E-pistle for August 16, 2013
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation August 16, 2013
Joseph "framed" by Potiphar's wife
(Genesis 39:1-23)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the events of Joseph's life in this chapter
Joseph had been sold by his brothers to Ishamaelites (children of Abraham
by Hagar),Genesis 37:25-28; 39:1, also identified with the Midianites (children
of Abraham by his second wife, Keturah), Genesis 25:1-2. These two cities
probably has inter-married, becoming known by both names.
1. Potiphar, capitan of the Egyptian Pharaoh's guard, purchases Joseph from
the Ishmaelites, v. 1.
2. The Lord prospered all Joseph put his hand to, and he was given total authority
over Potiphar's household, vv. 2-6.
3. Potiphar's wife tried unsuccessfully several times to seduce Joseph; then
"FRAMED" him for attempted rape, vv. 7-18.
4. Joseph was thrown in jail, where soon the keeper gave him authority over the
entire prison system, vv. 19-23.
II. Meditation: on why Joseph was so successful in his responsibilities
1. Because the Lord was with him, vv. 2-3, 21-23.
2. Because Joseph had strong moral character, vv. 6-8, 10-13.
3. Because Joseph realized that adultery (and all other sins) are "against God"
v. 9; Psalm 51:4.
4. Because the Lord showed mercy toward Joseph, preserving his life for His
destined purpose . . . to save God's chosen people, v. 21.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications found here
1. The Lord will never forsake those whom He has chosen, Hebrews 13:5-6.
2. God's people are to be holy (pure), just as God is holy, Leviticus 11:44-45;
I Peter 1:16.
3. At the root, all sins are rebellion against the Creator's will.
4. God's mercy allows Him to use imperfect human being to accomplish His
heavenly purposes.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Walk by faith, trusting in the Lord, Who will be with me "always, even unto the
end of the age," Matthew 28:20.
2. Keep my life pure . . . by repenting of my sins and receiving God's forgiveness
and cleansing, I John 1:9; 3:2-3.
3. Surrender my will completely to the Father, praying as Jesus did, "Your will be
done," Matthew 26:42.
4. Claim God's mercy and grace as I seek to fulfill the destined purpose He has mapped
out for my life, Philippians 3:13-14.
Miracles at the crucifixion
(Matthew 27:1-66)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus was tried before Pilate; Judas hanged himself, vv. 1-27.
2. Roman soldiers mocked Jesus and nailed Him to a cross, vv. 28-44.
3. Jesus suffered and died the agonizing death of crucifixion, vv. 45-56.
4. Jesus was buried in Joseph's tomb; Pilate sent soldiers to seal and
guard the tomb; vv. 57-66.
II. Meditation: on the miraculous signs seen in this chapter
1. A sign of warning from the God of light, I John 1:5; DARKNESS, v. 45.
2. A sign of a new way into God's presence: TORN VEIL, v. 51.
3. A sign of God's supernatural power: EARTHQUAKE, v. 51.
4. A sign of awesome hope: RESURRECTION OF SOME DEAD SAINTS,
vv. 52-53.
NOTE THE CENTURION'S RESPONSE TO THESE MIRACLES:
"Truly this was the Son of God," Matthew 27:54.
III. Revelation: on why these miracles occurred . . . the lessons to be learned
1. DARKNESS – absence of God brings darkness: "Why have you forsaken Me,"
Matthew 27:46; "when darkness reigns," Luke 22:53.
2. TORN VEIL – see Exodus 26:31; II Chronicles 3:14; Leviticus 16:2; Hebrews 10:20.
3. EARTHQUAKE – a natural event, but the TIMING was miraculous.
4. RESURRECTION – Jesus earlier had raised three individuals: 12 year-old girl,
Mark 5:41-42; son of a widow of Nain, Luke 7:14-15; Lazarus, John 11; these all
later dies, but Jesus rose to live eternally!
IV. Observations: on who might have been the "resurrected saints" (Isaiah 26:19)
(NOTE: these "resurrected saints" must have been buried in the general vicinity of
the city of Jerusalem; possible "saints" might include . . . )
1. Abel (Genesis 4:8) . . . commended by Jesus, Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51.
2. King David (I Chronicles 29:28) . . . Jesus is the "Son of David," Matthew 22:42.
3. Zechariah (II Chronicles 24:20-21) . . . one of God's martyrs who was praised by
Jesus, Matthew 235; Luke 11:51.
4. John the Baptist (Matthew 14:12) . . . the forerunner of Christ, Luke 1:17.
V. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Understand that without the presence of God, this present would exist in darkness,
John 3:19; without Christ's indwelling presence, I too, would walk in darkness
because of my sinful nature, John 8:12.
2. Come boldly through the torn veil to God's throne of grace, "to obtain mercy and
find grace to help in time of need," Hebrews 4:16.
3. See God's almighty power demonstrated when Christ died, even by the forces of
nature: "stones . . . cry out," Luke 19:40, and "all creation groans and labors,"
Romans 8:22.
4. Rejoice in Christ's death and resurrection, in faith believing that, I also, will be a
"resurrected saint" to live eternally with Him, I Corinthians 15:20.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter,
And those who matter don't mind."
--Bernard M. Barch
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