A Brat Named Joseph

Conflict in the Family

Caused by blatant favoritism.

You can’t always control how you feel, but you can control how you act.

Caused by a bratty child.

You should never lie, but that doesn’t mean you should always tell the truth.

1 Corinthians 13:1–2 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

The Relationship Between Calling and Character

God was showing Joseph that he would lead his family.

The fulfillment of the dreams did not happen for 22 years.

Why such a long time? Joseph lacked the character to be who he needed to be to fulfil God’s purpose.

How Does God Develop Character?

By walking with you through the refining process of affliction.

Isaiah 48:10 “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.”

Our greatest character development comes not in times of ease or prosperity, but through hardship and struggle.

What should I learn from this text?

If you’re a parent, don’t show favoritism.

If you are going through affliction, look for how the Lord is working to develop your character into who He desires you to be.