JOSEPH: GOD SPEAKS TO THE CONSCIENCE

     (Genesis 42:1-17)

…We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.  We have a mind, we can make real choices,  we have emotions,

  and we have a CONSCIENCE.   We know right from wrong, for we are made in God’s image.

…Our evangelism series, “The Way of the Master,” taught us to use God’s Law when talking to others about their

  need of salvation.  In doing so, we use God’s Word to speak directly to the sinful consciences of men and women.

…God also uses circumstances to awaken our sleeping consciences to draw us to Himself. 

TWO METHODS USED BY GOD TO SPEAK TO THE CONSCIENCE DRAWING US TO THE REPENTANCE OF SIN.  For if sin is forgiven, it is forgotten…But if it is merely forgotten by us, it is not forgiven.  For time does not erase our sin!!!

I.      God Will Use Need, Which Produces Hard Times And Want In Our Lives.(v1-5)

                A.            First, what is the CONSCIENCE?  

                                1.             It is like an alarm that goes off within us as we are tempted to sin.  “Don’t do it!!”

                                2.             Yet, it is far from overwhelming in its effects and it is tragically possible for us to

                                                kill it or at least, put it very soundly to sleep.

                                                …It is likened to a sun-dial…good in the day, but useless at night!

                                                …It is likened to a circus dog…whistle…3x…stand up…roll over…play dead.

                                3.             To have your CONSCIENCE be your guide is bad advice, unless the light of God’s

                                                Word is shining on it. 

                B.             Now it is time for God to draw Joseph’s brothers to Salvation.  He sends a FAMINE.

                                1.             Jacob tells his sons…about food in Egypt.  Yet, his sons just sit and look at each

                                                other.  Their consciences were being pricked.  Egypt, that’s the last place they wanted

                                                to go.  Every mention of Joseph and Egypt…reminded them of their great sin.

                                                …Yet, God is now going to awaken the conscience.

                                2.             As long as they had enough, they continued along the same path of life.  But when

                                                famine came, their hearts were open to conviction.  Their security was shattered.

                                                …This is how God deals with us.  He breaks up our nest…loosens our roots.  At such

                                                  times we are “weary, worn, and sad, and prepared to confess our sins.”

                                3.             Jacob tells his sons to go to Egypt, and they went to get food, so as not to starve.

                                4.             We see God using this method with others in the Scriptures.

                                                a.             Gomer’s lovers are not able to care for her…so Hosea provides for her in

                                                            adultery.  Yet, she does not respond, so God takes away her necessities…

                                                                (Hosea 2:5,9-12)   God’s gracious provision did not soften her heart!

                                                b.             The Prodigal Son.  (Luke 15:14-16)   Fortunately, this son’s deprived

                                                                circumstances got through to him and he returned to his senses and father!

       (This is what our lack of need should produce in us.  If not, God will often have to apply harsher treatment!!)

II.     God Will Use Harsh Words And Rough Treatment To Speak To Us. (vv.6-17)

                …these words will be spoken by your parents, pastor, friend, boss, teacher, coach and stranger.

                A.            It was not enough for Joseph’s brothers to be in need.  This would not bring them to salvation.

                                …remember, these were very hard men!!!  God would apply an increasingly hard collection of

                                  devises to tighten His grip on them and force their confession to the surface.

                B.             Joseph spoke very harshly to them.  4 times he calls them “spies.” 

                                1.             Joseph recreates the scene from when his brothers put him in the pit, to prick their

                                                hearts. (Like Hamlet did)    Such action by Joseph would appeal to their consciences.

                                2.             Words do hurt us.  Words work.  Which is why God uses true words to unsettle us and

                                             awaken our conscience.   Is God speaking to you about some sin you need to confess?

                C.             Never resent or resist the harsh treatment God sometimes gives out as you study His Word or

                                hear it proclaimed from the pulpit.   God hates sin.  The Word exposes it and calls us to repent.

                                …God is probing us and using His Word to do so.  Remember, underneath Joseph’s severity was

                                affection.  He dearly loved them…we will see this later.  In the future, after their repentance,

                                 these brothers would be so glad for this treatment.  Peace would finally be theirs…

LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES: