01(Gen 37,2-11) Pursue the Dream God Planted
I. Jacob’s Dreams (Genesis 28:10-17)
A. God had a dream for Jacob since birth (Gen. 25:17-23).
§ A great nation would come from him.
B. God came to Jacob when Jacob was running; not praying.
C. Jacob schemed and deceived; when he failed he ran from everything.
D. God had given Jacob a dream; it did not pass. (32:22-31)
§ He wrestled with God.
§ He ran far enough – the dream still burned within.
§ He wanted confirmation – to know God was still to bless him.
§ He would have to face his own past in order to pursue his dream – no more running.
II. Joseph’s Dreams (Genesis 37:2-11)
A. God gave these dreams to Joseph.
§ This is why brothers hated him even more (5)
§ Envious of the dream God had given Joseph. “Why didn’t God give me a dream?”
§ God had a purpose for each brother – they walked away from it.
B. Joseph believed in the dream (6-8).
§ He had worn a royal tunic for some time – imagined this role already.
§ Now God confirmed it – He was to be a leader over his own family.
§ He doesn’t know how God will bring it to pass – but he believes in the dream.
III. Jesus’ Determination.
A. Joseph is a type of Christ.
§ Rejected by his brethren; eventually would save his brethren.
§ Meant for royalty; lived as a servant.
§ Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
B. Jesus had a purpose.
§ He came that we might have life, and have it abundantly.
§ He came to serve, not to be served. He came as a light into the world.
IV. What is your dream, your purpose?
A. Everyone has a dream given to them by God.
§ Jeremiah 1:4-5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
§ John the Baptist had a purpose from before he was born.
§ God had a purpose for David – to be a great warrior and king.
§ God called Gideon a mighty man of valor when Gideon saw himself as a wimp.
B. God has a great purpose for you.
§ He gave it to you when you were young.
§ You have imagined it – but may have discounted it.
§ Romans 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
§ A ship in a harbor is safe. But that is not what a ship is built for.