Worship

Faith with Godly Perspective

Today, we near the end of our series (“Faith in Action in the Book of Genesis [Studies on the Faith of Abraham & Joseph]”) with Joseph’s faith that sees the way God sees, & that sees God’s sovereign hand at work, despite his suffering & affliction. In other words, he had faith that showed godly perspective. Based on Gen. 45:1-8, what do we learn from Joseph’s faith, so that we can also have godly perspective?

I. Faith with Godly Perspective Keeps No Resentment (45:1-5a)

Joseph’s faith showed a godly perspective by keeping no resentment or bitterness against his brothers. Joseph showed 3 evidence s of not harbouring resentment against them: (1) he wept (45:2; see 42:24; 43:30; 45:14; 50:17)—he could not control his burst of emotion for his brothers (45:1); (2) he didn’t conceal his identity anymore—he introduced himself as their brother (45:3a, 4b), as part of their family; (3) he asked them to come closer to him (45:4a) after their silenced fear (45:3b); & (4) he did not cast blame nor induce guilt upon them (45:5a). He wanted to be reunited with them (45:9-10), expressing how he already forgave them (50:15-17). Let’s bear no grudges on those who hurt us (see Lev. 19:18; 1 Cor. 13:5b).

II. Faith with Godly Perspective Sees God’s Sovereign Hand (45:5b-8)

Joseph’s faith also showed godly perspective by seeing God’s sovereign hand in the midst of all his hurts. Joseph referred to God’s sovereign hand 3 times through these words: (1) “because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (45:5b); (2) “But God sent me ahead of you” (45:7a); & (3) “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:8a; see also 50:20). He saw God’s purpose for his pain: “to save lives”; “to preserve a remnant on earth & to save lives by a great deliverance” (45;7b). In other words, he saw God’s purpose to preserve his family & to provide for them in the midst of the famine (45:11; 50:21). Let’s seek God’s hand upon every circumstance of our lives (see Rom. 8:28).

God’s Faithfulness in our Transitions

(Genesis 46:28-34)

We naturally don’t like changes, but God often orchestrates necessary changes in our life for our growth and development. Transitions in life are important and could benefit us if we know how to adjust according to God’s plan.

Our text in Genesis 46 describes Jacob’s needed transition as he and his family migrate to Egypt to be reunited with Joseph and be settled in Goshem for an indefinite period.

Today, we will learn three valuable principles that highlight God’s faithfulness in times of transition and change and seek ways to apply these truths in our lives.

1. God Directs our _________________ (vv.28-29a).

28 Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel.

2. God Restores Broken ___________________ (vv.29b-32).

29 …As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”

3. God Positions Us for His _____________________ (vv.33-34).

33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’

Faith That Acts with Godliness

(Genesis 39:1-10)

Today, we continue our series (“Faith in Action in the Book of Genesis [Studies on the Faith of Abraham & Joseph]”) with the faith development of Joseph, the great grandson of Abraham. The episodes of his life in Gen. 37 & 39 can be summarized as follows: (1) privilege (in his father’s eyes); (2) pit (where his jealous brothers put him); (3) property (as a slave in Egypt); (4) privilege (in managing Potiphar’s house); (5) principle (in Joseph’s stand against temptation); (6) perjury (in being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife); & (7) prison (as a place of injustice). In these up-&-down episodes, Joseph’s faith grew steadily. Based on Gen. 39:1-10, what do we learn from Joseph’s life, so that we can also have faith that acts with godliness?

I. God’s Presence Overshadows our TRIBULATIONS (39:1-6a)

Gen. 39 begins with the context of Joseph’s tribulation (suffering as a result of being oppressed, sold, & shipped to a foreign land) (39:1; see 37:4, 8, 11, 20, 26-27, 36). Yet, it is the presence of God with him that overrules these adversities (39:2a), leading to Joseph’s prosperity (39:2b). Even his master Potiphar saw God’s presence upon him that also resulted in his success (39:3) & promotion as steward (39:4) & as a preview of his dreams’ fulfillment (37:6-7, 9). God also provided blessings to Potiphar (39:5; see 12:2-3 as part of the Abrahamic blessing) & brought trustworthiness unto Joseph over all Potiphar’s properties (39:6a). All these happened in a span of 11 years (Joseph was 17 years old when he was favoured & then sold to slavery [37:2] & was 28 when put in prison for 2 years [41:1, 46]). In all these years, God was with Joseph & blessed him & Potiphar’s house. God does not abandon us in times of tribulation.

II. Godly Purity Overcomes our TEMPTATIONS (39:6b-10)

God tested Joseph’s faith with the relentless temptations from Potiphar’s wife (39:7, 10a), but Joseph relentlessly refused her advances (39:8a, 10b). How did he succeed in passing God’s test & resisting the wife’s temptation? He did 3 things: (1) he counted the cost (39:8b-9a)—it offends Potiphar; (2) he viewed giving in as a wicked thing (39:9b)—it offends himself; & (3) he saw succumbing to temptation as sin against God (39:9c)—it offends God (Psa. 51:4). Joseph kept in mind the need for loyalty, not only because of God’s loyalty to him but also because of his awareness that God has something for him to do in accomplishing God’s divine purposes (see 45:4-8; 50:19-21). As a result, he stood his ground & would not listen & would keep saying no to her. Godly purity overcomes the allure of temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).

GODLY FAITH THAT GOD BLESSES

Genesis 39:11-23

After examining Abraham’s faith in action, we will now turn our focus to another well-known biblical figure, Joseph. In today’s study, we will examine how Joseph managed himself in the face of adversity. Let’s learn from his response to temptation and challenges, all while staying faithful to the Lord. How can we maintain Godly faith in stressful situations, knowing that God can bess us through them?

1. EXEMPLIFY godly character in the face of temptation 

11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

2. ENDURE suffering despite righteousness 

19 When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me.” he burned with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.

3. EXPERIENCE God’s sovereignty and favour

But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warden.

4.EXPECT greater responsibility from the Lord

So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

TRUSTING GOD WHEN TESTED

Genesis 22:1-19

           Life is full of tests, but the greatest tests come in our faith journey. Imagine God asking you to give up the one thing you love most – your family, your dreams, your future. Will you trust Him? 

            Our text in Genesis 22 shows us a defining moment in Abrahm’s life, where God asks him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. After years of waiting for a promised son, God finally gave Abraham, Isaac. But then God told him to sacrifice him. What happened next authenticated Abraham to be the “father of faith.” Today, we will learn three life-changing truths that can help us develop our trust in God.

1. TESTING of FAITH PURIFIES(vv.1-2)

“Abraham, take your only son, Isaac, whom you love and… sacrifice him as a burnt offering….”

2. TRUE FAITH is PROVENby OBEDIENCE (vv.3-10)

“Early the next morning Abraham got up… He took… his son Isaac… He set out for the place God had told him about… built an altar there… Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. (vv.3,9,10)

3. TESTED FAITH is REWARDED: GOD PROVIDES(vv.11-19)

“Abraham… Do not lay a hand on the boy… Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Abraham… saw a ram caught by its horns… and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. (vv.11-14)

TRUSTING GOD FOR WHAT HE PROMISES

(Genesis 15:1-11, 17-21)

Today, we continue our series on “Faith in Action in the Book of Genesis (Studies on the Faith of Abraham & Joseph). Our passage in Gen. 15 affirms who God is (our protector, rewarder, leader, & provider) to Abram, despite his doubts (15:2-3, 8). Faith is not the absence of doubt but our dependence on the God who is present when we doubt His promises. Based on Gen. 15, what do we need to claim about God who is in our times of doubting?

1. God is our Protector & Rewarder (15:1-6)

God reassured Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (15:1b). As shield, God is the protector of Abram from his enemies (14:1, 17a, 20) & the reward & rewarder in his life (14:21-24). But Abram doubted the value of these promises because he did not have an heir (15:2-3). Instead of rebuking Abram, God reaffirmed & illustrated His promise of countless offspring for him (15:4-5). Then Abram believed God (15:6). In times of doubt, let’s not deny God’s promises but depend on the God of promises!

2. God is our Leader & Provider (12:7-11, 17-21)

God further reassured Abram, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it” (15:6). Again, Abram doubted & asked God for proof. Instead of being angry at Abram, God asked him to prepare for the custom of signing a contract or covenant (15:9-11). But instead of coming down to sign the covenant with Abram, God put him to sleep & reaffirmed His promise of land with the inclusion of hardship & suffering (15:12-16). Then God unilaterally & unconditionally signed the covenant without Abram (15:17-21,) in order to show that God alone will fulfill His promises, without Abram having a part in determining its course. In times of doubt, let’s trust God’s timing & bidding.

WELCOMING GOD’S WONDERS

(Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7)

Have you ever faced a situation that seemed impossible, yet God graciously rescued you? Maybe you let go of a dream, only to realize that God had a different plan. Or perhaps you’re currently in a difficult place where only God can see you through. As we continue our study of Faith in Action in the book of Genesis, we will discover how to trust God even when circumstances seem hopeless. With the right mindset and approach, we can welcome God’s plan for our lives with joy and eager anticipation.

1. We Embrace the Lord’s Presence

¹ The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. ² Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

 When Abraham saw the Lord’s presence at his doorstep, he eagerly welcomed Him. Recognizing that his life was about to change, he approached by yearning (hurrying to meet them) and yielding (bowing low to the ground) as an expression of reverence and devotion.

Reflection: How do you respond (approach) to God’s surprising pronouncement in your life?

2. We Exalt Him and His Divine Plan

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. ¹¹ Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. ¹² So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

At first, Sarah responded with skepticism. However, in Genesis 21:6, her laughter transformed into joy and praise as she nursed her son, Isaac, fulfilling God’s promise.

Reflection: How do you reply (attitude) upon knowing God’s plan in your life?

3. We are Empowered to Properly Obey

Gen 21: 4  When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.

Although they were not perfect, Abraham and Sarah sought to follow the Lord and remain faithful to His plan.

Reflection: How do you react (action) while waiting for God’s purpose to unfold in your life?

(Genesis 12:1-8)

 We have introduced our new 2025 theme: “Faith in Action: Minding the Mission.” Today, we continue our 1^st series called “Faith in Action in the Book of Genesis” (Studies on the Faith of Abraham & Joseph), looking at Abram’s life. Though Abram was not perfect (12:9-20; 20:11-13; 26:7), he lived out his faith in Genesis. As he grew in faith, God changed his name from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many nations”; 17:5). Based on Gen. 12:1-8, what is important to remember in acting by faith on what God says?

 1. Recognize our God who Calls & Promises (12:1-3)

 God calls Abram by taking the initiative to talk with him (12:1), by giving a series of promises of what He will do (12:2-4), & by appearing to Abram (12:7a). God gives him 2 commands (12:1, 2b) & 2 sets of promises (12:2a, 3). God’s commands need faith from Abram because he did not know where God would lead him (12:1b); he did not have a child & land (to become a great nation & for offspring to be given in Canaan [12:7b]); & he did not have a great name (as a foreigner). Yet, it’s God who can make all these promises fully fulfilled later in Christ (Gal. 3:16; Acts 3:25-26). God, who calls & promises us, is worthy to be obeyed by faith!

2. Respond in Obedience with Worship & Witness (12:4-8)

 Abram obeyed God (12:4a) & along with Sarai (meaning “princess”) & Lot (Abram’s nephew) (12:4b-5a), he “set out for the land of Canaan, & they arrived there” (12:5b). He followed the itinerary God showed from Shechem (12:6) to Bethel (12:8) to Negev (12:9). As he traveled to where God led him as a pilgrim who pitched a tent (home for someone simply passing through), Abram built an altar to the Lord to meet with Him in worship (12:7b) & to “call on the name of the Lord” (12:8b) as a witness in proclaiming (or preaching) Yahweh to the people. May our lives be a witness of God’s presence in our mission to proclaim God’s name.

TRUSTING GOD WITH SELFLESS ACTIONS

Genesis 13:1-18

 Abraham, though imperfect, is known to be the “father of faith” and listed in the Bible’s hall of faith. In Hebrews 11, a good number of faith expressions were recorded in his name (vv.8-19).

Today, as we start the series on “Faith in Action in the Book of Genesis,” we will study Genesis 13 that records the return of Abram to Canaan (vv.1-4), his separation from Lot (vv.5-13), and the reaffirmation of God’s promise to him (vv.14-18). In this narrative, three principles or actions that describe faith will be explained and applied.

1. Worship as a Priority: Faith Seeks God First before Decisions (vv.1-4)

 “Abram went up from Egypt… to the place… where his tent had been earlier and… had first built an altar.There Abram called on the name of the Lord.” (vv.1,3,4)

2. Wisdom of Liberality: Faith Chooses Generosity over Greed (vv.5-13)

 “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me… for we are close relatives… Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” (vv.8,9)

3. Words with Certainty: Faith Trusts God’s Promises Amid Problems (vv.14-18)

 “Look around from where you are…  All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. ” (vv. 14,15).

SEEING FAITH THAT WORKS

(James 2:14-26)

Happy New Year! We welcome 2025 with a new theme: “Faith in Action: Minding the Mission.” This year, we hope to live by faith, which is evident in love through works (Gal. 5:6b). As we know, “faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone.” We see the reality of this faith that is not alone through the reality of works that fulfills God’s mission. In other words, we can know faith that works. Based on Jam. 2:14-26, how do we know faith that works?

1. Faith that Works Is Tangible (2:14-20)

Faith that does not lead to works has no value (“What good is it?” [2:14a, 16b]), is dead (2:17, 26), & is useless or empty (2:20; an empty boast or false claim). Faith by itself (i.e., faith in & of itself without evidence of action) is dead (has no vital signs, no heartbeat, no pulse/ worthless, unproductive, barren). James is not pro-works/anti-faith nor is he pro-faith/anti-works, but he is advocating that faith & works are inseparable (not for salvation but for sanctification). James is also not against Paul, because Paul talks about declared righteousness (Rom. 3:28) while James talks about demonstrated righteousness (Jam. 2:18; cf. Tit. 3:8). In 2025, let’s show tangible faith.

2. Faith that Works Is Visible (2:21-26)

Faith in action must be seen: “You see that his faith & his actions were working together” (2:22a); & “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do & not by faith alone” (2:24). This faith that is seen or evident in 2 different O.T. persons: (1) Abraham (2:21-23)—the respected patriarch & friend of God whose faith was in full bloom (obeying God); & (2) Rahab (2:25)—the redeemed & righteous prostitute whose faith was about to blossom (protecting God’s people). The lesson of faith from Abraham is this: trust in God does what God tells the person to do (even if it does not make sense). The lesson of faith from Rahab is this: trust in God helps God’s people (despite much risk & cost). In 2025, let’s show visible faith.

LIFE WORTHY OF GOSPEL

(Philippians 1:27-30)

Welcome to the first Sunday service of 2025! As we set our goals and resolutions for the year ahead, let us remember the mission God has entrusted to us. May we live not solely for ourselves but with a deeper awareness of the greater purpose and calling for our lives on Earth. As we explore today’s passage more deeply, may we come to see that a life dedicated to God is truly worth living. In 2025, let us actively live out our faith and lead lives that reflect the worthiness of the Gospel.

1. Live to Inspire: Encourage Faith

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 

2. Live to Ignore: Eliminate Fear

²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

3. Live to Identify: Endure Faith

²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him