sf968 - The Traits Of A Good Slave (Genesis 39 1-40 23)
Genesis 39:1-40:23
Introduction
The apostle Paul’s favorite title for himself was doulos; bondservant (slave).
Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Titus 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,
Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
We are also called to be slaves to God.
Romans 6:22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
Joseph provides for us the perfect model of a good slave.
1A. Trustworthy (39:1-6)
1B. His industry – Joseph worked hard in spite of his horrible situation. (39:1-2)
He understood the principle of God’s providence
Romans 8:28 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.
Psalm 119:68 You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.
He submitted to the power of God’s sovereignty
Ephesians 6:5-7 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
2B. His honesty – Joseph was a man of integrity. (39:3-6a)
He understood the principle of stewardship
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so consider us, as servants (huperetes) of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
He submitted to personal accountability
Luke 16:2 "So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship…
1 Peter 4:5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
2A. Consecrated (39:7-20)
1B. He viewed sin from God’s perspective (39:7-9)
Psalm 5:5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.
Psalm 97:10 You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Joseph’s blessed inability – How can I?
1 John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
2B. He chose God’s way not man’s way (39:10-20)
Joseph was determined to honor God
1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Joseph fled instead of yielding
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
3A. Longsuffering (39:21-4:23)
1B. He developed a victorious faith (39:21-23)
Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…
Job 19:25-26 For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
2B. He displayed a supernatural love (40:1-19)
John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3B. He depended on an unfailing hope (40:20-23)
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
Psalm 42:1-5 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, "Where is your God?" 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.
Application
What kind of slave are you?
Are you…
Trustworthy
Consecrated
Longsuffering
1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him