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2015

Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness

Life is full of ups and downs. Just when you think life’s roller coaster is leveling off, you hear the rhythmic clank of the chain slowly jerking you upward. After the moment of exhilaration at the top comes the white-knuckle plummet to the bottom.

In this series, Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness, Chuck Swindoll takes you on a journey with Joseph from the pit of slavery to the pinnacle of power. Along the way, you will learn how to resist the allure of temptation, to trust God during dark days, to forgive others when they hurt you, and to leave a legacy of grace. You’ll come to see that in spite of life’s ups and downs, God uses all things to guide you and shape you into His perfect will.


In this 12-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the life of Joseph, a man whose character was forged in the fires of betrayal, temptation, and unjust suffering. Joseph’s biography occupies a significant portion of Genesis, providing a profound blueprint for how to maintain integrity in the workplace, how to trust God’s sovereign timing during seasons of waiting, and how to offer genuine forgiveness to those who have caused us deep pain.

1. Favored Son, Hated Brother (Genesis 37:1–36)

  • Overview: The story begins with a dysfunctional family dynamic. Joseph’s dreams and his father’s favoritism ignite a murderous jealousy in his brothers, leading to his sale into Egyptian slavery.
  • Key Fact: Jealousy is described as a “rottenness to the bones” that blinds people to the value of human life and the bonds of family.
  • Scripture: Genesis 37:3–4 – Jacob’s favoritism, symbolized by the “varicolored tunic,” creates a rift that leads to decades of heartache.

2. Resisting Temptation (Genesis 39:1–23)

  • Overview: While serving in Potiphar’s house, Joseph faces a relentless sexual advance from his master’s wife. This message provides a masterclass in maintaining moral boundaries under pressure.
  • Key Fact: Joseph’s primary motivation for purity was not fear of being caught, but his desire to avoid sinning against God.
  • Scripture: Genesis 39:9 – Joseph’s decisive response: “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?”

3. Imprisoned and Forgotten (Genesis 40:1–23)

  • Overview: After being falsely accused, Joseph languishes in a dungeon. He interprets the dreams of the chief cupbearer and baker, yet remains forgotten for two more years.
  • Key Fact: God is often most active in our lives when He appears to be most silent; Joseph’s time in prison was a period of preparation, not just punishment.
  • Scripture: Genesis 40:23 – The sobering reality of human forgetfulness: “Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.”

4. Remembered and Promoted (Genesis 41:1–57)

  • Overview: Pharaoh’s troubling dreams finally bring Joseph to the palace. His wisdom and humility lead to his sudden promotion to second-in-command over all Egypt.
  • Key Fact: Joseph did not take credit for his ability; he immediately pointed Pharaoh to God as the source of all interpretation and wisdom.
  • Scripture: Genesis 41:16 – “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”

5. Reaping the Rewards of Righteousness (Genesis 41:38–57)

  • Overview: Examines the blessings of Joseph’s leadership and his personal life in Egypt, including the naming of his sons, which reflected his journey from pain to fruitfulness.
  • Key Fact: Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh (“God has made me forget all my trouble”) and his second Ephraim (“God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction”).
  • Scripture: Genesis 41:52 – The theme of Joseph’s new life: “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

6. Activating a Seared Conscience (Genesis 42:1–38)

  • Overview: Years later, a famine brings Joseph’s brothers to Egypt. Joseph recognizes them, but they do not know him, leading to a series of tests designed to reveal their true hearts.
  • Key Fact: Joseph’s “harsh” treatment of his brothers was not for revenge, but to awaken a conscience that had been dormant for twenty years.
  • Scripture: Genesis 42:21 – The brothers’ realization: “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother… therefore this distress has come upon us.”

7. Groanings of a Sad Dad (Genesis 42:35–43:14)

  • Overview: Focuses on Jacob’s struggle to let go of his youngest son, Benjamin, to go to Egypt. It highlights how fear can paralyze even those who have walked with God for years.
  • Key Fact: Jacob’s perspective was limited to what he could see—”All these things are against me”—while God was actually working all things for his good.
  • Scripture: Genesis 42:36 – Jacob’s lament: “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more… all these things are against me.”

8. Fear Displaced by Grace (Genesis 43:15–44:34)

  • Overview: The brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin. Joseph hosts a banquet for them, causing them great fear, which he eventually replaces with overwhelming grace.
  • Key Fact: Judah, who once suggested selling Joseph into slavery, now offers to take Benjamin’s place as a servant, showing a complete transformation of character.
  • Scripture: Genesis 44:33 – Judah’s sacrificial plea: “Therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad a slave to my lord.”

9. “I Am Joseph!” (Genesis 45:1–28)

  • Overview: The dramatic climax where Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. He provides a theological framework for his suffering: it was God’s plan to preserve life.
  • Key Fact: Forgiveness is possible when we stop looking at people as the primary cause of our pain and start seeing God’s hand behind the scenes.
  • Scripture: Genesis 45:5 – Joseph’s perspective: “Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves… for God sent me before you to preserve life.”

10. The Ultimate Family Reunion (Genesis 46:1–47:12)

  • Overview: Jacob and his entire household relocate to Egypt. The reunion of the father and his long-lost son is one of the most emotional scenes in the Bible.
  • Key Fact: God reassures an elderly Jacob in a vision, telling him not to be afraid to go down to Egypt, for He will make him a great nation there.
  • Scripture: Genesis 46:30 – Jacob’s peace: “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”

11. On-the-Job Integrity (Genesis 47:13–26)

  • Overview: While the family settles in Goshen, Joseph manages the continuing famine for all of Egypt with absolute honesty and administrative excellence.
  • Key Fact: Joseph’s integrity was consistent; he was as faithful in the heights of the palace as he was in the depths of the prison.
  • Scripture: Genesis 47:25 – The people’s gratitude: “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s slaves.”

12. Highlights of Twilight and Midnight (Genesis 47:27–50:26)

  • Overview: The final days of Jacob and Joseph. Jacob blesses his sons, and Joseph reaffirms his forgiveness to his brothers after their father’s death.
  • Key Fact: Joseph’s final instructions were to have his bones carried back to the Promised Land, showing his unwavering faith in God’s ultimate covenant.
  • Scripture: Genesis 50:20 – The series’ core truth: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

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Excellence in Ministry: Finishing Well

Ministry is hard—not for the thin-skinned or faint-hearted. It seems to call for the longevity of Methuselah, the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the tenacity of Paul, and the compassion of Jesus.

Easy, right?

Thankfully, Chuck Swindoll’s series, Excellence in Ministry: Finishing Well—Doing What’s Best in the Challenges of Ministry is just the thing to help us navigate the difficulties of ministry. In this series, Chuck provides answers and instructions on confronting false teaching, maintaining a godly lifestyle, meeting the needs of people, and disciplining and encouraging leaders.


In this second volume of a two-part study on 1 Timothy, Pastor Chuck Swindoll guides us through the practical and often grueling challenges of long-term ministry. Covering 1 Timothy chapters 4 through 6, this series serves as a manual for maintaining integrity, navigating interpersonal conflicts, and guarding against the distractions of materialism and false teaching. The goal is clear: to finish the race with honor, having done “what is best” in the work of the Lord.

1. Ministering Among the Crazies (1 Timothy 4:1–6)

  • Overview: Addresses the “latter times” characterized by apostasy and deceptive doctrines. Paul warns Timothy that spiritual warfare often manifests as legalism or the prohibition of things God created to be enjoyed.
  • Key Fact: False teaching often comes through “hypocritical liars” whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:4 – “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.”

2. The Dos and Don’ts of Ministry (1 Timothy 4:7–16)

  • Overview: A checklist for spiritual fitness. Paul encourages Timothy to prioritize godliness over physical training and to set an example despite his relative youth.
  • Key Fact: “Godliness” is described as a discipline—something that requires constant practice and “toil” to maintain.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

3. Respecting and Rebuking the Saints (1 Timothy 5:1–2; 17–25)

  • Overview: Instruction on how to handle interpersonal friction and leadership discipline within the church family.
  • Key Fact: Correction should be tailored to the individual—appealing to older men as fathers and younger men as brothers with all purity.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17 – “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

4. What about Widows? (1 Timothy 5:3–16)

  • Overview: Defines the church’s social responsibility. Paul outlines which widows the church is obligated to support and emphasizes the family’s primary role in caring for their own.
  • Key Fact: A believer who fails to provide for their own household is described as having “denied the faith” and being “worse than an unbeliever.”
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

5. A Prescription for Pastoral Health (1 Timothy 5:23)

  • Overview: A fascinating look at a brief, personal medical aside from Paul to Timothy. It highlights the reality of physical frailty in ministry and the need for common-sense care.
  • Key Fact: Timothy likely suffered from recurring stomach ailments due to the stress of leadership or the local water in Ephesus.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:23 – “No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”

6. Responding Correctly to Authority (1 Timothy 6:1–2)

  • Overview: Biblical principles for those in subordinate positions, specifically addressed to “bondslaves” but applicable to modern employee-employer relationships.
  • Key Fact: Our work ethic is a direct reflection on the “name of God and our doctrine.”
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1 – “All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.”

7. Contentment . . . and How to Miss It (1 Timothy 6:3–10)

  • Overview: A sobering warning about the “love of money” and the trap of pursuing wealth at the expense of spiritual health.
  • Key Fact: Contentment is not found in having everything we want, but in being satisfied with “food and covering.”
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6 – “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”

8. Clear Commandments of Godliness (1 Timothy 6:11–16)

  • Overview: Paul’s direct “charge” to the “man of God” to flee from sin and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
  • Key Fact: The Christian life is described as a “fight” (the good fight of faith) that requires active endurance.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12 – “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

9. A Treasure Worth Guarding (1 Timothy 6:17–21)

  • Overview: Instructions for those who are wealthy, encouraging them to be “rich in good works” rather than conceited about their riches.
  • Key Fact: The “true treasure” is not currency, but the “life which is life indeed,” found through generosity.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:20 – “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter.”

10. Let’s Evaluate Your Ministry (1 Timothy 6)

  • Overview: A concluding summary of the entire letter, providing a diagnostic for individuals and churches to assess their spiritual health.
  • Key Fact: The ultimate mark of a successful ministry is faithfulness to the “entrusted” Word of God.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:21 – Paul’s final benediction: “Grace be with you.”

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Excellence in Ministry: Starting Strong

People are messy. Anyone involved in ministry can testify to that. But people are what ministry is all about. Serving people. Teaching people. Caring for people as Jesus did. Easy to say, difficult to do.

Chuck Swindoll’s series, Excellence in Ministry: Starting Strong—Doing What’s Right in the Work of Ministry, is the perfect guide to help you do the difficult task of ministry. In this series, Chuck provides answers and instruction on the pastor’s duties, the priority of prayer, the role of women, and how to find qualified leaders.


In this 10-part exposition of 1 Timothy 1–3, Pastor Chuck Swindoll provides a biblical blueprint for local church ministry. This series explores the “Pastoral Epistles,” written to help Timothy navigate the complexities of church life, from identifying qualified leaders to maintaining the priority of prayer. Whether you are in vocational ministry or a volunteer leader, these messages offer practical instruction on how to build a healthy, grace-filled community.

1. The Church as God Planned It (Overview of 1 Timothy)

  • Overview: Introduces the historical context of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, written around AD 63. It highlights the church not as a social club, but as the “pillar and support of the truth.”
  • Key Fact: 1 Timothy is one of three “Pastoral Epistles” (including 2 Timothy and Titus) focused specifically on church order and pastoral care.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:15 – The church is described as “the household of God… the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

2. What’s a Pastor to Do? (1 Timothy 1:1–11)

  • Overview: Focuses on the primary responsibility of a leader: guarding the purity of the Gospel against “strange doctrines” and legalism.
  • Key Fact: The goal of pastoral instruction is not just information, but “love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:5 – “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

3. Undeserved Mercy for an Unbelieving Rabbi (1 Timothy 1:12–20)

  • Overview: Paul uses his own testimony as the “foremost” of sinners to show that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
  • Key Fact: Paul refers to himself as a “pattern” or “example” of God’s perfect patience for those who would believe in the future.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15 – “It is a trustworthy statement… that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.”

4. What’s First in a Meaningful Ministry? (1 Timothy 2:1–8)

  • Overview: Establishes the non-negotiable priority of a healthy church: a commitment to various forms of prayer for all people.
  • Key Fact: Prayer is categorized into four types: entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1 – “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men.”

5. God’s Desire, Man’s Debt, Christ’s Payment (1 Timothy 2:3–7)

  • Overview: A theological look at the heart of God for the lost and the unique role of Jesus as the one Mediator between God and men.
  • Key Fact: The Gospel is universal in its scope—God desires “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

6. What about Women in the Church? (1 Timothy 2:9–15)

  • Overview: Addresses the controversial and culturally sensitive topic of women’s roles and conduct within the public worship assembly.
  • Key Fact: Paul emphasizes “quietness” and “submission” not as a statement of value or intelligence, but as a matter of divine order and functional roles within the church.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:12 – Paul discusses the apostolic instructions regarding teaching and exercising authority in the local church context.

7 & 8. Checklist for Choosing Church Leaders (1 Timothy 3:1–7)

  • Overview: A two-part look at the rigorous character qualifications for those who aspire to the office of overseer (elder).
  • Key Fact: Leadership in the church is based on “reputation” and “character” (being above reproach) rather than worldly success or charisma.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:2 – An overseer must be “above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”

9. The Dignity of Servanthood (1 Timothy 3:8–13)

  • Overview: Explores the qualifications and the vital role of deacons—those who serve the practical needs of the church body.
  • Key Fact: The office of deacon carries great “standing” and “boldness” in the faith for those who serve well, reflecting Christ’s own servant-heart.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:13 – “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith.”

10. A Hope, a House, a Hymn (1 Timothy 3:14–16)

  • Overview: Concludes the section with a beautiful early Christian hymn that summarizes the mystery of godliness and the mission of Christ.
  • Key Fact: The “mystery of godliness” includes Christ being revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, and taken up in glory.
  • Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16 – “By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh… proclaimed among the nations… taken up in glory.”

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Can One Person Make a Difference?

The apostle Paul. Martin Luther. Corrie Ten Boom. Winston Churchill. Each name is instantly recognizable, because each person demonstrated courage in the face of opposition, overcoming evil with good and changing lives.

Can we make a difference?

You don’t need a famous name to make a difference. Through the power of God, anyone can impact neighborhoods, workplaces, and even the world. In this inspiring series by Chuck Swindoll, you’ll hear true stories of brave Christians in church history, learn the fundamental role of the church, and be equipped with the courage and discernment that life in Christ promises.

Can we make a difference? Yes we can.


In this 10-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the profound impact that a single individual can have on the world when they are empowered by God. By weaving together stories from church history—most notably the Protestant Reformation—with biblical mandates for the local church, this series challenges every believer to step out of the shadows and embrace their role in God’s unfolding plan.

Message 1. The Truth That Set Us Free (Romans 1:16–17; 4:5)

  • Overview: Sets the theological foundation by revisiting the “spiritual birthright” of the Reformation. It explores how rediscovering the truth of justification by faith alone changed the course of history.
  • Key Fact: The date October 31, 1517, is cited as a turning point more significant than many national holidays, marking the beginning of a return to biblical authority.
  • Scripture: Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

Message 2. A Monk, a Door, a War, a Hymn (Psalm 46)

  • Overview: A biographical look at Martin Luther’s stand against the religious establishment of his day. It illustrates how one person’s conviction can ignite a global movement.
  • Key Fact: Luther’s hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” was born out of his meditation on Psalm 46 during a time of intense personal and political crisis.
  • Scripture: Psalm 46:1–2 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Message 3. Being a Church that Makes a Difference (Acts 2:41–47)

  • Overview: Analyzes the DNA of the early church to determine what makes a community of faith truly impactful in a pagan culture.
  • Key Fact: The early church was characterized by four pillars: apostolic teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
  • Scripture: Acts 2:42 – “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Message 4. Ministry: Movement or Monument? (2 Kings 18:1–8)

  • Overview: A warning against “institutionalization.” This message uses King Hezekiah’s reforms to show that true ministry must remain a living movement rather than a static monument to the past.
  • Key Fact: Hezekiah broke in pieces the bronze serpent Moses had made because the people had turned a tool of God into an object of worship (Nehushtan).
  • Scripture: 2 Kings 18:5 – “He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah.”

Message 5. Thinking Right about the Church (Matthew 16:13–18)

  • Overview: Corrects common misconceptions about the nature and purpose of the church, focusing on Christ’s declaration of its invincibility.
  • Key Fact: The “rock” upon which Christ builds His church is the confession that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
  • Scripture: Matthew 16:18 – “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

Message 6. Flexing with a Future in Flux (1 Chronicles 12:32)

  • Overview: Discusses the importance of cultural relevance and discernment, highlighting the “sons of Issachar” who understood their times.
  • Key Fact: Impactful people are those who remain biblically grounded but are “flexible” enough to apply eternal truths to a changing world.
  • Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32 – Describing men “who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do.”

Message 7. How to Help Our Nation Survive (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: Addresses the believer’s role in civil society, emphasizing that the health of a nation is often tied to the spiritual vitality of its individuals.
  • Key Fact: Salt and light are the two metaphors Jesus used to describe the influence Christians should have on a decaying and dark world.
  • Scripture: Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Message 8. A Passion That Stays Balanced (Philippians 4:1–9)

  • Overview: Warns against the “zeal without knowledge” that can lead to burnout or legalism, advocating for a balanced Christian life.
  • Key Fact: Stability in ministry comes from a mind stayed on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, and lovely.
  • Scripture: Philippians 4:8 – The checklist for a balanced mind: “Whatever is true… honorable… right… pure… lovely… dwell on these things.”

Message 9. Can One Person Make a Difference? (Nehemiah 1:1–11)

  • Overview: The titular message of the series, focusing on Nehemiah’s broken heart for Jerusalem and his subsequent action.
  • Key Fact: Nehemiah’s impact began not with a plan or a budget, but with a season of fasting and prayer over the ruins of his heritage.
  • Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4 – “When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

Message 10. This Is No Time for Wimps! (Joshua 1:1–9)

  • Overview: A concluding charge to live with courage and strength, following the example of Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
  • Key Fact: Courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of God; Joshua was commanded three times in one passage to “be strong and courageous.”
  • Scripture: Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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