Trinity Bible Church

Prayer

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God (Psalm 43:5).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Albert Midlane, 1858.

REVIVE THY WORK, O LORD
Click here for tune.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Disturb this sleep of death;
Quicken the smold’ring embers now
By Thine almighty breath.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee;
And hungering for the Bread of Life
O may our spirits be.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious Name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Give Pentecostal showers;
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.

Thought Provoker

None of us is immune to bad attitudes and in reality, all of us are guilty of them. They’re all around us! I don’t want to be in school! – so my grades suffer! I don’t like my job! – so my performance suffers! I don’t like this church! – so my ministry suffers! I don’t want to forgive him! – so my relationship suffers! I don’t want to be limited by a budget! – so my finances suffer! I don’t want to tell the truth! – so my credibility suffers! What bad attitudes is your family in need of addressing today?

Dad’s Study

Despite the abundance of bad attitudes, Joseph evidences the opposite. As he rises to a position of prominence in this chapter and the temptations that come with it, he helps us to learn how to sport a good “tude!”

1. Be humble – an awareness of sovereignty (41:14-32)
Standing before Egypt’s leader, Joseph hears Pharaoh’s request, “This dream I had is bugging me!” It’s a moment of decision where Joseph the man could sport quite the “tude”! After all, he’s been unjustly cooped up in prison for a few years and now’s his opportunity. What will we do when credit comes our way for something we’ve done? There’s nothing wrong with getting some praise every now and then. But if it’s what we live for, then we’re living for the wrong reason. Joseph gives the credit to God when he could have ever-so-easily received it himself. On at least four occasions in this interaction with Pharaoh, in 41:16, 25, 28 and 32, Joseph points Pharaoh’s attention from man to God! We should be ever-so- quick to acknowledge that it is God Who is sovereignly at work in and through me to accomplish His good and perfect work (Ephesians 2:10).

2. Be wise – an awareness of sufficiency (41:33- 45)
Joseph leans not upon his own understanding as he speaks the wisdom of God, under the inspiration of God, unfolding an industrious plan (41:33-36). Years ahead of his time, Joseph evidences the wisdom of Proverbs (6:6-11). God’s Word meets with receptivity because it works – if you allow it to! Pharaoh himself acknowledges that the wisdom of Joseph has as its source the Spirit of God (41:38). In order to sport the right attitude you have to have the right thinking which comes from having the right wisdom – wisdom from the Word of God through the Spirit of God! The Bible has the answers and is supremely sufficient in all its counsel!

3. Be faithful – an awareness of submission (41:46-49)
Joseph receives a substantial promotion – both in title and in fortune. But instead of sporting a wrong “tude”, he does just the opposite. He wastes no time in his assignment from Pharaoh (41:46). Though out of the presence and sight of Pharaoh, he doesn’t slack off or goof off. He acts responsibly as he travels throughout all the land in carrying out his duties. It’s one thing to talk a good talk, but as believers we need to back it up with a good walk – whether we feel like it or not. In an age of non-commitment and laziness, the battle cry for believers is to be faithful. In so doing we will evidence an awareness of submission – submission to our master – to our earthly one who employs us and to the heavenly one who owns us and has bought us with a price.

4. Be sweet – an awareness of sensitivity (41:50- 57)
The naming of the one son Manasseh (“forget”) signifies the healing God has so carried out in the life of Joseph. He has caused Joseph to forget the pain from his past and to instead, live uprightly and without regrets in the present. Joseph allows the healing hand of God to touch his heart. In so doing, Joseph goes from forgetfulness to fruitfulness, the significance of his second son’s name, Ephraim. In an age of bitterness and callousness, the battle cry for believers is to be sweet. In so doing we will evidence an awareness of sensitivity – sensitivity to our Lord’s working – both in me and through me as I reach out to others around me.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

As long as we live on this earth, there will be a barrage of elements that seek to sidetrack us, get us bent out of shape and cause us to sport a “tude” – a bad attitude! An awareness that God is in control, that His Word is sufficient, that He allows only what I can handle into my life and His purpose is to move me toward Christlikeness are some keys to helping me respond properly to life’s challenges. How will you respond to that difficult situation next week, this week, yea, even today?

Catechism

Question 65

Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in his life perfectly to keep the commandments of God (Ecc. 7:20), but does daily break them in thought (Gen. 8:21), word (Jas. 3:8), and deed (Jas. 3:2).

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Genesis 40

Prayer

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:1-5).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Albert Midlane, 1858.

REVIVE THY WORK, O LORD
Click here for tune.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Disturb this sleep of death;
Quicken the smold’ring embers now
By Thine almighty breath.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee;
And hungering for the Bread of Life
O may our spirits be.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious Name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.

Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Give Pentecostal showers;
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.

Thought Provoker

Joseph found himself in the midst of unfair circumstances. Presently, he is serving an indefinite prison sentence as the result of a falsified story from the lying lips of Potiphar’s wife. Yet, even though he finds himself unjustly behind bars, Joseph responds favorably to unfavorable circumstances. Instead of whining and complaining, Joseph stays focused in his walk with the Lord.

1. He keeps serving (40:1-4)
The two newest prisoners are placed in the care of Joseph – himself a fellow prisoner – yet he serves them, reaching out and caring for them. What he does is the exact opposite of what usually happens when unfavorable circumstances confront us – we drop everything, raise our hands and surrender. We call it discouragement and depression. But God has a way of minimizing our own concerns when we minister to the concerns of others. God calls it ministry.

2. He remains sensitive (40:5-7)
Joseph notices the additional change in the countenance of the butler and baker. What words stress this perceptiveness in 40:6 (“looked,” “behold”)? But, not only does he notice their countenance, he puts action to his concern in 40:7 by interacting with them as to their sadness.

3. He trusts Scripture (40:8-13)
Continuing to serve and remaining sensitive are important, but they are not enough so he points them to God and His Word – “interpretations belong to God!” The revelation of God is disclosed by God’s servant to the butler. To a world around us that is trying to find answers to their problems and predicaments, a pill and a label and a Chinese proverb are not the answer. But God’s Word is (2 Timothy 3:16-17)!

4. He controls his senses (40:14-15)
Joseph, though unjustly treated and in unfavorable circumstances, doesn’t let his senses, especially his feelings, control him. Instead, he sticks to the facts and matter-of-fact presents his case – devoid of emotion! In protesting his innocence, he doesn’t attack the enemy or vent his anger.

5. He avoids sidestepping (40:16-19)
Having interpreted the butler’s dream, now he turns to the baker’s dream. But whereas the outcome of the butler’s dream ends up favorable, not so with the baker’s dream (execution awaits!). Nevertheless, Joseph delivers both the good news and the bad news. He avoids sidestepping this uncomfortable news and declares the whole counsel of God.

Dad’s Study

Even though Joseph responds favorably to unfavorable circumstances, his circumstances don’t change – he is still in prison as the chapter draws to a close. Doing it God’s way doesn’t mean the situation will go away or will shortly turn around and be a positive one. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Notice that this promise does not provide a way out, but a way through the trial. The baker may have forgotten Joseph, but God hasn’t, and He has something mighty important in store for Joseph in the chapters to come!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Let us draw out several applications from Joseph’s example of how we should fight temptation. First, we should seek to keep our hands from idleness. Diligence in our calling is one of the great remedies for resisting sin. “Idleness is the devil’s playground” is a true saying, and we do well if we seek always to be doing what we know God would want us to do. Second, we should remember that even when others don’t see us, God does. His eyes go throughout the earth, and even the darkness is as light to Him (Psalm 139:12). We ever live before Him to whom we must give an account. Third, we should be persistent in our resistance, realizing that if we begin to think that the temptation is over, we will find ourselves more vulnerable to them. Lastly, we should, if we find ourselves in a situation where temptation has “seized” us, respond immediately and radically. We should “flee” it, get ourselves out of the situation. But there is a positive side also, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:22: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” We should not only flee, but pursue those things which God calls us to such as righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We should engage ourselves in those things that are good as a replacement of those things which are evil.

May God help us all to model Joseph, and find ourselves faithful servants of our Master.

Catechism

Question 65

Q. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?

A. No mere man, since the fall, is able in his life perfectly to keep the commandments of God (Ecc. 7:20), but does daily break them in thought (Gen. 8:21), word (Jas. 3:8), and deed (Jas. 3:2).

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Genesis 39

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your blessed Word, how it is profitable for instructing us in righteousness. Please use it today to give guidance and teach us how we might better fight against sin, that You may be glorified in our lives.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1836. Music: Bradbury, William B. Bradbury, 1859; first appeared in his Sunday school collection Oriola.

SAVIOR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US
Click here for tune.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Thought Provoker

Why is it we find ourselves again falling into the same temptations and allured by the same sin? How can we better fight against those sins that so easily beset us and find greater victory over them? There are several principles that we can learn from the life of Joseph in our reading today that are very instructive in dealing with temptation.

Dad’s Study

Notice that Joseph is very busy in his vocation. His hands are not idle, but he is very diligent as the Lord has been with him and blessed him in Potiphar’s household. You will remember that David’s sin with Bathsheba took place when kings were out with their armies in battle, but he was alone in his house and his eyes found a place to take his heart into sin (2 Samuel 11:1-2). Joseph could easily, seeing he was appointed house master of the captain of the guard, have been slothful when his master wasn’t around. Instead, he respected him and desired to be faithful with all his responsibilities.

We also notice that Joseph had a right view of marriage. Potiphar’s wife was not a free woman, liberated from the “tyranny” of the marriage covenant. Joseph recognized that vows had been made that put Potiphar’s wife off limits to him. Whether Potiphar was around or not, his wife was his and he was hers, and for Joseph to intrude such a holy relationship was unthinkable.

When Potiphar’s wife invited him to sin with her, Joseph had a right understanding of his God’s view of sin. He says “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (v.9). Whether she was a willing party or not, he understood that God had set her off limits. Whether Potiphar saw them or not, the Lord of heaven and earth would see.

Finally, Joseph responds appropriately when the temptation gets to be too much. His exposure to her is in one sense inevitable, in that he worked in the house. But he goes in one day when there is no one else around, and she seeks to take advantage of the moment. She catches him, and he flees so quickly that his garment is left behind (v.12).

While things don’t seem to immediately turn out for Joseph’s good in light of his integrity, God will in His sovereignty work even this disappointing providence for his good.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Let us draw out several applications from Joseph’s example of how we should fight temptation. First, we should seek to keep our hands from idleness. Diligence in our calling is one of the great remedies for resisting sin. “Idleness is the devil’s playground” is a true saying, and we do well if we seek always to be doing what we know God would want us to do. Second, we should remember that even when others don’t see us, God does. His eyes go throughout the earth, and even the darkness is as light to Him (Psalm 139:12). We ever live before Him to whom we must give an account. Third, we should be persistent in our resistance, realizing that if we begin to think that the temptation is over, we will find ourselves more vulnerable to them. Lastly, we should, if we find ourselves in a situation where temptation has “seized” us, respond immediately and radically. We should “flee” it, get ourselves out of the situation. But there is a positive side also, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:22: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” We should not only flee, but pursue those things which God calls us to such as righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We should engage ourselves in those things that are good as a replacement of those things which are evil.

May God help us all to model Joseph, and find ourselves faithful servants of our Master.

Catechism

Question 64

Q. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate (1 Cor. 10:10), envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour (Gal 5:26), and all inordinate emotions and affections to anything that is his (Col. 3:5).

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Prayer

Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. (Psalm 119:33-40)

Today’s Hymn

Words: Attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1836. Music: Bradbury, William B. Bradbury, 1859; first appeared in his Sunday school collection Oriola.

SAVIOR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US
Click here for tune.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Thought Provoker

One might think that in the lineage of Christ we would find an unbroken stream of the spiritual giants of the faith, but that is not the case. Undoubtedly there are those giants of the faith present, how many can your family name? But we also see some real scoundrels in Christ’s human heritage. All the more to underscore that God’s choice is of grace and not merit as we examine a chapter in the life of Judah.

Dad’s Study

We have parentheses in the story of Joseph as Scripture relates a chapter out of the life of Judah. Judah, son of Israel, father of David and ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ was not one who always pursued the paths of righteousness. We see Judah stray from the truth in ways that set in motion a chain of sinful events. First, Judah left his brothers and moved out into the world, making him susceptible to the snares and evils of this world. He separated himself from the covenant people and stepped out from under the umbrella of protection that is there. This separation is the separation that is reserved for the covenant people who are caught up in unrepentant sin and sent out for the destruction of the flesh so that the soul may be preserved. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5). Once out in the world, Judah takes a wife of his own initiative without consulting his parents. He takes a daughter of the Canaanites and thus brings the ways of the world into his family. This is evidenced by the wickedness and rebellion of his sons, who are so wicked that the Lord strikes them dead. Judah then deals unfaithfully with his daughter-in law Tamar, by not giving his last son to be her husband. Judah’s own wife then dies and he compound’s his sin with the sin of fornication with one whom he believes to be a temple prostitute. We see in Judah’s life that once he was seduced by the world, he followed the ways of the world, was faithless in marriage and in his responsibility as a father, was dishonest and defrauded his daughter-in law, and lastly falls into the sins of sexual immorality. As a result of all this what do we see the Lord bring forth? Perez, son of Judah, bore to him by his daughter-in law, who is in the lineage of Jesus Christ. In this chapter of Judah’s life we see the principle of grace. Despite the wickedness and disobedience of Judah, God has graciously brought forth His plan for redemption for His covenant people.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Catechism

Question 64

Q. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate (1 Cor. 10:10), envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour (Gal 5:26), and all inordinate emotions and affections to anything that is his (Col. 3:5).

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Prayer

Arise O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah (Psalm 3:7-8) Amen!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1836. Music: Bradbury, William B. Bradbury, 1859; first appeared in his Sunday school collection Oriola.

SAVIOR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US
Click here for tune.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Thought Provoker

Can any jealousy be found in the hearts of your family today? Is there any jealousy between siblings such as jealousy over appearance, possession, popularity, or talent? Jealousy between siblings is nothing new. It can be traced as far back to the fourth chapter of Genesis. It was an angry rage of jealousy that resulted in the first murder as Cain killed his brother Abel. In today’s chapter we are reminded again about the devastating results caused by jealous siblings.

Dad’s Study

Joseph (now 17 years old) had eleven brothers. He was watching over their sheep along with his brothers, Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher who were the sons of the handmaids, Bilhah and Zilpah. However, Joseph was Israel’s favorite and he gave him a coat of many colours. The result was that his brothers were jealous of Joseph and hated him even more. Then, Joseph began having divinely inspired dreams where the sheaves of his brothers bowed down to Joseph’s sheaves. If that wasn’t enough he had a dream where the sun, moon and 11 stars bowed down to him. His brothers were now in a fit of jealous rage. In anger his brothers plotted to slay Joseph and blame it on a wild animal. Instead, at the suggestion of Reuben they threw Joseph into a pit. Later they sold him as a slave to traveling tradesmen. Joseph was reported dead as his coat was stained with the blood of a goat and given to Jacob. The tradesmen sold Joseph to Potiphar (an officer of Pharaoh) in Egypt.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Where does jealousy come from? It stems from a wrong view of self and a wrong view of God. Jealousy comes from a lack of true humility (James 3:14). It is a failure to see yourself as you really are. You deserve nothing in this life except the judgment of God. Whatever you have comes to you as a kind gift of God. Secondly, jealousy comes from a wrong view of God and His justice. Jealousy says, “God isn’t fair.” Is God fair? Absolutely, but He, not you determines the standard of fairness. God is sovereign and is perfectly fair to do as He pleases with His creation and still be fair. Are you struggling with jealousy? Look at your reflection in the Word of God and see yourself as you really are. Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6). Remember, all is fair in the hands of a sovereign God. Worship Him and be content with whatever God chooses to place in your hand.

Catechism

Question 64

Q. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment forbids all discontentment with our own estate (1 Cor. 10:10), envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour (Gal 5:26), and all inordinate emotions and affections to anything that is his (Col. 3:5).

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