Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Three Facts About Betrayal
1. Betrayal Hurts the Most When it Comes From Those Closest To Us.
When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Genesis 37:4 (NIV)
Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.
Genesis 37:27 (NIV)
2. Envy and Jealously Fuel Betrayal.
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.
Genesis 39:2-4 (NIV)
3. We are Always Tempted to be Disloyal.
But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
Genesis 39:8-10 (NIV)
Four Betrayal Lessons
Break the Cycle
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Genesis 45:4-5 (NIV)
Stay Spiritually Sharp
No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
Genesis 39:9 (NIV)
Let God fight your Battles
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Bless Your Enemies
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Mathew 5:44 (NIV)