Sabbath afternoon: Introduction

Are you troubled with a situation where forgiveness is so difficult to give for those who haven’t ask sorry for what they’ve done against you? Would you be ready to forgive someone who have done a grievous sin against you?

Inspiration says, “As Joseph was sold to the heathen by his own brothers, so Christ was sold to His bitterest enemies by one of His disciples. Joseph was falsely accused and thrust into prison because of his virtue: so Christ was despised and rejected because His righteous, self-denying life was a rebuke to sin; and though guilty of no wrong, He was condemned upon the testimony of false witnesses. And Joseph's patience and meekness under injustice and oppression, his ready forgiveness and noble benevolence toward his unnatural brothers, represent the Saviour's uncomplaining endurance of the malice and abuse of wicked men, and His forgiveness, not only of His murderers, but of all who have come to Him confessing their sins and seeking a pardon. {CC 79.4}

In this week’s SSLesson, we’ll learn the principles of forgiveness as we dive into the details of Joseph’s life as he was separated from his father through a circumstantial incidence brought about by his brother’s envy {CC 79.2}.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Facing the Past {Has Anything Changed?}

Monday: Setting the Stage {Have they Repented?}

Tuesday: Forgive and Forget {Should I Forgive them?}

Wed: Making It Practical {Who should Take the First Step?}

Thurs: Finding Rest After Forgiveness {What Happens next?}

Friday: Further Thought

Prayer Thought

He who receives Christ by living faith . . . has a living connection with God. He carries with him the atmosphere of heaven, which is the grace of God, a treasure that the world cannot buy. He who is in living connection with God may be in humble stations, yet his moral worth is as precious as was that of Joseph. {CC 79.5}

The teachers are to educate the youth to realize that if they receive Christ and believe in Him, they will be brought into close relationship with God. He gives them power to become the sons of God, to associate with the highest dignitaries in the kingdom of heaven, to unite with Gabriel, with cherubim and seraphim, with angels and the archangel. "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. {SpM 52.1}

Memory Verse

“But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5, NKJV).

Words of Assurance

Those who in the way of duty are brought into trial may be sure that God will preserve them; but if men willfully place themselves under the power of temptation, they will fall sooner or later. {AH 460.2}

Sunday: Has Anything Changed? Gen. 41:50-52; 42:7-20; Matt. 25:41-46

“We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.”(Gen. 42:11)

Joseph's Brothers Feared Slavery

They [Joseph's brothers] sold Joseph as a slave, and they were fearful that God designed to punish them by suffering them to become slaves (3SG 156). {1BC 1098.1}

The life of Joseph illustrates the life of Christ. It was envy that moved the brothers of Joseph to sell him as a slave; they hoped to prevent him from becoming greater than themselves. And when he was carried to Egypt, they flattered themselves that they were to be no more troubled with his dreams, that they had removed all possibility of their fulfillment. But their own course was overruled by God to bring about the very event that they designed to hinder. So the Jewish priests and elders were jealous of Christ, fearing that He would attract the attention of the people from them. They put Him to death, to prevent Him from becoming king, but they were thus bringing about this very result. {CC 79.2}

An Attempt the Conceal the Guilt

Reuben returned to the pit, but Joseph was not there. In alarm and self-reproach he rent his garments, and sought his brothers, exclaiming, "The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?" Upon learning the fate of Joseph, and that it would now be impossible to recover him, Reuben was induced to unite with the rest in the attempt to conceal their guilt. Having killed a kid, they dipped Joseph's coat in its blood, and took it to their father, telling him that they had found it in the fields, and that they feared it was their brother's. "Know now," they said, "whether it be thy son's coat or no." They had looked forward to this scene with dread, but they were not prepared for the heart-rending anguish, the utter abandonment of grief, which they were compelled to witness. "It is my son's coat," said Jacob; "an evil beast hath devoured him. Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces." Vainly his sons and daughters attempted to comfort him. He "rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days." Time seemed to bring no alleviation of his grief. "I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning," was his despairing cry. The young men, terrified at what they had done, yet dreading their father's reproaches, still hid in their own hearts the knowledge of their guilt, which even to themselves seemed very great. {PP 212.1}

The Standard God Requires

God wants men in His service, under His banner, to be strictly honest, unimpeachable in character, that their tongues shall not utter a semblance of untruth. The tongue must be true, the eyes must be true, the actions wholly and entirely such as God can commend. We are living in the sight of a holy God, who solemnly declares, "I know thy works." The divine eye is ever upon us. We cannot cover one act of unjust deal from God. The witness of God to our every action is a truth which but few realize. {CG 152.2}

The Danger of Looking to Men

We are not required to put on human armor, but to gird ourselves with God's strength. If we keep God's glory ever in view, our eyes will be anointed with the heavenly eye salve; we will be able to look deeper, and see afar off what the world is. As we discern its dishonesty, its craftiness, its selfish eye service, its pretense, and its boasting, its want of fair honest dealing in the ordinary intercourse of life, and its grasping covetousness, we can take our stand, by precept and example, to represent Christ, and convert souls from the world by our sound principles, our firm integrity, our hatred of all dissembling, and our holy boldness in acknowledging Christ.--Letter 4, 1896, pp. 13, 15, 16 (July 1, 1896 to Men in Responsible Positions). {ChL 24.3}

God Estimates Men as Men

The religion of the Bible recognizes no caste or color. It ignores rank, wealth, worldly honor. God estimates men as men. With Him, character decides their worth. And we are to recognize the Spirit of Christ in whomsoever it is revealed. No one need be ashamed to speak with an honest black man in any place or to shake him by the hand. He who is living in the atmosphere in which Christ lives will be taught of God and will learn to put His estimate on men. {9T 223.1}

Consider the following:

Had they treated Benjamin the same way they treated him? Were they taking care of their old father?

Caring for the weak and the defenseless was one of the biblical principles Joseph had embraced (Exodus 22:21-23; Leviticus 19:14, 32).

Abuse within the family is one of the most serious, because it is usually kept quiet. No physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can be tolerated.

Fortunately, his father and his brother were fine (Genesis 42:13). The situation had changed.

Monday: Have they Repented? Gen. 42:21-24; 45:1-15

“Then they said to one another, ‘We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.’” (Genesis 42:21)

What’s our Attitude Towards One Another?

Self-Righteousness Leads to Accuse Others

Self-righteousness not only leads men to misrepresent God, but makes them coldhearted and critical toward their brethren. The elder son, in his selfishness and jealousy, stood ready to watch his brother, to criticize every action, and to accuse him for the least deficiency. He would detect every mistake, and make the most of every wrong act. Thus he would seek to justify his own unforgiving spirit. Many today are doing the same thing. While the soul is making its very first struggles against a flood of temptations, they stand by, stubborn, self-willed, complaining, accusing. They may claim to be children of God, but they are acting out the spirit of Satan. By their attitude toward their brethren, these accusers place themselves where God cannot give them the light of His countenance. {COL 210.1}

Self-willed men in disobedience not be saved

Those who say, Lord, Lord, and outwardly appear to rejoice in the Saviour, while they do not the works of Christ, are not what they appear to be, and unless they are truly converted, will be numbered with the foolish virgins. "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." The Lord will not save men in disobedience. His perfection of character binds him to deal justly, and the penalty will certainly fall upon all who are found guilty of the transgression of the law in thought, word, or action. {RH, March 27, 1894 par. 16}

Jesus Came to Restore, Elevate, Purify and Ennoble every Current of Pure Affection

Christ wrought this miracle to teach still another lesson. He would not yield to the enemy when tempted to perform a miracle to supply His own necessities by converting a stone into bread. But on the occasion of the marriage feast He desired to express His sympathy with, and approval of, those at the wedding. Christ did not come to this world to forbid marriage or to break down or destroy the relationship and influence that exist in the domestic circle. He came to restore, elevate, purify, and ennoble every current of pure affection, that the family on earth might become a symbol of the family in heaven. In the Christian home the grace of God is to subdue and transform human character, and then the church will become an active, living, working church. In such families the song may well be sung, “There are angels hovering round; there are angels hovering round. Go, carry the tidings home.”Manuscript 22, 1898. {CTr 230.5}

Consider the following:

Joseph had already forgiven his brothers. This story would have been hugely different if he had chosen hate and resentment instead.

However, he did not want to restore his family relationship if there was a risk of being abused by his brothers again.

His brothers did not know that Joseph could understand their language, so they spoke openly and showed their remorse. 21 years of remorse!

Joseph was convinced after some other tests. He showed favoritism towards Benjamin, but his brothers did not show jealousy or envy, but protected Benjamin (Genesis 43:34; 44:33-34).

Tuesday: Should I Forgive them?

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’” (Matthew 18:21)

Questions to Ponder Upon

We hope you will be good and faithful children. I have been thinking,

1. What if either of you should be taken sick and die, and your father and mother see you no more?

2. Would you be prepared to die?

3. Do you love God better than anyone else?

4. Can you forget your play to think of God, to go away alone and ask him for Jesus’ sake to forgive your sins?

I know that much of your time is taken up with your studies, and with doing errands; but, dear children, don't forget to pray. The Lord loves to have children pray to him. And if you really repent and feel sorry for your sins, God will forgive your sins for Jesus’ sake. {AY 42.1}

The Biblical Assurance of Forgiveness

In the parable there is no taunting, no casting up to the prodigal of his evil course. The son feels that the past is forgiven and forgotten, blotted out forever. And so God says to the sinner, "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins," Isaiah 44:22. "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." Jeremiah 31:34. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7. "In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found." Jeremiah 50:20. {COL 204.3}

Helpless but Not Hopeless

Come to Jesus, and receive rest and peace. You may have the blessing even now. Satan suggests that you are helpless and cannot bless yourself. It is true; you are helpless. But lift up Jesus before him: "I have a risen Saviour. In Him I trust, and He will never suffer me to be confounded. In His name I triumph. He is my righteousness and my crown of rejoicing." Let no one here feel that his case is hopeless, for it is not. You may see that you are sinful and undone, but it is just on this account that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These moments are golden. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, for Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us, and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us. {CCh 48.4}

The Power of the Will Move

Then Jesus said to them, "That ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house" (Luke 5:24). What, take up his bed with his palsied arms! What, get upon his feet with his palsied limbs! What did he do? Why, he just did as he was bidden. He did what the Lord told him to. The power of the will was set to move his palsied limbs and arms, and they responded, when they had not responded for a long time. This manifestation showed before the people that there was One in their midst that could not only forgive sins but that could heal the sick. {FW 67.6}

Consider the following:

What if Joseph’s brothers had not repented or changed at all? Should he have forgiven them?

Genuine forgiveness involves forgiving others even if they do not deserve it. God’s forgiving love is unconditional, even when we do not deserve it.

We forgive because God has forgiven us (Romans 4:7). When we forgive others, our bitterness goes away. The past is left behind, and we can go on with love and acceptance.

Wednesday: Who should Take the First Step?

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Circumstantial Initiative

Joseph, through his bondage in Egypt, became a savior to his father's family; yet this fact did not lessen the guilt of his brothers. So the crucifixion of Christ by His enemies made Him the Redeemer of mankind, the Saviour of the fallen race, and Ruler over the whole world: but the crime of His murderers was just as heinous as though God's providential hand had not controlled events for His own glory and the good of man. {CC 79.3}

Providential Initiative

Christ enjoins upon His followers to "love your enemies, . . . do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). He would have us love those who oppress us and do us harm. We must not express in words and acts the spirit they manifest, but improve every opportunity to do them good. {UL 220.3}

Lesson-Learned Personal Initiative

Those who are unfeeling and hard-hearted do greater harm to themselves than they do to others, for they deceive themselves by their own spirit and course. Selfishness leads the one who exaggerates every little offense, and attaches great importance to that which is said of himself, which leads him to attribute guilt to one who is ignorant of having done wrong. Selfishness works in the unsanctified heart, and leads men to depreciate those who do not highly esteem them and show them the honor which they think is their due. The lessons which Christ has given us are to be studied and incorporated into our religious life every day. He says: "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." "When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any." "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." {RH, May 14, 1895 par. 8}

Salvation Initiated Opportunities

We have here a positive evidence that the anger of the Lord was awakened against the rebellious people—those who had been blessed with great light and precious opportunities to know the will of God, which was communicated to them by Christ Himself, their invisible Leader, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.—Letter 106, 1897 (Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, pp. 289-291). {CTr 119.7}

Consider the following:

When we are hurt by others, some wounds may be devastating. We may feel shattered, embittered, and angry.

Should I keep that hate and bitterness until the offender asks for forgiveness? I am the one who must decide whether to forgive or not.

We can share our anger with God. We can even ask Him to avenge the offense (Psalm 59:12-13; 69:23-24). Once we have taken our resentment to God, there is only one way ahead: forgiveness.

Jesus is the ultimate example. On the cross, he asked God to forgive his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

Thursday: What Happens Next?

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

Personal Virtue put into Test

Joseph, in the providence of God, was deprived of his happy home and the teachings and example of his God-fearing father, and his lot was cast in a family of dark heathen. There his virtue was severely tested. It is always a critical period in a young man’s life when he is separated from home influences and wise counsels and enters upon new scenes and trying tests. {CTr 96.2}

God’s Protection For Good in Bad Events

God was with Joseph in his new home. He was in the path of duty, suffering wrong but not doing wrong. He therefore had the love and protection of God, for he carried his religious principles into everything he undertook. What a difference there was in Joseph’s case and the case of young people who apparently force their way into the very field of the enemy, exposing themselves to the fierce assaults of Satan. Joseph suffered for righteousness’ sake, while the trials of others are of their own procuring. Joseph did not conceal his religion or manly piety to avoid persecution. {CTr 96.3}

Circumstances Today are Useful Tomorrow

True religion extends to all the thoughts of the mind, penetrating to all the secret thoughts of the heart, to all the motives of action, to the object and direction of the affections, to the whole framework of our lives. “Thou God seest me” will be the watchword, the guard of the life. . . . {CTr 96.6}

But Joseph was a Christian. . . . He entered into the troubles of his fellow prisoners. He was cheerful, for he was a Christian gentleman. God was preparing him under this discipline for a situation of great responsibility, honor, and usefulness, and he was willing to learn . . . the lessons the Lord would teach him.—Letter 3, 1879 (Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, pp. 220-223). {CTr 96.7}

Applying the Principles of Forgiveness not on Feelings

The "new covenant" was established upon "better promises,"--the promise of forgiveness of sins, and of the grace of God to renew the heart, and bring it into harmony with the principles of God's law. "This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. . . . I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." Jeremiah 31:33, 34. {RH, October 17, 1907 par. 8}

Consider the following:

Finally, Joseph’s family was reconciled (Genesis 46:29). Although everything looked perfect, there were some wounds that had not heal completely.

After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers felt remorse and fear again. Had Joseph’s forgiveness been genuine (Genesis 50:15)?

Joseph’s forgiveness was not based on his feelings, but on his principles. He forgave them as God had forgiven him. He had understood God’s plan for him (Genesis 50:50). There is no place for resentment in God’s plan for us.

Friday: Meditation

When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven. {CSA 27.5}

Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. . . . {CSA 27.6}

Sin causes death and hurt. At great cost Jesus paid for my sins so He could forgive me.

Questions to Ponder!

1. Would you practice forgiveness if no one checking on you? Your parents, school, or the law?

2. What is the alternative and what do you see as the results of your choice?

3. Can you say that showing forgiveness has become a habit? How often are you that way?

4. What effect do you think forgiveness will have on your future?

Do you see your family practicing forgiveness? How about your church, city, or nation? Does it make much difference if they do?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“The compassion that God manifests toward us, He bids us manifest toward others. Let the impulsive, the self-sufficient, the revengeful, behold the meek and lowly One, led as a lamb to the slaughter, unretaliating as a sheep dumb before her shearers. Let them look upon Him whom our sins have pierced and our sorrows burdened, and they will learn to endure, to forbear, and to forgive.” E. G. W. (Education, cp. 30, p. 257)

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. . . . {CSA 27.8}

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