Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Being a Friend to Sinners
A heathen king was made a friend to Joseph. He knew what Joseph did and honored him. Joseph’s fame likely lasted for many years in Egypt. They were friendly to Joseph, and his family- the Jews. However, one day there was a new king in town. He did not know what Joseph did, or what the God of Joseph did. Joseph had made to himself friends of the mammon of unrighteousness. In the end, Pharaoh elevated Joseph and became a friend to him. As Christians, we need to try to be a friend to sinners. In the end, they may be the ones who come to our aid.
Having a Testimony of Being Friendly
I don’t think the Christian should live in such a way that he alienates himself from the world. He should have a testimony that is friendly. The Christian should be the one who is the peacemaker in a group, not the one who is hard to get along with. You don’t want to be the one, who when the new king or boss shows up, he does not know about you and causes trouble for you. Joseph had a reputation that lasted for quite a while. Is that the kind of testimony you have? Would people do whatever it takes to help you out, since you have tried to be a good friend to them, even when they are not saved? In the end, the sinner needs to be your ministry. Part of that ministry is being a friend to them.
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