --> 00:34:27.719
 in faith,

00:34:27.940 --> 00:34:29.559
 in crystal clear vision,

00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:30.920
 to see how God,

00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:31.820
 has demonstrated,

00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:32.900
 his faithfulness,

00:34:33.000 --> 00:34:33.900
 in Christ,

00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:35.400
 this is what Genesis,

00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:36.179
 is all about,

00:34:36.980 --> 00:34:39.460
 the Bible tells us,

00:34:39.500 --> 00:34:40.619
 that we are all born,

00:34:40.760 --> 00:34:42.139
 outside of Eden,

00:34:42.139 --> 00:34:43.840
 our natural state,

00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:45.420
 is one of great sin,

00:34:45.420 --> 00:34:46.740
 Ephesians tells us,

00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:47.139
 in fact,

00:34:47.200 --> 00:34:48.680
 we are dead already,

00:34:48.680 --> 00:34:49.599
 in our trespasses,

00:34:49.700 --> 00:34:50.159
 and sins,

00:34:50.240 --> 00:34:51.059
 that's what it means,

00:34:51.059 --> 00:34:52.400
 to be born in Adam,

00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:54.880
 we are born in guilt,

00:34:55.019 --> 00:34:56.460
 we are born hopeless,

00:34:56.680 --> 00:34:57.099
 we are born,

00:34:57.220 --> 00:34:58.619
 separated from God,

00:34:58.700 --> 00:34:59.159
 we are born,

00:34:59.280 --> 00:35:00.480
 under the curse,

00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.240
 of sin,

00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.840
 but God,

00:35:02.940 --> 00:35:03.840
 has worked,

00:35:04.079 --> 00:35:04.980
 by his grace,

00:35:05.139 --> 00:35:06.480
 to redeem us,

00:35:06.539 --> 00:35:07.300
 from the powers,

00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:08.380
 of sin and darkness,

00:35:08.639 --> 00:35:09.460
 by the gospel,

00:35:09.559 --> 00:35:10.300
 of Jesus Christ,

00:35:10.380 --> 00:35:10.800
 his son,

00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:13.060
 this is promised,

00:35:13.180 --> 00:35:14.000
 all the way back,

00:35:14.120 --> 00:35:14.560
 in Eden,

00:35:15.860 --> 00:35:16.720
 I will send,

00:35:17.060 --> 00:35:17.300
 one,

00:35:17.500 --> 00:35:18.140
 to crush,

00:35:18.380 --> 00:35:18.820
 the head,

00:35:18.880 --> 00:35:19.580
 of the serpent,

00:35:19.920 --> 00:35:20.600
 that one,

00:35:20.660 --> 00:35:21.220
 has come,

00:35:21.480 --> 00:35:22.560
 his name is Jesus,

00:35:23.940 --> 00:35:24.980
 and he has lived,

00:35:25.220 --> 00:35:25.680
 perfectly,

00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:26.820
 in the place of sinners,

00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:27.760
 where we've all failed,

00:35:28.420 --> 00:35:29.700
 and he has died,

00:35:29.980 --> 00:35:30.760
 sacrificially,

00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:31.980
 in our place,

00:35:32.360 --> 00:35:33.380
 bearing the judgment,

00:35:33.539 --> 00:35:34.519
 that we deserve,

00:35:34.620 --> 00:35:35.740
 for our sin,

00:35:36.080 --> 00:35:37.380
 and he has risen,

00:35:37.580 --> 00:35:38.500
 from the grave,

00:35:38.640 --> 00:35:39.340
 praise God,

00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:40.300
 victoriously,

00:35:40.680 --> 00:35:41.840
 over all the powers,

00:35:41.920 --> 00:35:42.740
 of sin and darkness,

00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:43.780
 so that any,

00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:44.720
 who put their faith,

00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:45.300
 in him,

00:35:46.500 --> 00:35:47.660
 have this certain,

00:35:48.079 --> 00:35:49.539
 confident assurance,

00:35:50.640 --> 00:35:51.559
 that not even death,

00:35:51.620 --> 00:35:52.140
 can keep us,

00:35:52.180 --> 00:35:53.260
 from the promises of God,

00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:55.740
 we will live,

00:35:55.740 --> 00:35:56.760
 forever with him,

00:35:57.000 --> 00:35:57.840
 in the new,

00:35:58.160 --> 00:35:58.480
 Eden,

00:35:59.700 --> 00:36:02.160
 does that promise,

00:36:02.320 --> 00:36:02.860
 shape the way,

00:36:02.940 --> 00:36:03.840
 you go about your life,

00:36:05.180 --> 00:36:07.480
 is this glorious God,

00:36:07.539 --> 00:36:07.960
 at the center,

00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:08.800
 of your world view,

00:36:09.340 --> 00:36:11.680
 as sinner,

00:36:12.340 --> 00:36:14.200
 non-believer,

00:36:14.280 --> 00:36:15.160
 would you come to Christ,

00:36:15.220 --> 00:36:15.680
 this morning,

00:36:16.900 --> 00:36:17.680
 and put your faith,

00:36:17.760 --> 00:36:18.140
 in him,

00:36:19.740 --> 00:36:21.000
 and Christian,

00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:21.760
 church,

00:36:22.680 --> 00:36:23.780
 would you rejoice,

00:36:24.500 --> 00:36:25.460
 in the good news,

00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:26.760
 of the gospel of Christ,

00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.960
 would you celebrate,

00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:30.320
 this glorious God,

00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:31.280
 who has triumphed,

00:36:31.280 --> 00:36:32.059
 over every enemy,

00:36:32.460 --> 00:36:33.079
 in Christ,

00:36:34.079 --> 00:36:35.340
 would you share,

00:36:35.420 --> 00:36:36.140
 of this good news,

00:36:36.220 --> 00:36:37.140
 with others around us,

00:36:37.180 --> 00:36:37.860
 who are perishing,

00:36:37.860 --> 00:36:39.840
 would you live,

00:36:39.840 --> 00:36:40.380
 each day,

00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:41.640
 in light of that coming day,

00:36:42.140 --> 00:36:43.860
 when we will rejoice,

00:36:43.980 --> 00:36:45.000
 at the sight of our Lord,

00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:47.120
 from him,

00:36:47.400 --> 00:36:48.079
 and to him,

00:36:48.480 --> 00:36:49.200
 and through him,

00:36:49.240 --> 00:36:50.000
 are all things,

00:36:50.079 --> 00:36:51.120
 to him be the glory,

00:36:51.519 --> 00:36:51.880
 forever,

00:36:52.420 --> 00:36:52.920
 and ever,

00:36:53.500 --> 00:36:53.880
 amen,

00:36:53.880 --> 00:36:55.420
 father,

00:36:55.500 --> 00:36:56.539
 we praise you,

00:36:56.880 --> 00:36:58.260
 for the promises,

00:36:58.460 --> 00:36:59.140
 made here,

00:36:59.220 --> 00:37:00.039
 in the book of Genesis,

00:37:01.039 --> 00:37:02.380
 and we praise you,

00:37:02.440 --> 00:37:03.619
 for promises kept,

00:37:04.780 --> 00:37:05.720
 at the incarnation,

00:37:07.300 --> 00:37:08.240
 at the cross,

00:37:08.900 --> 00:37:10.000
 at the empty tomb,

00:37:10.800 --> 00:37:11.400
 and promises,

00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:12.240
 yet to come,

00:37:12.280 --> 00:37:12.800
 at the return,

00:37:12.860 --> 00:37:13.619
 of Christ Jesus,

00:37:13.619 --> 00:37:14.259
 we pray,

00:37:14.420 --> 00:37:14.619
 Lord,

00:37:14.699 --> 00:37:15.359
 would we live,

00:37:15.420 --> 00:37:15.900
 each day,

00:37:15.960 --> 00:37:17.239
 in light of that coming day,

00:37:18.420 --> 00:37:19.000
 would you turn,

00:37:19.099 --> 00:37:19.819
 the hearts of those,

00:37:19.859 --> 00:37:21.019
 who are far from you,

00:37:21.440 --> 00:37:22.119
 to the Lord,

00:37:22.179 --> 00:37:22.699
 in faith,

00:37:23.539 --> 00:37:24.579
 and would you cause,

00:37:24.739 --> 00:37:25.079
 each of us,

00:37:25.139 --> 00:37:25.920
 to rejoice,

00:37:26.400 --> 00:37:26.900
 this morning,

00:37:26.980 --> 00:37:28.079
 in your great faithfulness,

00:37:28.699 --> 00:37:29.359
 we pray all this,

00:37:29.400 --> 00:37:30.039
 in Jesus name,

00:37:30.960 --> 00:37:31.219
 amen,