The Next Right Thing: Integrity in the Journey | Pt.2 | Nick Birmingham

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Pastor: Nick Birmingham

Date: March 16, 2025 (Based on the context of "last week")

Key Scripture: Primarily Genesis 37-50, with a mention of Galatians 5:7

Episode Summary:

This week, Pastor Nick Birmingham continues the series "The Next Right Thing," focusing on the life of Joseph and the theme of integrity. He emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing, especially when it's difficult or not in our perceived best interest. The sermon explores how Joseph maintained integrity through various trials and challenges, offering lessons for listeners to apply in their own lives.

Show Notes:

• Welcome and Announcements:

  • Recap of the previous week's powerful service.
  • Acknowledgement of young people present.
  • Excitement about several people making decisions for the Lord last week.
  • Announcement of baptisms happening next week. Individuals who came forward for salvation or rededication and wish to be baptized are encouraged to connect with Pastor Nick, his wife, Gabby, Michael, Ronnie, or Nathan.
  • A goal to have at least five people baptized.
  • Celebration of individuals giving their lives to Jesus.

• Continuing the Series: The Next Right Thing:

  • Reminder of the series started the week before last.
  • Highlighting the difficulty of consistently doing the next right thing, acknowledging personal struggles with this.

• The Life of Joseph and Integrity:

  • Focus on Genesis 37-50, covering the life of Joseph.
  • The central theme is integrity and doing the next right thing, even when nobody is watching.
  • Joseph's life is presented as an example of maintaining integrity through adversity.  
     
  • Mention of the hurt Joseph experienced throughout his life, emphasizing that it would have been easy for him to give up.
  • Reference to Galatians 5:7, questioning what hinders individuals from obeying the truth and running well.
  • Joseph's story is used to explore what hinders us from doing the next right thing and being people of integrity.

• Background on Joseph:

  • Joseph was the favorite child, which his brothers knew.
  • Reference to Genesis 37:3, highlighting that Israel loved Joseph more than any other son and made him a robe of many colors, an obvious sign of favoritism.  
     
  • Joseph had a word from the Lord (a dream) that his brothers would bow down to him, which exacerbated their dislike for him.
  • When Joseph was sent to check on his brothers, they were plotting to kill him.  
     
  • His older brother intervened, preventing his death, but Joseph was still thrown into a pit.

• Point 1: Integrity in Adversity (When Life Doesn't Go as Planned):

  • Joseph's life took an unexpected turn as he was thrown into a pit by his brothers.  
     
  • He was betrayed by his family, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery.
  • Emphasis on the horror and wickedness of this betrayal.
  • Questioning how to maintain integrity when facing such betrayal and having a right to be angry.
  • Reference to Genesis 37:19-28, detailing the brothers' plan, Reuben's intervention, the stripping of Joseph's robe, and his sale to the Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver (approximately two years' wages split among 11 or 12 brothers).
  • This betrayal is identified as one of the most difficult things to maintain integrity through.
  • Relatability to listeners who may have experienced similar betrayals by family, friends, or spouses.
  • Joseph maintained integrity despite his support system falling apart.  
     
  • Even when hurt, Joseph did not let it hinder what God had called him to do.

• Joseph in Egypt:

  • Even as a slave in Egypt, God was with Joseph.  
     
  • Joseph worked hard and eventually was put in charge of Potiphar's house.  
     
  • Encounter with Potiphar's wife, who tried to seduce him (Genesis 39:7-11).  
     
  • Joseph refused, emphasizing his master's trust and questioning how he could sin against God.  
     
  • Despite doing the right thing, Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned.  
     
  • The cycle of doing right and facing negative consequences can lead to questioning integrity, but it's crucial to trust God.

• Joseph in Prison:

  • Genesis 39:20-21 describes Joseph being put in prison, but the Lord was with him, showing steadfast love and giving him favor with the prison keeper.  
     
  • Everywhere Joseph went, he found traction because he kept working and trusting in God's promise.
  • Joseph encountered two of Pharaoh's servants in prison who were troubled by dreams.  
     
  • God had given Joseph the gift to interpret dreams, and he helped them.
  • The cupbearer was told he would be restored to the king, and Joseph asked him to remember him and mention him to Pharaoh (Genesis 40:23).
  • Joseph was forgotten for a time, leading to feelings of betrayal, false accusation, and being forgotten.  
     
  • Questioning how to maintain integrity when others seem to be prospering while doing what's right leads to suffering.

• How to Maintain Integrity:

  • Learn to resist compromise when faced with pressure at work, school, or in personal relationships.
  • Honor God in the small things, even when life feels unfair.
  • Stay faithful because God is faithful.

• Point 2: Integrity in the Waiting (Faithfulness When Nobody is Watching):

  • Emphasis on the difficulty of waiting.
  • While serving in Potiphar's house and in prison, Joseph didn't become bitter but took responsibility and earned trust.  
     
  • Even in chains, he led with character and integrity, serving and helping others.
  • He interpreted the dreams of those around him.
  • The importance of trusting God and not ourselves while waiting.
  • When Pharaoh called Joseph to interpret his dream, Joseph gave glory to God, not promoting himself.
  • Fulfilling the promise is God's responsibility, not ours. We are responsible for doing what was asked.
  • Integrity in the waiting is about trusting that God sees even when no one else does.
  • Serving while waiting: serve well where you are until God takes you where He promised.
  • Stay hopeful and trust God's plan, reminding yourself that God is working behind the scenes.
  • Be careful to give God the credit.

• Point 3: Integrity in Power (Faithfulness When Everything is Given):

  • Being faithful when God is going to use us.
  • Avoiding being puffed up when reaching the point where dreams come to pass.
  • After years of suffering, Joseph was elevated in Egypt, but he remained the same person, maintaining consistency.
  • Joseph was a steward of influence, not using his power for revenge or self-promotion.  
     
  • He wisely managed Egypt (Genesis 41:46-49), storing up grain during the plentiful years.  
     
  • Joseph forgave those who hurt him, which is a very difficult thing to do.  
     
  • As followers of Christ, we must crucify our flesh and die to self.
  • Joseph knew he had a promise, and when his brothers came begging for food, he had every right to make them suffer.
  • Instead of giving them what they deserved, he chose grace, recognizing God's plan to preserve many lives (But God).
  • Legacy is determined by revenge or integrity. What do you want to be remembered for?
  • Use influence for good, choose forgiveness over revenge, and stay humble regardless of success.

• Conclusion:

  • The story of Joseph is a narrative of faithfulness and human resilience.
  • Joseph's triumph would have taken much longer if he had been detoured instead of maintaining integrity.
  • Comparison to Jesus, who also faced difficulties and had the right to be angry at those who crucified him.
  • Questioning whether adversity in our lives is bringing us closer to Christ or sending us in another direction.
  • Opportunity for those who have never made a commitment to follow Jesus or who may have been holding back.
  • Encouragement to take a step towards Jesus, who loves them and has a plan for their life.
  • Reminder that despite people's actions, God's goodness remains constant.
  • Invitation to altar workers to come forward and for anyone ready to follow Christ to make that decision.

Call to Action:

• Consider the areas of your life where you need to practice greater integrity.
• Reflect on how you handle waiting periods and whether you continue to serve and trust God.
• Examine your use of influence and whether you prioritize forgiveness over revenge.
• If you have not yet made a commitment to follow Jesus, take that step today.