Title: From 2D to 3D
Passage: Gen 45.4-8
Speaker: Rev. Jason Yuh

View the bulletin: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OZ-yCnfMIKjJ0b8C0XdTCtJYnCtWAJQT/view

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As we continue our series on Joseph, I will remind everyone where we are in the story: Joseph has been elevated to be the second in command of all of Egypt; there is an international famine that has crippled the known world; and Joseph finally confronts his brothers, the ones who had sold Joseph into slavery.

What is remarkable in our passage is Joseph's maturation. He recognizes that all of the twists and turns of his life were determined ultimately by God, not ultimately by the evil intentions of his brothers. In this way, Joseph has a three-dimensional view on life: the way he sees life is not just between him and his circumstances, but it's him, his circumstances, and the involvement of God. This is a stark contrast to the way we first see Joseph as someone who is self-centered and immature (Gen 37). Because of this three-dimensional view on life, Joseph has no animosity toward his brothers. It is critical to note that this passage is not primarily about forgiveness or interpersonal relationships; this passage is primarily about our understanding of God's involvement in our lives.

We will look at three specific aspects of God's involvement in Joseph's life and how these relate to our own situation. God's involvement indicates that he is (1) sovereign, (2) good, and (3) committed to glorifying himself. Even in our situation, we need to be reminded that God is in control over the unpredictable circumstances in our own lives. Moreover, we need to trust that through these circumstances, God is nonetheless good--he is committed to conforming us to become more like Jesus Christ. Lastly, we take great joy that despite difficult circumstances, God is somehow orchestrating everything ultimately to glorify himself. As Christians we have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, we want nothing else than God glorifying himself!

Let's pray that God will enable us to have a more three-dimensional outlook during these times.

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Discussion Questions:
1. Read Gen 45.4-8. Do you have any open reactions to the sermon?
2. What is the difference between having a 2D and a 3D perspective on life? Why is it important to see that this passage is more about recognizing God's involvement and character in our lives than it is about simply forgiving others?
3. In what ways has God been expressing his sovereignty to you?
4. Share about how you have been reminded of God's goodness to you, that is, his commitment to conforming you into the image of Jesus Christ?
5. During these times, are you more challenged or comforted that God's primary aim is to glorify himself? As those who are now united to Christ, what should our perspective be on this?