Good morning,
This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.
Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.
Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.
III. JOSEPH AS A PRINCE IN EGYPT
Please read chapters 41-50
A. WISE IN HIS SERVICE TO PHARAOH…
1. At the age of thirty, Joseph is exalted to rule over Egypt (41:38-46)
READ: 41:39-40
2. His wisdom manifested in his administration
a. Showing foresight during the years of plenty – (41:47-49)
b. Showing shrewdness during the years of famine – Gen 41:53-57; 47:13-26
3. Mindful of God’s blessings – (41:50-52)
B. MERCIFUL IN HIS TREATMENT OF HIS BRETHREN…
1. Finally reunited with his brothers and father – (42:1-45:15) READ: 42:1-2, 7-8, 34, 36,38, 43:1, 8-13, 44:32-34 (Judah surety: sold Joseph)
2. Arranged for them to live in Goshen –(46:16-20, 28-34, 47:1-12)
3. Reassured his brothers that he has forgiven them
a. When he first revealed himself to them – (45:4-8)
b. When their father Jacob died – (50:15-21)
C. BELIEVING IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD…
1. That God could make good things come out of evil intentions (50:20)
2. That God would keep His promises made to His people – Gen 50:24-25
CONCLUSION
1. In the life and story of Joseph, we see the value of a character…
a. Centered in faith and trust in God
b. Devoted to serving God and man with honor and dependability
c. Unwilling to be deterred by the hatred, betrayal, and forgetfulness of others
d. Willing to forgive the wrongs committed by others
e. Able to see the big picture, God’s wonderful workings in the affairs of men
2. This noble character can be useful in all the seasons of life…
a. As a youth, tempted and tried with no help from family or friend
b. As a mature individual, charged with important responsibilities
c. As an aged person, knowing that death is imminent
May “The Character of Joseph” serve to inspire us to develop our character as well, that in some small way we too can be…
“..an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Certainly this is the case with the patriarch Joseph!
FOUNDATION STONES:
1) CHARACTER
2) JOSEPH A TYPE OF CHRIST
A) He was loved by his father Jesus was loved by God His father
B) Rejected by his brothers Jesus was rejected by the world
C) Unjustly tried Jesus was unjustly tried
D) Suffered Jesus suffered on the cross-man’s sin
E) Married a gentile (Egyptian) bride Jesus marries gentile bride
F) Delivered his people from death Jesus delivered sinful man from death
3) Obedience saved two nations
“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:39-41)
Pharaoh has placed Joseph in charge of managing Egypt. He carries out God’s plan to store food during the seven years of plenty and to distribute the food during the seven years of famine.
Joseph must deal with his brothers coming to buy food. His brothers did not know that Joseph was their brother. Joseph treated them harshly and yet showed compassion by giving them their money back. Eventually, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. He treats them with respect and kindness. He has them bring their father to come and live in Egypt. He provides for them.
Do you remember the dream Joseph had where his brothers and parents would bow down to him? It came true. God intervened to save Israel and Egypt.
The key verses are Genesis 50:20-21.
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”
What have we learned from our study of Joseph? I hope each of us have learned lessons that will change our lives and those of others.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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