When Evil Enters the Room
Genesis 42:1-28
When You’re the Perpetrator
Step 1 - Confess the evil.
Susan Wise Bauer – “An apology is an expression of regret: I am sorry. A confession is an admission of fault: I am sorry because I did wrong. I sinned.”
Genesis 42:21a - They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother.”
** They knew they had done wrong and had, for 20 years, carried the guilt and shame of their actions...almost EXPECTING to be punished by God for their evil.
Point: Confession is a gift from God as it is often the beginning of healing.
James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Step 2 – Take Responsibility.
Point: Taking responsibility is healthy. Without it relationships become polluted and begin to stink. With it, the air is clear.
Galatians 6:5, 7 – “We are each responsible for our own conduct. 7 Don’t be misled – you cannot mock God. You will always reap what you sow.”
Genesis 42:21b – “We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.”
Step 3 – Do not pass the buck.
Genesis 42:22 – Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.”
Genesis 42:28b – “Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”
Point: The passing of time does not ease the pain of a guilt or shame. Honesty does!
Application: How to Respond to Evil
Response 1 – Do not keep a hit list.
Romans 12:17 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” What’s the Alternative?
Alternative 1 – Stay alert.
Philippians 3:2 – “Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.”
Alternative 2 – Draw on spiritual wisdom through prayer.
2 Thessalonians 3:2 – “Pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.”
Alternative 3 – Love Jesus more.
Truth: Your energies will go somewhere.
Jesus said (John 3:20) – “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”
1 Corinthians 13:6 – “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
Response 2 – Wait attentively for your “God moment.”
Point: Waiting attentively; not just knowing the promises of God makes the difference.
Genesis 41:8 – “Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. 9 Then he remembered his dreams about them...”
Lamentations 3:25-26 – “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
Response 3 – Remain centered in God’s promises.
Isaiah 55:10-11 – “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Hebrews 10:36 – “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (NLT)
Point: Evil does not last...God’s promises are eternal.
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