JOSEPH: GOD’S MAN FOR A SEASON…

(Genesis 37:1-2)

…Today we are beginning a study of Joseph.  He emerges from the pages of Scripture as one whom we can identify.

  “He was loved and hated, favored and abused, tempted and trusted, exalted and abased.”

…Genesis tells us more about Joseph than Abraham.  Though 14 chapters are devoted to each, Joseph’s section is

  25% longer.  In the Bible, we have more spoken words of Joseph than any other Old Testament character.

…The entire story of Joseph is about God’s Sovereignty and His providential care of His own.  “Man plans his

  course, but the outcome is the Lord’s doing.” 

FIVE LESSONS GLEANED FROM JOSEPH’S STORY THAT SHOULD ENCOURAGE YOU IN LIVING FOR CHRIST.

I.      God Is In Control Of All Things.  This Includes Nature And The Nations.

                A.            God is sovereign.  This means that He is able to do whatever He desires to do with His creation.

                                He does not answer to anyone.  He reigns in absolute control and rules over the universe.

                B.             In the Joseph story we see God’s control of nature in sending a famine.  We see His

                                control of nations in directing the future Israel to Egypt, in appointing Joseph as Prime

                             Minister, and in the many details of Joseph’s life.  (some good and many evil)

II.     God Uses The Smallest And Almost Insignificant Of Things To Bring About

        His Purpose.  God is so great, He can use the smallest of things to do His great work!!!

                A.            God uses, “the little things as links in the chain of circumstances by which He was to exalt

                                Joseph to Prime Minister and eventually save millions of people from starvation.” 

                B.             These circumstances are as insignificant as a wonderful coat, dreams, being sold to Potiphar,

                                and imprisoned with two of the king’s men…

                                1.             When these things happen, we seldom realize how important they are.

                                2.             But, when we look back, we can see that God was at work, and often when we are

                                                least aware of His workings.

                C.             God takes the smallest of circumstances and weaves them together to accomplish His own

                                perfect plan.  With our God there are no such things as “mere circumstances.”

                                …God even works through the evil acts of sinful men to bring Him praise. 

III.    God Does Not Immune His Own Children From Suffering. 

                A.            Joseph, a godly man, suffered much during his life.  He endured the hatred of his brothers, 

                                separation from his family, the false accusations from Potiphar’s wife, and years spent in prison.

                B.             At times it seem unfair and confusing, but if endured by faith, they would bring about blessings.

                                1.             Adversity did not harden his character…

                                2.             Prosperity did not ruin him either.  He was the same in public as in private.

                C.             In the end, Joseph would acknowledge that God meant it all for good. (50:20)

IV.    God Desires His Own To Trust Him Under All Circumstances.

                A.            Joseph’s life illustrates for us “the triumph of faith.”  No matters happens to him, whether

                                good or bad,  he always seems to keep his eye upon God.  He never complained, he never

                                compromised.  He is “God-centered” in all things.  So should we be.

                B.             Joseph’s story is perhaps the best example in all the Bible of the benevolent providence of God.

                                Romans 8:28, “for we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”

                C.             From Joseph’s example, we may learn how:

                                1.             Face adversity                                       4.             Forgive those who wrong us

                                2.             Resist illicit sexual advances                       5.             Trust in God’s promises

                                3.             Plan for the future                                               6.             Recognize the sovereignty of God

                                                                                                                                even when wronged by others.

V.      God Continues To Guide The Lives Of His Children.

                A.            In Joseph’s life, this was no less true when he was in prison than when next to Pharoah’s throne.

                B.             The important thing for every believer is to be living in the light of God’s presence, knowing

                              that his life is being guided by God’s own hand.  Look at Joseph’s life.   God wove all the treads

                                together, even the dark threads, to produce a thing of beauty!!!