Because the Lord loves us and wants us close to him, he will discipline those he loves - and that can result in serious and even unpleasant circumstances as God motivates us toward repentance. And as Christians, we can rejoice that God has forgiven us of our sinful pasts through the blood Jesus shed on the cross.īut Pastor Scott shared something else all of must take to heart, no matter where we are in our spiritual lives: If one believes in Jesus but is living a sinful life, that person is asking for trouble. But as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that he knows the outcomes and is holding our lives in his hands. Would he kill them? Throw them into prison? Turn them away and leave them in hunger? As Pastor Scott noted, we all endure periods of waiting and uncertainty - and it’s rarely fun. It was an important moment: they were enduring the uncertainty of waiting to see what Joseph would do. And amid various tests Joseph put them through, his brothers had the chance to examine their hearts and experience a reckoning in regard to their sinful treatment of Joseph when he was but a teenager. No, instead Joseph tested their honesty and integrity. Certainly, Joseph had the power to put them to death with a single command and wave of his hand. So, we read that his father Jacob sent Joseph’s brothers - save for Benjamin, as Jacob feared harm might come upon him - to Egypt to buy grain so they won’t starve to death.ĭo you remember the dream Joseph had years earlier that got him trouble with his brothers - that they would one day bow to him? Well, it came to pass as his brothers all prostrated themselves before Joseph in their plea to acquire grain! Thing is, though, while Joseph’s brothers failed to recognize him after more than 20 years apart, Joseph recognized them! Uh oh.Īt this point, one naturally might assume someone in Joseph’s position would take revenge on his brothers. With a famine engulfing the region as Joseph correctly predicted, his long-lost family is in trouble. And Joseph was incredibly honest, telling the baker hard truths and not taking credit for helping Pharaoh but instead giving credit to God alone as the one who interprets dreams.Īnd now with the Lord having delivered Joseph from prison to become the governor of Egypt under Pharaoh, we witnessed a massive turning of the tables. Joseph certainly showed his ability to resist temptation by avoiding the sexual advances of Potiphar’s wife, going so far as to run out of her house rather than being around her one second longer! He also showed his strength in the face of immense challenges - most notably being thrown in prison for years after Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him. And this past Sunday we saw yet another one of Joseph’s positive traits: his integrity.Īs Pastor Scott shared, exercising integrity allows us to do three important things in life: 1) Resist temptation, 2) Exercise strength to face challenges, 3) and behave honestly. The second portion, chapters 7-12, explores thrilling prophecies from the time of Daniel through the second coming of Jesus Christ.Last week we got a look at Joseph’s positive and robust attitude that kept him moving the right direction despite difficult circumstances.
#Integrity in the bible how to#
Daniel models how to develop enduring integrity in an enticing world. The first portion, from Daniel chapters 1-6, deals with Daniel's life as he faced the kind of pressures and temptations Christians encounter today. This Old Testament Bible study falls in two parts and can be used as one (12 session) study or two separate (6 session) studies.
Today, believers in Jesus Christ face many of the same trials. The prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats.
Join Beth in a faith-building study of prophecy and learn how to live with integrity in today's self-absorbed society.
#Integrity in the bible plus#
Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy - Bible Study Book by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this in-depth women's Bible study.
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