SERIES: HOW TO LIVE A PRODUCTIVE LIFE (2 OF 5)

NOTE: This sermon is part 3 and 4 of a 10 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 3: How to Cope with Discouragement
Series: How To Live A Productive Life
Stuart Briscoe
Genesis 40

By the time he was in his twenties, Joseph had suffered enough discourage¬ment to last a lifetime. How he coped is enlightening for all who are discouraged.

I. Some Reasons for Discouragement.

A. Living in an unpleasant environment.

B. Suffering unfair treatment.
1. Mistreated by his brothers.

2. Unjustly condemned by his employer.

3. Forgotten by his friend. v. 23

C. Enduring unending disappointments.
1. Disappointment with life.
a. The apparent triumph of the wicked.

b. The apparent defeat of goodness.

2. Disappointment with God.
a. The greatness of God's promises.

b. The tardiness of God's intervention.

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Part 4: How to Walk a Tightrope
Series: How To Live A Productive Life
Stuart Briscoe
Genesis 41

At the age of thirty, after thirteen rollercoaster years, Joseph was given great responsibility. Surprisingly, it was his spiritual qualities that led to his pro¬motion in the secular world. Now he had to walk the tightrope of a spiritual man in a secular world.

I. Spirituality.

A. The root of spirituality is an experience of the Spirit.
1. The revealing work of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9 14

2. The regenerating work of the Spirit. John 3:5 8

B. The fruit of spirituality is the expression of the Spirit.
1. The expression of spiritual fruit. v. 38; See Galatians 5:22-23
a. Demonstrated in Joseph's lifestyle.

b. Recognized and appreciated by Pharaoh.

2. The exercise of spiritual gift. v. 16

3. The explanation of spiritual truth. v. 25

II. Secularism.

A. Secular principles.
1. Man is the center of the universe.

2. Time is the extent of experience.

3. Earth is the limit of environment.