#2 Integrity – The Life of Joseph”

Integrity Is When Your BEHAVIOR Matches Your BELIEF Overview of Joseph’s Life

· Like Joseph, God Created You For A Divine PURPOSE Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:17

· Joseph Was Prosperous Because He Knew PROSPERITY Came From God, Not Man The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. Genesis 39:2

· The More Power And Influence You Have The GREATER The Temptations You Will Face

· Joseph Was More CONCERENED About What God Thought That What Man Thought. “How could I do such a wicked thing, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9

· Joseph Lived A God - DEPENDENT Life “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams, I will pray for you” Genesis 40:8

· Prosperity And Success Will TEST Your Character Infinitely More Than Hardship “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:39-40

Four Benefits Of A Life of Integrity #1 You Get To Enjoy God’s PRESENCE Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” Psalm 24:3-4 #2 You Will Have A Built In GUIDE The integrity of the upright guides Him. Proverbs 11: 3 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13

#3 You Will Have A CLEAR Conscience We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. 1 Corinthians 1:12

#4 You Will Gain INFLUENCE The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7

“We Know How To Live Right Because We Are Hanging Out With The One Who Is Right.”

What Does Jesus Say About Integrity? The Opposite Of Integrity Is HYPOCRISY Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean...In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Matthew 23:25-28

No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally

getting bewildered as to which may be the true. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne~

“Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' No'. Anything beyond this comes from the evil one”” Matthew 5:37

Life Group Discussion Questions: At Waipuna Chapel we believe spiritual growth happens best in the context of small intimate gatherings, where we experience authentic community and explore genuine Biblical faith. If you would like to connect to a Life Group contact pastor Dennis@waipunachapel.com

• Discuss the Life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) and the points made in the sermon regarding integrity in his life.

• What other lessons on character can we learn from Joseph’s life?

• Discuss the “Four Benefits Of Living A Life Of Integrity”. How have you seen these apply in your own life?

• Read the following passages of scripture and note your observations about personal integrity and the consequence of integrity in the lives of those who demonstrate it. Leviticus 19:11-113 Chronicles 29:10-11 Job 2:1-10 Acts 24:16

Self Reflection:

Is there any area of your personal or professional life that you feel guilt due to a lack of integrity? What steps can you take to do what is right, not just what is easy or comfortable? Is there restitution that needs to be made or a wrong that needs to be righted? Remember that God promises to give grace to the humble. He will empower you to act.

Sources:

• “Growing Kingdom Character” – Tom Yeakley - Nave Press • “Renovation of The Heart – Putting on the Character of Christ” – Dallas Willard • “Forgotten Virtues” – Craig Groeschelle – LifeChurch – Oklahoma City

Send feedback or questions to Pastor Shaun@waipunachapel.com