1. There is Power In An Example n There is a great power in the example of one man.

2. There is Power In An Example n There is a great power in the example of one man. n The apostle Paul knew that his example was a powerful teacher. (1 Cor 11:1; Phil 4:9)

3. There is Power In An Example n 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

4. There is Power In An Example n Philippians 4:9 (NKJV) The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

5. There is Power In An Example n How do you feel when a teacher says one thing but practices another?

6. There is Power In An Example n How encouraging is it to see one standing strong when you are battling to stand? (Phil 1:12-14) n (Ex. Stonewall Jackson, coach on the sidelines)

7. There is Power In An Example n Philippians 1:12-14 (NKJV) But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

8. There is Power In An Example n 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

9. There is Power In An Example n Joseph stood when he was young, middle aged and when he was old!

10. There is Power In An Example n “A good example is the best sermon.” - Sir Thomas Fuller

11. There is Power In An Example n “A person who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by words.”

12. There is Power In An Example n God used this faithful man Joseph in a plan that would eventually include you and me.

13. There is Power In An Example n Our study of Joseph will emphasis the powerful God that we serve and the ways he uses and blesses those who are a part of His plan.

14. There is Power In An Example n Joseph knew God and as a result everything he did was viewed as being in His sight! (Gen 39:9)

15. There is Power In An Example n Joseph knew God and as a result everything he did was viewed as being in His sight! (Gen 39:9) n What does it mean to know God and be a part of His plan?

16. There is Power In An Example n Discussion:

17. There is Power In An Example n Discussion: n 1. Who has been the greatest influence in your life to follow God? Why?

18. There is Power In An Example n Discussion: n 1. Who has been the greatest influence in your life to follow God? Why? n 2. Why is an example more powerful than words?

19. There is Power In An Example n Discussion: n 1. Who has been the greatest influence in your life to follow God? Why? n 2. Why is an example more powerful than words? n 3. How can we know that God is with us? How does this help us set a good example?

20. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n God has a plan to provide for all those who seek Him.

21. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n God has a plan to provide for all those who seek Him. n After the fall of man the issue of sin became man’s greatest problem.

22. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n God has a plan to provide for all those who seek Him. n After the fall of man the issue of sin became man’s greatest problem. n Because of sin man could not have fellowship with God. (Rom 3:23; 6:23)

23. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n Romans 3:23 (NKJV) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n Romans 6:23 (NKJV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

25. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n Man needed a savior and God had a plan to send Him even before the world was created. (1 Pt 1:20-21)

26. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n 1 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV) He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

27. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n The plan was revealed in some detail when God called Abraham many years ago. (Gen 12:1-3)

28. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV) -Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation;I will bless youAnd make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

29. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n The plan to save all nations would eventually come from specific descendants of Abraham.

30. The plan of God and the life of Joseph n The plan to save all nations would eventually come from specific descendants of Abraham. n Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, was one of those special descendants.

31. The history and geography of the life of Joseph n Jacob and his sons lived a nomadic life taking care of livestock.

32. The history and geography of the life of Joseph n Jacob and his sons lived a nomadic life taking care of livestock. n This caused them to travel to different areas to find land where the livestock could graze.

33. The history and geography of the life of Joseph n Jacob and his sons lived a nomadic life taking care of livestock. n This caused them to travel to different areas to find land where the livestock could graze. n The land of Canaan had areas to sustain this lifestyle. But due to occasional droughts the people had at times to relocate. (See map)

34. There is another creation that men cannot see n The land of Canaan was near the land of Egypt.

35. There is another creation that men cannot see n The land of Canaan was near the land of Egypt. n Egypt was the most powerful nation on earth at this time.

36. There is another creation that men cannot see n The land of Canaan was near the land of Egypt. n Egypt was the most powerful nation on earth at this time. n Pharaoh was an absolute dictator whose wish was executed without question.

37. There is another creation that men cannot see n The land of Canaan was near the land of Egypt. n Egypt was the most powerful nation on earth at this time. n Pharaoh was an absolute dictator whose wish was executed without question. n Egypt was a culture that worshipped many God’s (including Pharaoh himself).

38. There is another creation that men cannot see n They used a different language, a different alphabet and many different customs.

39. The home in which Joseph was raised n Joseph was the great-grandson of Abraham. (Mt 1:2; Rom 4:16)

40. The home in which Joseph was raised n Matthew 1:2 (NKJV) Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.

41. The home in which Joseph was raised n Romans 4:16 (NKJV) Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

42. The home in which Joseph was raised n Abraham was a great example of faith. However there was a struggle for his descendants to find that kind of faith.

43. The home in which Joseph was raised n Abraham was a great example of faith. However there was a struggle for his descendants to find that kind of faith. n Abraham knew to obey God and did so when he came to the land. However there was much more that he would learn when God “tested” him. (Heb 11:8-10; 17-19)

44. The home in which Joseph was raised n Hebrews 11:8-10 (NKJV) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;

45. The home in which Joseph was raised n 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

46. The home in which Joseph was raised n Hebrews 11:17-19 (NKJV) By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

47. The home in which Joseph was raised n Rachel came from a home where covetousness and deceit was practiced.

48. The home in which Joseph was raised n Rachel came from a home where covetousness and deceit was practiced. n Rachel’s father, Laban, deceived Jacob and caused him to work 14 years because he wished to marry Rachel.

49. The home in which Joseph was raised n Rachel came from a home where covetousness and deceit was practiced. n Rachel’s father, Laban, deceived Jacob and caused him to work 14 years because he wished to marry Rachel. n Laban would not keep his word and often cheated Jacob and thus his own daughters out of what was due them. (Gen 31:4-7, 14-16)

50. The home in which Joseph was raised n Out of that covetousness came a bitterness when God blessed Jacob.

51. The home in which Joseph was raised n Out of that covetousness came a bitterness when God blessed Jacob. n Joseph’s brothers as well as Joseph himself were born in a divided family where Rachel and Leah competed for the affection of Jacob.

52. The home in which Joseph was raised n Out of that covetousness came a bitterness when God blessed Jacob. n Joseph’s brothers as well as Joseph himself were born in a divided family where Rachel and Leah competed for the affection of Jacob. n Having children was like a competition where even the maids of Rachel and Leah were used. (Gen 30:3-13)

53. The home in which Joseph was raised n How would brothers in this kind of home react to each other? Would the son of Leah have a problem with a son of Rachel?

54. The home in which Joseph was raised n How would brothers in this kind of home react to each other? Would the son of Leah have a problem with a son of Rachel? n With the death of Rachel Jacob’s favoritism would increase.

55. The home in which Joseph was raised n How would brothers in this kind of home react to each other? Would the son of Leah have a problem with a son of Rachel? n With the death of Rachel Jacob’s favoritism would increase. n These brothers would later use deceit to commit murder in their wrath. (Gen 34:13-17, 25-29)

56. The home in which Joseph was raised n Discussion: Make a list of things found in the home of Jacob that made it more difficult for the children to believe in God. Explain your answers!

57. The home in which Joseph was raised n Discussion: Make a list of things found in the home of Jacob that made it more difficult for the children to believe in God. Explain your answers! n Why is it important that you marry one who will serve God?

58. Joseph chose to serve God n No doubt he listened and learned from his father.

59. Joseph chose to serve God n No doubt he listened and learned from his father. n He would know about the promises made to Abraham and Isaac.

60. Joseph chose to serve God n No doubt he listened and learned from his father. n He would know about the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. n He also learned about his father’s struggles and how he came to humble himself before God. (Gen 32:9-12)

61. Joseph chose to serve God n No doubt he listened and learned from his father. n He would know about the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. n He also learned about his father’s struggles and how he came to humble himself before God. (Gen 32:9-12) n Notice some characteristics of one who served God.

62. Joseph chose to serve God n He told the truth when his peers would punish him for it. (Gen 37:2)

63. Joseph chose to serve God n He told the truth when his peers would punish him for it. (Gen 37:2) n He had to bear reproach because of the mistakes of his father. (Gen 37:3-4)

64. Joseph chose to serve God n He told the truth when his peers would punish him for it. (Gen 37:2) n He had to bear reproach because of the mistakes of his father. (Gen 37:3-4) n He did not strike back at his brother or his father because of this. (Rom 12:17-21)

65. Joseph chose to serve God n He told the truth when his peers would punish him for it. (Gen 37:2) n He had to bear reproach because of the mistakes of his father. (Gen 37:3-4) n He did not strike back at his brother or his father because of this. (Rom 12:17-21) n God gave him messages that would create anger in both his brothers and his father. He spoke them anyway. (Gen 37:5-11)

66. Joseph chose to serve God n In spite of all of this he obeyed his father and did as he asked. (Gen 37:14-17)

67. Joseph chose to serve God n Discussion:

68. Joseph chose to serve God n 1. What wrong attitudes could Joseph have displayed and blamed it on his family? Would this have excused him?

69. Joseph chose to serve God n 2. What made Joseph stand out from his brothers? Was this good for Joseph? (THINK!)

70. Joseph chose to serve God n 3. What should we do when one mistreats us?

71. Joseph chose to serve God n 4. Is it easy walking by faith?

72. Joseph chose to serve God n 5. Why does God allow temptation to come in our lives? (1 Cor 10:12-13)

73. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n Satan is happy when you give in to the works of the flesh. (Gal 5:19-21)

74. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

75. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

76. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n What starts out as a small seed of compromise and exceptions grows into a crop of mindless passion that would do anything.

77. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n This is why uncontrolled anger in the heart makes you a murderer. (1 Jn 3:15)

78. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 1 John 3:15 (NKJV) Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

79. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n The assault and enslavement on Joseph. (Gen 37:18-36)

80. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 1. How was Joseph described by his brothers? Why?

81. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 2. What was their first plan?

82. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 3. What was the first thing they did to Joseph?

83. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 4. Why did they change their mind the first time?

84. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 5. Why did they change their mind the second time? What was the motive?

85. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 6. How did they explain all of these things to Jacob?

86. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n 7. Did they ever tell him the truth before they went to Egypt?

87. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n Discussion: Look at the family background of these sons and describe how every step they took against Joseph had its seeds in things they saw and learned in the home.

88. The fruit of Satan’s seeds n Are you willing to build a faith that will serve God no matter what?