Lesson 18 - May 23,2001

Illust. #2 Hebrews 11 Great Faith chapter

Every faith act, was a faith choice.

"By faith" pistei dative of means/manner

3. Choices flow from one's character, what one believes and then acts on.

Good example here is Moses; Heb. 11:23-27

Character flows out of what you think; what you believe; what you put your trust in; your actions in life flow out of that.

Note on "endured" karterew

- to be strong/steadfast/therefore able to endure

- it indicates that something is done persistently even in the face of opposition

4. One may be forced into situations that are not of their choosing.

We'll look at the classic illustration of being thrust into a situation, a circumstance of life that he did not choose. Joseph. Gen. 37, 39-41

The life of Joseph will put in front of us 2 fundamental doctrine's, 2 fundamental truths!

#1 Shows that the Sovereignty of God does not contradict human responsibility.

Gen. 41:25-30, 32

So Joseph in his life saw God clearly to be in sovereign control while at the same time Joseph is going to assume to fulfill his responsibility, he made plans.

#2 The Word of God teaches us the truth of God's personal involvement with Joseph in his adversity; its the same in our lives!

Things that happened; (CHP'S) NOT OF HIS CHOOSING!

1. Death of his mother Rachael when he was 16. Gen.35:18

2. Joseph had to live with brothers who hated him! Gen. 37

- 37:4 clue to the problem

3. God communicated to him and their hatred increased. 37:5

4. His brothers plotted to kill him. 37:20

5. He is treated by his brothers as nothing more than merchandise, chattel. 37:28

Background to #6 Gen. 39:1-18