1. “Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.” 1 Cor. 10:11 NKJV

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

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

4. 1 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

5. 2 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

6. 3 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.

7. 4 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

8. 5 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

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

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

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

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

13.  Joseph believed that God had a place for his life  Gen. 45:4-5, 7 “God did send me before you to preserve life.”  He could see that God had designed all things for good.

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

15.  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;…”

16. His great faith is a model for us to Follow His wonderful character is one for us to imitate

17. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Evening Nov. 11, 2007