Genesis 37:26–36 KJV 1900

26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. 28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. 29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. 30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? 31 And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; 32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. 33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. 36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.

Genesis 37:26–35 KJV 1900

26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. 28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. 29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. 30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? 31 And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; 32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. 33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

The New King James Version Chapter 37

26 So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened. 28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

29 Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes. 30 And he returned to his brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?”

31 So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. 32 Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”

33 And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.

36 Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.

Read vs. 33 again…And Jacob knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces…Joseph is without doubt…rent in pieces…this morning I would like to preach on this topic...

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The Dilemma of a doubter

As a preface to the preaching today, I would tell you that we all will deal with doubt. Inward through Self-doubt…questioning our own purpose and potential. outward through Cynicism…Questioning the motives and intentions of others. or even upward, in our walk with God…wondering if God is still working out our situation or our circumstances. Wether it is inward, outward or upward, every one in this building has wrestled with the dark shadow of doubt.

As a preface to the preaching today, I would tell you that we all will deal with doubt. Doubt that manifests itself in questioning our own potential and purpose. Skepticism in

Possible alternative title: Double down on doubt…if I got this route, I would use an into of this nature… The idea of doubling down on something is somewhat of a metaphor whose origin can be traced back to the game of blackjack. When a player received his initial cards from the dealer…based upon the cards he had received, his confidence that he was on his way to a winning hand, he would double his bet. If I could say it this way, based upon the evidence that had been presented to him, his confidence would elevate…moving him to further increase his investment.

I want to use the want to use the phrase used by Jacob when he is presented with the bloody coat of Joseph and the circumstances surrounding his declaration, not to condemn your doubt today, but to give direction to your doubt.

I believe today that God is going to speak a Word of revelation into the lives of those that have gathered here today. Revelation as to 1. How God feels about you.

For the principles of this message to have any application for our lives, it is imperative that we understand the relationship between Jacob and Joseph. That we understand just what it is that Joseph symbolizes in the life of Jacob.

Two phrases that we find in Verse 3 tell us all that we need to know about the relationship between Jacob and Joseph.

Joseph means “God will add” or “increase”. Joseph was, in Jacobs life “favor”. tells us that Jacob loves Joseph more than the others because he was the son of his old age. Jacob was 91 years old when Joseph was born.

Verse 3 tells us first of all that Jacob loved Joseph more than he loved all of his other children. There is a term that summarizes this increased affection and disproportionate delight. Favor.

Websters defines favor as excessive kindness...unfair partiality and preferential treatment: Yet another definition of favor is simply unmerited and unearned reward.

Every parent that has more than one child has likely been accused of having a favorite. When one child is punished for the same infraction that they are certain that their siblings have gotten by with…we are accused of favoritism. When one child is granted a gift or a reward that other siblings are sure they didn’t receive at that age…we are accused of favoritism. As a father of four daughters, navigating the mine field of perceived favoritism is a daily duty.

However, it appears that Jacob wasn’t trying to hide the fact that Joseph was his favorite. He wasn’t even trying to downplay the fact that Joseph was his favorite…the apple of his eye…his pride and joy.

It was Jacobs favor that led him to fashion for his son a coat of many colors.

led him to fashion for his son a coat of many colors.

Such favor had Jacob for Joseph, that when Joseph shared dreams of his brothers and fathers bowing before him…the bible says his brothers were jealous and hated him for his dream…but Jacob observed the dream and pondered it.

It was the favor of Jacob that while the brothers labored in the field feeding the sheep, Joseph was invited to remain in the comfort of his home.

Joseph represented the favor of his father Jacob.

Someone once stated, and accurately so…that favor aint fair.

But the favor that Joseph found in his father, was deeper than a dad choosing one child over all of the others.

The fashioning of the coat, the consideration of the dream and comfort of the home was not just about Josephs being a chip off the old block…or him possessing some quality or feature that reminded Jacob of himself.…for the name Joseph simply means “God will add”.

To Jacob, Joseph was more than just his favorite…It was more than just being daddy’s favorite...he was the representation of the very favor of God.

Not only did her represent the favor of a father. He represented the favor of God

Favor. There are few things as valuable in this life here on earth as finding and obtaining the favor.

the primary Hebrew word used in the Old Testament is used 69 times…4 times it is translated as a charming appeal..in one case it is even used to describe the allurement of a harlot...

4 other times it is translated as grace…or the undeserved / unearned, goodness and kindness of God.

Favor is Gods attraction to you that you don’t deserve. It isn’t because of anything you’ve done. It isn’t because you deserve it.

I can’t explain his goodness in my life…but I’m thankful! Favor!

I can’t explain his love for me…but I’m thankful! Favor

I’ve done enough to make him never love me…but he loves me in spite of me! Favor!

In spite of your failures, he finds you irresistible!

In spite of my past, his love still pursues!

You read the Old Testament and the one thing the patriarchs and heroes of faith desired above all else…it was favor.

It was when th

It was after Abraham entered into covenant through circumcision, there in the plains of Mamre he found favor in the sight of the Lord

The Israelites found favor in the eyes of the Egyptians

Ruth found favor in the sight of Boaz

The great prophet Samuel grew in favor with God and with man

Esther found favor in the eyes of King Ahasuerus

And Nehemiah found favor with Artaxerxes

I could go on and on

But it was through favor that a beggar became a bride;

slaves became a sovereign nation;

a childless man became the father of nations;

a child became a prophet;

and the unqualified became a queen

Favor!!

But let me summarize the blessing and the benefit of Gods favor with this one passage from the Psalms

Psalm 30:5 KJV 1900

5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

:

The contrast of weeping in the night to joy in the morning is the equivalent of the contrast of his passing anger and his abiding favor!

In his favor is life!

Tell your neighbor…In His favor is life.

Get in the favor of God…because in his favor is life!

Thats why there will always be someone doing the devils bidding to separate you from God’s favor!

there will always be someone eager to hand you a bloody coat and tell you that God is no longer attracted to you! That God’s grace is no longer sufficient for you!

But in his favor there is life!

In his favor is life!

Give me the favor of the Lord!

I could spend the duration of my preaching just talking about the importance of the favor of God…but there is more to the story, so, let me hurry on...

But it wasn’t just favor that Joseph represented in the life of Jacob... for the second half of the 3rd verse continues to explain the relationship between Joseph

Psalm 5:12 KJV 1900

12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; With favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

And then the second half of the 3rd verse continues to explain the relationship between Joseph

But it wasn’t just favor that Joseph represented in the life of Jacob... for the second half of the 3rd verse continues to explain the relationship between Joseph

the Bible simply states… “Because he was the son of his old age”.

By studying the scriptures, we find at the time of Josephs birth, Jacob is 91 years old!

Doing anything at 91 is quite an accomplishment! Today only 4.7% of the population will live beyond the age of 90.

Breathing at 91 is extraordinary!

But when you are producing children at the age of 91…that is beyond incredible…that is unfathomable…impossible...

Joseph was Jacobs “I’ve still got it”.

He was the symbol of Jacob’s confidence!

A few weeks ago I preached a youth retreat in Indianapolis…football against high schoolers and college age guys…let me be clear…this wasn’t a football team…but nontheless…daddy’s still got it!

The next morning, my confidence wasn’t quite the same as it was the day before…but still...

Can you imagine Jacob rolling down the street at 91 with newborn Joseph in his arms…serious swagger walk!

Joseph represented Gods favor in Jacobs life. He was the symbol of daddy’s still got it.

And while there are few things as important as walking in the favor of God…Confidence is one of those few things!

The importance of confidence. The “I’ve still got it.”

That “I’ve still got purpose”.

That “There is still value wrapped up in me”.

Joseph was more than just Jacob’s I’ve still got it…for in vs. 11 God had appeared unto Jacob and said

Genesis 35:11 KJV 1900

11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

in other words Jacob…as long as your are fruitful…know that I’m still at work. As long as you are producing children, I am building nations....I am establishing kings...

Joseph was more than just Jacobs “I’ve still got it”…he was Jacobs “God’s still got me”.

is there anybody here today that would testify that the devil is at work to rob you of your confidence that God’s still got you!?

Gods still got my family!

God’s still got my children!

God’s not finished with me!

God hasn’t give up on me!

Thats why the write of Hebrews wrote in Hebrews chapter 10

Hebrews 10:35 NKJV

35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.

Hebrews 10:35–36 ESV

35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Hebrews 10:35 ESV

35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

Let me pause here for just a moment and declare that humanity is at its best when we are confident. More importantly, the body of Christ is at its best when the people of God are confident.

Your spouse is at their best when they are confident. You’re a tool of the devil when you believe your spouse needs your ridicule and verbal attacks in order to function properly…you’re throwing their confidence in the pit.

If you want body of Christ at its best breed confidence. If you want your spouse at their best, speak confidence. If you want the best version of your spouse, your children, your spiritual leadership...speak confidence!

You throw Jospeh in the pit…you take someone’s confidence…there I’ve got it from them and you wonder why they don’t act right…why they don’t function properly...

I’m going to get ahead of myself for just a minute…but when Jacob’s confidence is taken from him…He ceases to be Israel (one who has power with God) and he reverts back to his old nature (deceiver). In fact he pulls off his greatest work of deception…better than deceiving his brother Esau out of the birthright…better than deceiving his father Isaac out of the blessing…better than deceiving his father -in-law Laban out of increase…when Jacob loses his confidence he deceives himself...

I wonder how many Jacob’s we have walking around the church that God already declared you Israel but someone else threw your Joseph in the pit!?!

You went back to your “old man” nature…you reverted back to your old way because you were robbed of your confidence!

The enemy is after your confidence.

Hebrews 10:35–36 KJV 1900

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

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Hebrews 10:35 KJV 1900

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

The enemy is after your confidence.

If he can convince you that God is finished with you!

If he can convince you that God has no purpose and no plan for your life.

Tell somebody…I’ve still got it!

I feel in the Holy Ghost to tell somebody today…you’ve still got it!

I feel today in the Spirit to tell someone today…God’s still got it!

God’s not finished with you!

Jacob…nations are still being raised up…Kings are still being established!

And Joseph represented in Jacobs life…the favor of God and the his confidence in God...

but now…he has to deal with a bloody coat!

Now he is confronted with evidence that points to the fact that God’s favor in his life and his confidence that God’s got it are dead...

the bright red streaks smeared over the tattered coat are more than just the blood of his child…it is the death of God’s favor and his confidence that God still has a purpose for my life.

The dilemma of a doubter...

What do you do when the enemy produce evidence that declares God’s favor is finished in your life? What do you do when the coat says God no longer has a purpose and a plan for your life?

carefully follow this with me

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Genesis 37:32–35 KJV 1900

32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. 33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

Notice that nobody tells him that a wild animal attacked Joseph. Nobody tells him it is Josephs coat or that it is Josephs blood...

They simply lay a cost in front of him...

Jacob builds the case for himself.

The enemy knows he is most effective when you build the case yourself.

If the devil just told you God doesn’t love you or you he is finished with you, he knows that you are only 2 or 3 bible verses away from debunking that myth…but if he can get you to build the case...

I am amazed at how quickly and how easily Jacob signs the death certificate of Gods favor in his life…how rapidly he certifies the eradication of his confidence that God’s got this!

No investigation.

No search party is sent out to find the remains and make sure that yes…God’s favor is finished…No DNA test to confirm that God is finished with me…there is no way that God still has a plan for me...

Just the presentation of a bloody coat.

One visit to the lab…one swab of the blood on the coat under a mircoscope and Joseph would have realized…Gods favor is still alive.

One search party being sent forth…one simple investigation would have led them to stumble upon the remains of the goat and he would have realized that God isn’t finished with me…I’ve still got a purpose…There is still a divine destiny for my life…God’s still got this!

But no…just at the sight of the bloody coat, Joseph accepts that God’s favor is finished and he declares “I will go to the grave morning…my purpose is gone…my reason for living is finished”.

This would the alternative placement of the portion of the sermon that I might talk about the danger of losing our confidence…that when Jacob lost his confidence, he reverted to what he had been. In fact, he pulled off the ultimate act of deception…he deceived himself.

We are at our best when we are confident!

And yet we find in

(Dont read it…just have it on the screen as reference

Genesis 45:25–26 NKJV

25 Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. 26 And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them.

The brothers come back to Jacob some 24 years later.

24 years of living under the belief that Gods favor is dead

believing that God doesn’t have this....

And they walk in and say Joseph is alive...

24 years ago…nobody said Joseph was dead…they just showed him a bloody coat and he wrote off Gods favor and lost his confidence

But now the brothers walk in and emphatically declare…Joseph is alive

Genesis 45:26 ESV

26 And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them.

Genesis 45:

One translation says, his heart was numb because he didn’t believe them...

It is not until he hears the words of Jospeh and sees the wagons…that then, he is able to believe that Joseph is alive.

All that he needed was a bloody coat and without any investigation and without any confirmation, he believes that Joseph is dead...

Its not until he hears all of the words that Joseph has spoken to them and he sees the wagons that Jospeh has sent …then he is willing to believe.

The dilemma of a doubter

Why is it harder for us to believe that God’s favor is alive! Why is it that all we need is a bloody coat to lose our confidence!?

We all deal with doubt…But the dilemma of a doubter is not do we doubt…its what do we doubt.

I want to draw your attention to what the enemy wants to your awareness of Gods favor and to your confidence

Will I doubt the news that Joseph is dead or will i doubt the news that Joseph is alive?

Will i allow the bloody coat to cause me to question God’s favor and my confidence that God’s got this…or will I launch an investigation today that will lead to me certain evidence that His favor is still upon my life and no matter what I’m going through…God’s got this!!??!!