Big Idea: Reconciliation is a work of God for
1. The Power of reconciliation (45:1-15)
- a. Joseph was willing to trust in revealing his identity (45:1-3)
- b. Joseph rejoices in God’s sovereignty (45:4-8)
God’s divine
- c. Joseph moved towards restoring relationships (45:9-15)
In broken relationships, we can either become bitter or become better as
2. The Posture of reconciliation (45:16-24)
- a. Joseph shares who he is and what he has (45:16-23)
Like God, Joseph is
- b. Joseph continues to confront dysfunction (45:24)
Forgiveness is
- c. Expect God to do the work (45:25-28)
3. The Product of reconciliation (46:1-30)
a. God comforts (46:1-5; Luke 2:25-33)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. —Luke 2:25-33
b. God reunites (46:26-30)
- c. God provides (46:31-34)
- d. God calls (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:18-21
A spiritual and emotional
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
How do you handle hurt? In the face of broken relationships, what can we do to prevent becoming bitter as we aim to mature into forgiving children of God?
What are practical steps for confronting dysfunction and fostering forgiveness in our committed worshiping community? What posture is God calling you to change to empower reconciliation in your relationships?
Share a personal testimony of spiritual and emotional peace resulting from reconciliation, either with God or others.