Joseph's Forged Heart - Part 3

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Message

RESILIENT
Joseph’s Forged Heart—Part 3
Ephesians 4:26-27, 30-32; excerpts from Genesis 37-50

The Bondage of Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4)

Emotionally—calloused, isolated, angered
--anger can explode (Ephesians 4:26a)
--anger can implode (Ephesians 4:26b)

Spiritually—impeded, encumbered, unfruitful
--gives the enemy a stronghold in your life (Ephesians 4:27)

“For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal (from within ourselves)
but mighty (powerful) in God (from the Holy Spirit)
for pulling down strongholds, (fortresses/ imprisonments)
casting down arguments (rationalizations)
and every high thing (idols—belief system against God’s truth)
that exalts itself against (takes precedence over)
the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought (that is against God’s truth)
into captivity (capture it and bring under submission)
to the obedience of Christ
(His provision and protection for you).” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

--extensive deterrent to your spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:30)

Mentally—bitter, vengeful, resentful (Ephesians 4:31) (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Relationally—unkind, unsympathetic, unforgiving (Ephesians 4:32)

Physically—stressed, diseased, exhausted (Psalm 38:3-5) (Acts 3:19)

The Breakthroughs to Forgiveness

Discern character qualities God wants to develop in you through the offense (Genesis 37:1-11)

Realize God is working in you through the actions of your offender
--the unknown plan (Genesis 37:18-28) (Psalm 105:16-22)
--the known plan (Genesis 45:4-8)

Expect to suffer for doing right as a part of living for God (Genesis 39:1-20)

Surrender that God may bring
--vindication (justice) (Genesis 41:37-44)
--regeneration (healing) (Genesis 41:50-52)
--restoration (repair) (Genesis 45:9-11)

Thank God for the blessings He plans through the offense (Genesis 50:15-21) (Romans 8:28)

The Benefits of Forgiveness
Identify with Jesus (Joseph’s Life)
Proper Perspective (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Good Health (Proverbs 3:5-8)
Personal Peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
Ministry Platform (Genesis 50:20)
Abundant Life (Romans 12:9-21)

Application: Is there anyone in your life who has hurt you that you have not forgiven? Is unforgiveness worth the consequences? Is forgiveness worth the benefits?

The Path From Hurt to Forgiveness: The Questions:
--who has hurt you? --identify the person(s)
--how does it make you feel? --identify the pain
--what is your natural inclination? --identify the lies
--what does God’s Word say? --identify the truth

The Exchange:
--the lie for truth --the darkness for light
--the hurt for healing --the feeling for faith
--the bondage for freedom

The Prayer of Biblical Forgiveness

Dear Lord,
I forgive _______________ for _______________________________ (offense) because You freely have forgiven me and have commanded me to forgive others.
Lord, I ask You to replace my pride with Your grace.
I confess and repent of my attitude and spirit of unforgiveness.
I do not excuse this person’s offense in any way, nor do I use any excuse for not extending forgiveness.
I drop all charges and judgments against this person releasing me from the bondage of anger and bitterness.
Thank you, for saving me from my own sin against and thank you for enabling me to forgive.
IN JESUS NAME, AMEN

The Proof of Biblical Forgiveness:

How will you know you have truly forgiven your offender?
--anger will turn to a gentle spirit
--bitterness will turn to a grateful heart
--an unforgiving spirit will turn to compassion which will bring freedom from bondage & peace from hostility.

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April 11-13—Traveler’s Rest, SC
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Child Dedication: March 30 in both Gatherings
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March 7-8
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