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Lessons from Joseph Genesis 37-50 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Rom.15:4

Joseph Interpreter Birth & Youth Of dreams Sold into Ruler in slavery Egypt Potiphar’s House Reunion With family

Faith of Joseph Lord was with Joseph ~ Gen. 39:2 “And the Lord was with Joseph” ~ Gen. 39:21 “But the Lord was with Joseph” ~ Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him.”

Faith enabled him to endure envy, jealousy and hatred Coat of Many Colors Dreams = they would worship him Conspired to kill him Sold him for 20 pieces of silver

Faith enabled him to say no Potiphar’s wife made advances He refused “ …how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Gen. 39:9

Faith enabled him to endure being falsely accused Thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit Did not deserve imprisonment Remained faithful to God.

Faith enabled him to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh Explains dreams to Pharaoh “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Gen. 41:16 Four times he gives God credit

Faith enabled him to forgive his brothers of mistreatment 22 years since he had seen them They bowed before him He did not despise them Gen. 45:7-8

Character of Joseph ~ Faith was the foundation ~ He believed in God ~ Circumstances changed but his character never changed

Obedience Jacob told him to check on his brothers He knew they hated him No hesitation He always obeyed God

Purity Potiphar’s wife “Come lie with Me” He might advance Despised if he refused Gen. 39:8-9 He refused to yield to temptation

Attitude Good in many circumstances Trials and suffering – not a hint of anger, hatred, or bitterness God blessed him Made the best of his situation

Forgiveness He was willing to forgive brothers Been separated 22 years No retaliation or revenge Brothers expected to be killed

Providence Joseph believed that God had a place for his life Gen. 45:4-5, 7 “God did send me before you to preserve life.” Gen. 50:19-20 “God meant it unto good” He could see that God had designed all things for good.

Hope Even in bad times Joseph lived with hope Gen. 50:24-25 as he was dying Lived in Egypt but not Egyptian Heb. 11:22 “…made mention of the departing of the children of Israel;…”

His great faith is a model for His wonderful character is Lessons from Joseph Genesis 37-50 His great faith is a model for us to Follow His wonderful character is one for us to imitate

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org March 5, 2017 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com