Joseph’s Journey

Joseph Serves Even When Abandoned

A. In Joseph’s family:

Joseph’s father, Jacob “loved Joseph more than all his children…and made him a tunic of many colors” (Genesis 37:3), and his over-the-top favoritism led his brothers to hate Joseph so much they could not even speak to him without anger (37:4).

In their anger, Joseph’s brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites and lied to their father, leaving him with the impression that Joseph was dead (37:25-36).

Many of Joseph’s brothers lived immoral lives (38).

Joseph, himself, may have participated in stirring the anger of his brothers when he told them of his dreams in which they bowed before him (37:6-10).

B. Instead of allowing his family’s actions to set the course for his life, Joseph served God and was blessed by Him:

While in prison (39:21-23).

With the ability to correctly interpret dreams (40-41).

While serving in a position of leadership over the land of Egypt (41:39-44).

With a heart of forgiveness (50:19-21).

C. Other Bible characters also overcame family issues to serve God:

1. Job (Job 1:8; 2:10).

2. David (1 Samuel 13:14)

3. Jonathan, son of King Saul, who faithfully served David (1 Samuel 20:42).

D. You Can Serve God in Any Situation or Circumstance

Give your life to Jesus (Matthew 22:37-39; Acts 2:38).

Seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

E. Tom Shepherd gives seven principles for serving God in difficult times:

Identify your enemy.

Don’t be driven by emotion.

Take your problems to the Lord.

Admit you need help.

Rely on God’s power.

Remain faithful.

Thank God always.

APPLICATION: One can serve God and accomplish His will despite having a less than ideal home life.

Joseph Serves Even When Tempted

A. While serving for Potiphar, Joseph withstood several temptations placed before him by his master’s wife.

Joseph was a handsome man (39:6).

His master’s wife longed for him and offered herself sexually to him (39:7).

Joseph resisted her temptation by acknowledging that sinning with her would not only be a sin against God but also a sin against his master (39:8-9).

She tempted Joseph daily and he steadfastly withstood (39:10).5. Her final attempt resulted in her catching “him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.’ But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside” (39:11-12).

She then falsely accused Joseph of trying to seduce her, and he was placed in prison (39:13-20).

God rewarded Joseph’s faithfulness to Him while he was in prison (39:21-23).

B. When Paul said in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned,” it was clear that all have struggled with temptation.

1. Temptation itself is not sinful; it is giving in to the temptation with is sinful.

2. James talks about temptation and sin in James 1:12-15:

James 1:12–15 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Enduring temptation is well within our grasp (1:12).

God is not the source of temptation (1:13).

Temptation is the result of personal desires (1:14).

Sin results when temptation is allowed to conceive actions and it results in death (1:15).

APPLICATION: One can serve God and accomplish His will in times of temptation.

C. Like Joseph, sometimes the only option we have in resisting temptation is resisting & running just as it says in 1 Peter 5:6-9

1 Peter 5:6–9 ESV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Joseph Serves Through Forgiveness

A. Imagine how Joseph must have felt having been betrayed by his family.

His brothers hated him, would not speak to him, sold him as a slave, and deprived him of a lifetime with his father.

And yet when they came to him for food during a time of famine, he received them, provided grain for them, and fed them royally.

When he could no longer hide his identity, he:

In a tearful reunion, revealed himself to them (45:1-4).

Urged them to not feel guilty for their actions (45:5).

Explained that it was God who brought him to Egypt (45:5).

Had them bring his father and entire family to Egypt so he could care for them (45:6-14).

B. When their father died, Joseph’s brothers were fearful that he might exact revenge on them.

1. He, in fact, did just the opposite.

2. He said to them in Genesis 50:19-21

Genesis 50:19–21 “But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

C. Forgiveness results in blessings for all involved.

The offender is blessed by the release of the burden of guilt.

The offended is blessed by the release of anger and revenge and with the blessing of forgiveness himself (Matthew 6:14-15).

APPLICATION: One can serve God and accomplish His will when extending forgiveness to those by whom he has been wronged.

Conclusion: Through Tests, Temptations, & Trials Joseph Remains Faithful, Firm, and Forgiving

As a young teenager, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her home and held by her captors for the better part of a year. Raised in a religious household, multiple assaults left the young girl “broken.” In her own words, “my world turned from day to night.” Yet Smart made a conscious decision to survive. Today, her perspective on the ordeal is nothing short of incredible. “I am grateful for what has happened to me, because of what it has taught me, because of the perspective it has given me, and the empathy that I have felt for other survivors,” she says. “I am grateful that I can make a difference. I am grateful that I can speak out.” Smart has written a book about her experience, My Story, and now leads the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which works to prevent crimes against women and children and to empower victims. “When you are faced with a trial, don’t give up,” she says. “Don’t surrender. Move forward, because you never know what you’ll be able to do with it. You’ll never know the lives you’ll be able to touch”