The Prosecutor Within
This lesson explores the power and function of the conscience through the story of Joseph and his brothers. After 25 years of guilt over selling Joseph, the brothers’ consciences are awakened when they unknowingly face him in Egypt. The sermon outlines three divine methods for awakening a guilty conscience: association (memories triggered by events or places), similar circumstances (re-experiencing what they inflicted on Joseph), and isolation (time alone for reflection). The lesson also describes three responses to guilt: admission, self-defense, and acknowledgment of God's involvement. It concludes with a call to confess and clear one’s conscience before God.
The Test of Prosperity
This lesson explores Joseph’s rise from prisoner to prime minister in Egypt, highlighting God’s sovereignty in both adversity and prosperity. After being forgotten in prison for two more years, Joseph is summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s troubling dreams. Joseph humbly credits God for the interpretation, revealing seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. His wise and discerning advice leads Pharaoh to appoint him over all Egypt. The lesson emphasizes that prosperity is a greater test than adversity because it often eliminates dependence on God and weakens character. Joseph passes this test by consistently honoring God, even in power. The names he gives his sons reflect his unwavering faith. The takeaway: true character is proven not just in suffering but in success—when one continues to give God the glory.
Nobody Loves Me, This I Know …
This lesson explores Joseph’s unjust imprisonment after refusing Potiphar’s wife and highlights how God remained with him even in a dungeon. Despite being falsely accused, shackled, and forgotten, Joseph maintained integrity, compassion, and faith. He interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker—one leading to restoration, the other to execution—showing his continued trust in God. The study draws application points about how we respond to mistreatment: resisting self-pity, bitterness, and revenge. It challenges readers to re-evaluate their reactions, refuse retaliation, and refocus on God’s purposes, reminding us that divine presence and design outlast human letdowns.
Saying No … When Others Say Yes
This lesson contrasts the moral failure of Judah in Genesis 38 with the unwavering integrity of Joseph in Genesis 39. Despite being enslaved in Egypt, Joseph rises in prominence due to God's favor and his diligent character. He resists persistent sexual advances from Potiphar’s wife, ultimately fleeing temptation at great personal cost—wrongful imprisonment. The narrative emphasizes three reasons for Joseph’s refusal: loyalty to his master, preservation of his own character, and reverence for God. Even in prison, God's presence remains with Joseph, showing that faithfulness in temptation does not always yield immediate rewards but reveals lasting spiritual strength.
Teenage Dreamer
This lesson explores the life of Joseph at age 17, contrasting his moral integrity and divine calling with the corruption and jealousy of his brothers. Though favored by his father Jacob—who gifts him a noble tunic—Joseph’s dreams of future leadership ignite his brothers’ hatred. Their envy leads them to betray and sell him into slavery. The lesson highlights the dangers of parental passivity, the destructive nature of envy, and the sovereignty of God’s plan even when circumstances seem bleak. Joseph’s story prefigures Christ’s suffering and redemptive role, reminding believers that God’s purposes continue even through adversity.
What We Give Away (Part 2)
This final message in the “Upon This Rock” series focuses on the 10th promise believers make to one another in the local church: to financially support the church through faithful, cheerful, and sacrificial stewardship. Stephen Davey explains that giving reflects our understanding of stewardship—recognizing that everything belongs to God and we are merely His managers. Biblical giving isn’t about guilt or pressure but joyful participation in eternal work. True generosity flows from a life surrendered to God, and while we can’t outgive Him, we can honor Him with what we give. Faithful stewardship ultimately advances the gospel and glorifies Christ.
What We Give Away (Part 1)
This final message in the “Upon This Rock” series focuses on the 10th promise believers make to one another in the local church: to financially support the church through faithful, cheerful, and sacrificial stewardship. Stephen Davey explains that giving reflects our understanding of stewardship—recognizing that everything belongs to God and we are merely His managers. Biblical giving isn’t about guilt or pressure but joyful participation in eternal work. True generosity flows from a life surrendered to God, and while we can’t outgive Him, we can honor Him with what we give. Faithful stewardship ultimately advances the gospel and glorifies Christ.
How We Discipline the Unrepentant (Part 2)
This lesson explores the biblical foundations and practical application of church discipline, especially toward unrepentant believers who harm the unity and testimony of the church. Using 3 John and the example of Diotrephes, it demonstrates how pride, unaccountability, and divisiveness threaten the health of a congregation. Discipline, when done biblically, is not unloving but redemptive—intended to restore the sinner and protect the flock. Believers are called to hold one another accountable with humility and courage, maintaining both grace and truth in the pursuit of holiness and church integrity.
How We Discipline the Unrepentant (Part 1)
This lesson explores the biblical foundations and practical application of church discipline, especially toward unrepentant believers who harm the unity and testimony of the church. Using 3 John and the example of Diotrephes, it demonstrates how pride, unaccountability, and divisiveness threaten the health of a congregation. Discipline, when done biblically, is not unloving but redemptive—intended to restore the sinner and protect the flock. Believers are called to hold one another accountable with humility and courage, maintaining both grace and truth in the pursuit of holiness and church integrity.
How We Get Along (Part 2)
This lesson emphasizes the powerful unity created by the gospel within the local church. Despite diverse backgrounds, cultures, and preferences, believers are called not to create unity, but to preserve it. Paul outlines four essential ingredients for this unity: humility, gentleness (meekness), patience with love, and eager diligence. True unity isn’t uniformity—it’s Spirit-empowered harmony among people who value others above themselves. Stephen Davey reminds us that grace is both the gift we’ve received and the gift we give to one another. A unified church becomes one of the greatest testimonies of the gospel’s transforming power.