Joseph’s Heart for God: Faithfulness Through Trials to Triumph
Walk through Genesis - Joseph • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Word up - “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good”
I. Introduction: A Heart That Honors God
Key Verse: “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9 “9 “There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, becJoseph’s Heart for God: Faithfulness Through Trials to Triumphause you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?”
Joseph’s life is a testimony of unshakable integrity and trust in God, no matter the cost.
Even in the face of betrayal, false accusations, and waiting, Joseph’s heart remained fixed on God.
Romans 8:28
Connection: Though he could not see the full picture, God was always at work
for good.
II. The Test of Integrity:
Joseph’s Refusal to compromise his Love for God.
Genesis 39:6–20
Potiphar’s Wife’s Lies: put Joseph in prison.
Joseph, was a young man in a position of trust, he was faced with the ultimate test. no doubt Ms. wifey was pressuring him. This is Egypt everyones doing it.
His Response: “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
His integrity was not just about loyalty to Potiphar—it was about faithfulness to God.
Result:
Despite doing the right thing by running away from sin, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison.
Yet Joseph did not waver—his faithfulness did not depend on his circumstances.
Practical Application:
True integrity is tested in private—when no one is watching.
III. The Long Wait: 13 Years of God’s Preparation
God blessed Joseph in prison by giving him favor with the prison warden. Even in chains, Joseph was given responsibility over other prisoners, while there in jail he got the opportunity to interpret dreams.
Interpreting Dreams:
The cupbearer and chief baker had dreams and Joseph was able to correctly interpreted their dreams.
Joseph’s Request: “Remember me…”—but the cupbearer forgot him.
Two More Years of Silence:
Joseph was forgotten by men, but not by God.
Even in the waiting, Joseph remained faithful to God.
Total Time in Trials: 13 Years
He was 17 when his brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:2).
He was 30 when he was finally elevated to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:46).
Thirteen years of suffering, testing, and waiting—but not wasted.
Practical Application:
God’s delays are not denials—they are preparation.
Romans 8:28 - WORD UP
Connection: Even in forgotten seasons, God is working behind the scenes.
IV. Joseph’s Opportunity: Honoring God First
Pharaoh’s Troubling Dreams: No one could interpret them—until the cupbearer finally remembered Joseph.
1 Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. 3 Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. 4 And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good. 6 Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. 7 And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. 8 Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh.
Genesis 41:9-16
9 Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: “I remember my faults this day. 10 When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker, 11 we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. 12 Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream. 13 And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.” 14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. 15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” 16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Joseph’s Response to Pharaoh:
“It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Genesis 41:15-17
15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” 16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” 17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river.
Joseph refused to take credit for God’s work—he pointed to God’s sovereignty, not his own ability.
Even after years of waiting and suffering, his heart remained humble and dependent on God.
Biblical Parallels: Right and Wrong Ways to Respond to God’s Work
✅ Daniel Before Nebuchadnezzar
(Daniel 2:27-28)
When King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him, none of his wise men could interpret it.
Daniel was called, and like Joseph, he did not claim credit but said:
“No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” (Daniel 2:27-28)
Daniel, like Joseph, gave all the glory to God—and was later elevated to a position of power.
❌ Saul Taking Credit for God’s Work (1 Samuel 13:8-14)
King Saul, however, showed the wrong response to leadership and God's authority.
When Samuel delayed in coming, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered a sacrifice himself, instead of waiting for God’s appointed prophet.
Because of this, God rejected Saul as king.
Lesson: Joseph and Daniel understood that all power and wisdom come from God alone.
Practical Application:
Stay humble when God elevates you.
Give credit where it’s due—to God alone.
Don’t take shortcuts like Saul—wait on God’s timing like Joseph and Daniel.
V. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams: Genesis 41:25-32
25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do: 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one. 27 And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine. 28 This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. 29 Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; 30 but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. 31 So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. 32 And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Joseph Declares God’s Plan: “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.” (Genesis 41:25)
Seven Years of Plenty Followed by Seven Years of Famine:
The two dreams confirmed the certainty of what was to come.
“The dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.” (Genesis 41:32)
Biblical Principle: “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15)
God’s Sovereign Purpose: Preserving the Family of the Messiah
The famine was not just about Egypt it spread all over the land and reached as far a Canaan, impact Joseph’s family in Canaan.
Through Joseph, God was preparing a place of refuge for Jacob’s family, ensuring their survival.
The Israelites were the chosen family through whom the Messiah would come.
What seemed like personal suffering for Joseph was actually divine positioning for a much greater purpose.
Romans 8:28 Connection: WORD UP
Joseph’s faithful obedience positioned him for this moment—not just to save Egypt, but to preserve God’s covenant people.
Even in suffering, God is working all things for good to fulfill His promises.
VI. Joseph’s Elevation: Faithfulness Leads to Favor (Genesis 41:33-44)
Pharaoh Recognizes Joseph’s Wisdom:
“Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Genesis 41:33-38
33 “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. 36 Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.” 37 So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”
From Prisoner to Prince:
Joseph was given authority over Egypt when he was 30 yrs old—second only to Pharaoh.
He rode in the second chariot, and the people bowed before him.
What a difference it is to have the Spirit of God living inside you. Remember you are the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives inside every genuine believer.
Practical Application:
God exalts those who remain faithful in trials.
Romans 8:28 Connection: WORD UP What seemed like a hopeless situation was actually God’s pathway to promotion.
Romans 8:28 Connection: WORD UP What seemed like a hopeless situation was actually God’s pathway to promotion.
Joseph immediately began preparing for the famine.
He gathered grain during the seven good years, and stored it up in the cities of Egypt. the when the famine began , sold grain to the people.
46 Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. 48 So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. 49 Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.
And so, the famine struck, just as God had revealed.
VII. The Weight of Guilt and God’s Testing Begins Genesis 42:1-38
A. Jacob’s Command and the Brothers’ Journey to Egypt
Back in Canaan, Jacob and his sons ran out of food, forcing his brothers to travel to Egypt to buy grain, unknowingly placing themselves before the very brother they had betrayed years ago.
The Famine: Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy food, keeping Benjamin at home. (Genesis 42:1-4)
1 When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” 2 And he said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.” 3 So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.”
Joseph’s Recognition: Joseph recognizes his brothers immediately, though they fail to recognize him. (Genesis 42:6-8)
6 Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth. 7 Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.” 8 So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.
you can only imagine Joseph as he remembered the dream he had at 17 yrs old—the sheaves of wheat bowing before his—was now coming to pass. His brothers hated him so badly over those dreams.
Joseph’s Accusation: He accuses them of being spies and imprisons them for three days, testing their honesty and intentions.
9 Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!” 10 And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. 11 We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.” 12 But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.” 13 And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.” 14 But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ 15 In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. 16 Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” 17 So he put them all together in prison three days. 18 Then Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: 19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses. 20 And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so.
Romans 8:28 Connection: God uses Joseph’s testing to bring
about repentance and renewal in the lives of his brothers.
B. The Brothers’ Guilt Resurfaces Genesis 42:21-22
21 Then they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.” 22 And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.”
The brothers confess their guilt, believing they are being punished for selling Joseph.
Reuben reminds them of his warning, underscoring their collective guilt.
Christ Connection: Just as the brothers face their sin, Christ invites us
to confront our own guilt and find forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
C. Joseph’s Conditions for Release Genesis 42:24
24 And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.
Joseph keeps Simeon as a hostage and demands they bring Benjamin back to prove their honesty. (Genesis 42:24) This decision was not arbitrary- Simeon was likely chosen for a reason. Simeon had demonstrated cruelty and impulsiveness in the past, particularly in the massacre of the Shechemites (Genesis 34). Joseph may have seen Simeon as the ringleader in his own betrayal and sought to test whether his brothers’ attitudes had truly changed.Joseph’s decision to imprison Simeon could also be seen as a measured act of justice and mercy—giving the brothers an opportunity to reflect on their actions while still providing a path to redemption.
He secretly returns their money in their sacks, which increases their fear and confusion. (Genesis 42:25-28)
Personal Application: When faced with trials, trust that God is at work,
refining and transforming us through the process.
The Brothers’ Return to Egypt with Benjamin
Genesis 43:1-34
A. Judah’s Leadership and Responsibility
The famine worsens, and Jacob reluctantly agrees to send Benjamin to Egypt. Genesis 43:1-14
Judah emerges as a leader, offering himself as surety for Benjamin’s safety. His transformation is evident as he takes full responsibility. Genesis 43:8-10
8 Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. 9 I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. 10 For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.”
Romans 8:28 Connection: God raises leaders through moments of crisis and responsibility.
B. Jacob vs. Israel: Two Natures in Conflict
Jacob (the Fleshly Nature): Fearful and controlling, trying to manage the outcome.
Israel (the God-Governed Nature): Trusting and surrendered to
God’s will. Jacob declares, “If I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” (Genesis
43:14)
Personal Application: True faith often requires surrendering our fears and
trusting God’s plan.
4. Joseph’s Feast and the Brothers’ Fear Genesis 43:15-34
A. The Brothers’ Arrival and Fear of Retribution
The brothers fear they are being punished for the money returned in their sacks. Genesis 43:18-22
Joseph’s steward reassures them that God has blessed them, dispelling their fears. Simeon is released. Genesis 43:23
B. Joseph’s Emotional Encounter with Benjamin
Seeing Benjamin for the first time in years, Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion and weeps privately. Genesis 43:29-30
Christ Connection: Joseph’s compassion mirrors Christ’s love and longing
for reconciliation with His people.
C. The Feast and the Seating Order
Joseph seats the brothers in order of their birth, astonishing them. Genesis 43:33. The odds to seat them by birthright is 1/40,000
Benjamin receives five times more food, symbolizing Joseph’s special affection for him.
Personal Application: Trust God’s intentional work in your life, even when
the full picture is unclear.
5. The Final Test: The Silver Cup and Judah’s Plea Genesis 44:1-34
A. The Setup and Accusation
Joseph orders his steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and accuse the brothers of theft. Genesis 44:1-12
The brothers are shocked when the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack. They tear their clothes and return to face Joseph. Genesis 44:13-17
Romans 8:28 Connection: God’s tests reveal the true condition
of our hearts and refine us for His purpose.
B. Judah’s Heartfelt Plea and Self-Sacrifice
Judah makes an emotional plea, offering himself as a substitute for Benjamin. Genesis 44:18-34
18 Then Judah came near to him and said: “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ 20 And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’ 21 Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ 22 And we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ 23 But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’ 24 “So it was, when we went up to your servant my father, that we told him the words of my lord. 25 And our father said, ‘Go back and buy us a little food.’ 26 But we said, ‘We cannot go down; if our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ 27 Then your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; 28 and the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn to pieces”; and I have not seen him since. 29 But if you take this one also from me, and calamity befalls him, you shall bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.’ 30 “Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, 31 it will happen, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die. So your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. 32 For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father forever.’ 33 Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. 34 For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?”
Christ Connection: Just as Judah offers himself for Benjamin, Jesus
offers Himself as our substitute, taking our punishment on the cross.
Personal Application: True transformation is marked by selfless love and a
willingness to bear the burden for others.
6. Genesis 45: Joseph Reveals His Identity (Genesis 45:1-28)
A. The Revelation and Reconciliation
Overcome with emotion, Joseph reveals his identity: “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” (Genesis 45:3)
3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.
The brothers are stunned and terrified, but Joseph reassures them that God sent him ahead to save their lives. Genesis 45:5-8
Romans 8:28 Connection: WORD UP God’s providence turns even our
darkest moments into blessings.
B. The Invitation to Egypt
Joseph invites his family to live in Egypt and promises to provide for them during the remaining years of famine. (Genesis 45:9-15)
Christ Connection: Joseph’s provision reflects the abundance of life
Christ offers us.
C. Jacob’s Revival and Decision
Jacob is initially stunned by the news but is revived when he sees the wagons and hears Joseph’s words. (Genesis 45:26-28)
The shift from Jacob to Israel symbolizes his renewed faith and trust in God.
Personal Application: Trust God’s timing to restore your hope and renew your strength.
VIII. Conclusion: Joseph as a Foreshadowing of Jesus.
Joseph’s story is a powerful picture of Jesus Christ, who also suffered before being exalted.
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned—but God raised him to a position of authority.
Jesus was rejected, falsely accused, and crucified—but God highly exalted Him, giving Him a name above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).
Just as Joseph provided grain to sustain life, Jesus is the Bread of Life, offering eternal salvation John 6:35.
When Joseph was exalted, every knee bowed before him (Genesis 41:43)—a picture of how one day every knee will bow to Jesus (Philippians 2:10).
Romans 8:28 Connection
God used Joseph’s suffering for good—to save many lives.
God used Jesus’ suffering for the greatest good—our salvation.
Even when we don't understand, we can trust that God is working all things for His greater purpose.
WORD UP
God is always working behind the scenes, using even suffering for His greater plan.
Joseph’s life is a testament to God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem hopeless. From betrayal to slavery, from false accusations to imprisonment—every trial was a step toward God’s greater purpose.
Yet, Joseph’s trials were not just about his own life—they were part of God’s greater plan to preserve His people through the coming famine. God was already ahead of him, orchestrating events for the salvation of many.
This is why we often struggle to understand God’s ways—because we can’t see what lies ahead. While we question God in our suffering, He sees the whole picture. He is preparing us, not just for today, but for eternity.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Joseph’s suffering had eternal significance, just as our trials today do. What God is doing in your life now is always in view of His eternal purpose. He is shaping you, preparing you, and positioning you for His greater glory.
So cheer up—God has not forgotten you. WORD UP
He is with you, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). Even when you don’t see it, He is preparing you for His kingdom. Keep your eyes on eternity, and trust the One who sees the end from the beginning.
Romans 8:28
Final Thought: Even in the darkest seasons, God is working all things for the good of those who Love Him and are called to His purposes.
May we, like Joseph, trust God through our trials, walk in integrity, and extend grace to those who have wronged us—knowing that He is working all things together for good”
Final Benediction prayer
Father, we thank You for Your work in us this, thank you for the work you have done in my heart. And we yield now our members as instruments unto righteousness unto Thee. Lord, as we look back, I can truly say, "All the way my Savior led me". And what more can I ask? What more can I desire? That Your hand be upon my life. That You be with me and lead me, Lord. I thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
