Explore the Bible Series

with Dr. Jim McCullen
You can contact Dr. James McCullen at: DRjim@preachhim.org

Broken relationships

Introduction: How many Christians do you know who never experienced broken relationships? It is sad that many broken relationships take place in a family or church setting. It will be good for us to learn how God works through brokenness to perform a mighty work in the lives of everyone involved. All of us need to Acknowledge Broken Relationships and seek God’s guidance to repair them. Revival in our lives, families and churches, may be greatly blessed as we do.

1. Acknowledge Broken Relationships . . Evaluating The Past.  Gen. 42:6-7, 9

What immediate reaction did Joseph experience as he saw his brothers – anger, joy, unbelief, amazement? It had been 22 years since they sold him into slavery, and now they meet. Joseph recognizes them but they do not recognize him. No doubt both had changed, and the position and authority of Joseph probably disguised him. It may be true that he thought more about them than they thought about him although they must have experienced regret for their actions. I venture a guess that he thought of the many memories these brothers were responsible for; but they also must have relived their actions. Even if this is true, Joseph knew God worked through all these thoughts and actions to perform a mighty work. 

2. Acknowledge Broken Relationships . . Explore The Present.
Gen. 42:13-21

Joseph confronted his brothers and obtained additional information about his father and younger brother. I think Joseph enjoyed tantalizing his brothers and at the same time gaining information about home. The information about his father and brother, Benjamin, must have produced great joy that was difficult to conceal. In order to gain more information, he designed an immediate plan of confinement for all his brothers, but. after three days, “the fear of God” caused him to change the plan and only confine one brother for a lengthy imprisonment. Joseph desired a confirmation that these brothers told the truth. Their contrition after all these years must have impressed him, but after what they did to him, can he trust them? The brothers consented to his second offer but what other choice did he give them? He made an offer they couldn’t refuse, didn’t he?

3. Acknowledge Broken Relationships . . Estimating For The Future. Gen. 42:22-24

The brothers of Joseph believed the judgment of God caused their present difficulty. Reuben rehearsed his attempt to get his brothers to not proceed with their plan, but to no avail, and now they are reliving their decision. They did this with regret. Do you think Joseph sort of enjoyed hearing their lament even though he realized God used it for everyone’s benefit? Joseph must have relived the events his brothers spoke of and to a degree also regret. All of us can learn from the action of Joseph’s brothers as well as from Joseph’s dealing with them as we Acknowledge Broken Relationships, and try to understand how God might use them. Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, visit: http://www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)

Work toward reconciliation

Introduction: I love to be around when reconciliation takes place. I have seen it take place a few times during revival services and I really love to stand by and watch families and friends reconcile. It needs to happen more than it does. I am pleased to say my mom, my two sisters and I never experienced a breakdown in our relationships. My sisters bragged about that to me a few years ago and we agreed Christ and the church contributed greatly to this truth. I think Christ will lead all of us to Work Toward Reconciliation.

1. Work Toward Reconciliation Through . . Confirmation.   44:1-2

If reconciliation is realized Joseph will need further confirmation so he can trust his brothers. He wants confirmation that his brothers are telling the truth. Twenty-two years of thinking about what his brothers did, even though it turned out for good, doesn’t breed trust and appreciation for his brothers. So, he devised a plan that he used to test them further. He deployed his plan as he placed his personal cup in one of their bags. It was a simple plan, but it accomplished what Joseph desired. If you know of a need for reconciliation, can you devise a plan to move it toward its accomplishment?

2. Work Toward Reconciliation Through . . Clarification.   44:32-34

The brothers of Joseph wanted to give clarification to him about the truthfulness of their story and actions. This attempt focused on trying to make sure Benjamin got back to his father. They gave additional clarification about Jacob that really got to the heart of Joseph. The broken relationship moved toward reconciliation through the truthfulness expressed. The story continued to be clarified as the same message continued to be presented. The truth always helps to make clarification.

3. Work Toward Reconciliation Through . . Confession.   45:1-15

Finally, Joseph believed their story and confessed through the bearing of his soul. He opened up about being their brother and called for them to come near to him. Perhaps he kept them at a distance before, so now they could get a good look at Joseph and recognize him. Of course, he asked more questions about his father, but they must have interacted some. What a joyful sight that must have been. This reconciliation further recognized and emphasized how God worked all of this under His control and guidance. Joseph knew how God worked in his life, but the brothers needed this information to know how God moved to bring about this reconciliation. The regret they expressed earlier probably received some relief as they appreciated how God worked even through their shameful acts. Then the bringing of tears climaxed this reconciliation. It amazes me that Joseph held back the tears as long as he did, but finally the river of tears flowed and the Work Toward Reconciliation reached a pinnacle. What a joyous occasion! Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, visit: http://www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)

Bible Studies for Life

with Dr. Andy Chambers
You can contact Dr. Chambers at CHAMBERS@mobap.edu

Appreciate

Everyone desires to have a few close friends. How can you cultivate deep bonds with the ones you love? One way is to show appreciation in tangible ways. Consider Paul’s attitude toward his friends in his letter to the Philippians.

First, appreciate by showing confidence in their character (Phil. 2:19-22). Paul had utter confidence in Timothy’s character, which is why he could send Timothy to represent him (v19). He knew Timothy would genuinely care for the Philippian’s interests (v20). Such a friend is hard to find, because in our sin we tend to seek our own interests and not Christ’s (v21). Timothy had proven his character to both Paul and the church at Philippi (v22).

Men and women of proven character are undervalued in our culture today. People tend to be elevated who have the most charismatic personality, the most money or fame and popularity. However, what we need is men and women who are absolutely trustworthy, people who look out for other’s interests and not merely their own. When you see people like that, let them know you appreciate them. Seek to be that kind of friend to others.

Second, show genuine concern for their well being (Phil. 2:25-30). Epaphroditus was a lover, the kind of person everyone loved because of the concern he showed for others. He was distressed, because he heard the Philippian church knew he was sick and was concerned about him. So, Paul sent him to Philippi so they could see him (vv25-26). Epaphroditus nearly died, but God had mercy on him (v27). Paul sent him so the Philippian church could rejoice that he was better (v28). He was a guy worthy of great honor in the church, because he nearly died for the work of Christ in his attempt to help the Philippian’s effort to aid Paul (vv29-30).

Everyone knows an Epaphroditus, that person in your life who loves Jesus, who loves people, and who loves the church and serves selflessly so that others might be blessed. If you know someone like this, you know they genuinely care for your well being. All of us should seek to show genuine concern for the well being of others.

Third, express gratitude for their contributions (Phil. 4:15-18). When you read Philippians you sense the gratitude in Paul’s heart for this fellowship. They truly loved Paul and showed it by sending him aid in prison several times (vv15-16). Paul did not hesitate to express his thankfulness to them and point out that the fruit he sought was increasing to their account (vv17-18). In other words, what excited Paul was how they were growing through giving and laying up for themselves a greater reward in heaven.

Is there someone in your life you need to thank for their investment in you? When I finally finished seminary, God laid it on my heart to thank those who had helped me get an education. I wrote my parents, Sunday School teachers, ministers and mentors, and even SBC Executive Committee president, Morris Chapman, to say thank you for what the Cooperative Program had done for me. It blessed them to have someone say thanks for their humble service. Who does God want you to express gratitude to today?

Communicate

Why is healthy communication so critical to healthy relationships?

First, communication is foundational to your relationship with God (Deut. 6:4-9). God calls you to listen to Him as He communicates to you who He is (v4). Then He calls you to respond by loving Him with your whole heart and by placing His word in your heart (vv5-6). God’s communication of Himself to you, and your response of love to Him are foundational to knowing God. In the same way, you teach the faith to your children by communicating who God is and what He requires of them (vv7-9).

Communication is foundational to your relationship with God, both hearing His word and expressing your love and adoration in response. Because communication is foundational to a relationship with God, communication is foundational to a growing relationship between His creatures that bear His image. 

Second, communication is foundational to obtaining wisdom (Prov. 4:3-6). Reflecting on his childhood Solomon remembered his upbringing and how his father King David taught him urgently to hold on to his word (vv3-4). The core of that word was to get wisdom and understanding and never turn away from it, because wisdom will guard over you (vv5-6).

Parents, our children will struggle to learn wisdom if we do not communicate it diligently and urgently to them. They will ultimately answer to God for how they respond to your teaching. However, let us be faithful to communicate wisdom, so the next generation will know what is good and right to hold on to in a confused culture.

Third, communication is foundational to healing broken relationships (2 Sam. 14:23-24, 28-33). David and his son Absalom did not speak for years. Absalom killed one of David’s sons, and because David was still haunted by his own past, he would not deal with Absalom. Eventually Absalom was brought back from exile, but his father would not see him for two years (vv23-24, 28). They both wanted to talk, but neither would take the first step. One day Absalom asked Joab, David’s general, to bring him to his father. Joab ignored him until Absalom took drastic measures (vv29-30). Finally, Joab took Absalom to David. Absalom bowed before his father, and David kissed his son. (vv31-33). Yet, tragically they were never really reunited. Absalom’s bitterness would grow against his father until he led a rebellion that ended in his death. David was devastated. The tragedy might have been avoided if they would have talked to each other instead of hiding from each other.

How often do you let broken relationships stay broken, because neither one wants to take the first step and say, “We may disagree, but I know I am a sinner in need of a savior, and I need your forgiveness for the hurt I caused.” If you want to see healing, you must learn to talk to each other. If communication is essential to knowing God, then it is essential to growing toward each other and to healing broken relationships.