How to Sin... : Genesis 3.1-7

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened.” Genesis 3.4-5

Everyone sins. Romans 3.10, 23

Sin has a penalty. Romans 6.23

1. Entertain temptation. V. 1

2. Consider temptation. V. 2

3. Be convinced to sin. V. 6

4. Share your sin. V. 6

5. Justify your sin. V. 6

• It looks good.
• It tastes good.
• It helps you.

6. Hide your sin. V. 7

BUT…

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1.9

Take Away Prayer-

There are many things that I can’t do well, but I can sin, Lord, and I do it regularly. Forgive me of my sins and help me overcome the temptations that lead to sin. In the name of Jesus, the Savior, I pray. Amen.

To Life!: Genesis 9.1-7

But you shall not eat flesh with its life,

that is, its blood. Genesis 9.4

Blood = Life

This is an explanation for:

· The strict “eye for an eye” laws.

· The complicated theology of Communion.

· The extensive procedures of sacrifice.

· The detailed account of the crucifixion.

· The hymns and songs about the blood.

Communion-

Early Christians were accused of cannibalism.

We still debate the meaning of Jesus’ blood.

Definitions-

Transubstantiation- Bread and wine become body and blood.

Consubstantiation- Substance of Christ is present with bread and wine.

Open Communion- All are welcome to come.

Closed Communion- Communion is limited to certain individuals only.

Take Away Point:

Jesus’ blood never fails me.

His blood always avails for me.

The power of his blood prevails in me.

For further reading:

Monday: Leviticus 17.11-14

Tuesday: Deuteronomy 12.20-28

Wednesday: Genesis 14.18-24

Thursday: Luke 24.13-35

Friday: Matthew 26.26-35

A Great Deliverance- A Dream Fulfilled: Genesis 42.1-9

And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45.7

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! Luke 9.24

A Great Deliverance Includes-

1. The fulfillment of God’s promises.

He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7.9

2. Meeting our physical needs.

For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91.11

3. Meeting our emotional needs.

He who has begun a good work in you will complete ituntil the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1.6

4. Meeting our spiritual needs. He will give you another Helper, the Spirit of truth… you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14.16-18

5. Faith that God is in control. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3.20-21

Take Away Prayer

O good God,

I believe that you are going to meet my needs.

I believe that you will keep your promises.

I believe that you are in control.

I believe that you will deliver me,

And help me to deliver others

I believe God,

Help my unbelief.

Amen.

A Great Deliverance: Helping Others Dream- Genesis 41.1-16

So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Genesis 41.16

Introduction and Review-

· God does not forget his people

· His will is always for our good

The tendency of humans is selfishness;

The expectation of God is selflessness.

What ask, “What’s in it for me?”

God wants to know what we can do for others.

“Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." John F Kennedy

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2.4

Lessons from Pharaoh’s Dream-

1. God always has a plan. V. 2

2. God cannot be understood with the human mind. V. 8

3. God reveals himself in his time. V. 9

4. We must learn from our mistakes. V. 12

5. Get yourself ready to face authority. V. 14

6. Don’t lose perspective. V. 16

7. It’s not always about you.

Take Away Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes I am just so selfish;

I think only of myself and what I want,

What I need,

What I can get.

But today I want to think about others;

Show me your will,

Reveal to me how I can help others,

Use me for your good.

Amen.

A Great Deliverance- Dream Again: Genesis 40.1-8

“We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not

interpretations belong to God?” Genesis 4.8

An Update

· Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned

· He was elevated in the prison

Starting Over-

Joseph must have felt as though he was starting over once more.

· He started over when his brothers sold him.

· He started over as a slave in Egypt.

· Now he was starting over in prison.

But there were lessons that he learned…

1. Don’t give up, no matter what.

2. Always be faithful to God.

3. Have faith that God will deliver you.

4. Know that God’s timing is not our timing.

5. Be willing to help others find God.

6. Always be loving and gracious.

7. Know that the dream God gave you will happen.

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8.28

I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29.11

Take Away Prayer

Lord God,

Stay with me when I am discouraged;

Help me when I am hopeless;

Fill me with faith when I am lonely.

Make me your child and full of love for your children.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A Great Deliverance- A Lust Story!: Genesis 39.1-21

He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. Genesis 39.6

An Update

• · Joseph was sold by his brothers
• · Became a slave in Egypt
• · Elevated in Potiphar’s house

Being Delivered from Temptation-

And do not lead us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6.13

• Stay with God. V. 3
• Be faithful in your calling. V. 4
• Be trustworthy in every situation. V. 6
• Establish your priorities and keep them. V. 9
• Be consistent in faith, even in adversity. V. 21

Take Away Prayer

Jesus,

Temptation comes in many forms.

I am tempted by

Things,

Money,

People,

And power.

Deliver me from temptation, O Lord.

Help me to stay with you,

To be committed to your plan,

To find success at your hands.

Make me consistent in my faith.

Amen.

A Great Deliverance- That Dreamer!: Genesis 37.1-11, 19-22

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers;

and they hated him even more. Genesis 37.5

The Joseph Story-

· Abraham

· Isaac

· Jacob and Esau

· Jacob and Rachel

· The 12 Sons

The Dreams-

· The Sheaves

· The Stars

The Implications-

· Be in position to hear from God.

o Believing that he is going to speak

o Listening when he speaks

· Be open to hearing from God.

· God is not a respecter of persons.

· It may take years for the dream to come true.

· The fulfillment may be different than our anticipation.

· Be wise in sharing God’s dream.

· Be patient in waiting for the fulfillment of the dream.

Take Away Prayer

Lord God,

I long for you to give me a dream,

A goal,

A purpose for my life.

I want to hear you speak;

I have heard you, Jesus.

Help me, Lord;

Give me patience to wait for your time,

Your will,

Your dream.

Amen.