Joseph

1
Joseph

• A man of great faith, especially at his death.

2
Introduction

• Joseph (in Genesis) is one of the better if not
  most well known of Bible characters.
• Children learn about Joseph and his coat of many
  colors.
• Stories are told of his sold into slavery, placed
  in prison, or his raise to power.
• Most fail to remember or learn that one of his
  greatest acts of faith is that which took place
  in his dying days. Heb. 1122

3
Introduction

• In this lesson we walk through the life of
  Joseph.
• We see his trust in God from his young age up
  until his death.
• More importantly for us, we see our need to trust
  in God and to live faithfully before Him until
  our dying days.

4
The Life of Joseph

• Jacobs love for Joseph. Gen. 371-4
• It was more than all his sons because Joseph was
  born in his old age.
• The manifestation of this favoritism was a
  special coat made for him.
• Jacobs favor towards Joseph, however, lead to
  his older brother hating him.

5
The Life of Joseph

• Josephs dreams. Gen. 375-11
• Whether right or wrong, he mentioned two dreams
  where symbolizing their bowing down before him.
• His brothers (who already despised him) had even
  more hatred against him.
• His father however, having rebuked Joseph, kept
  the saying of the dream in his mind.
• Ultimately, this dream was of God and would bring
  about Gods increase to/for Jacob and his
  descendents.

6
The Life of Joseph

• Hated Joseph is sold into slavery. Gen. 3712-36
• Joseph goes to look for his brothers as Jacob was
  concerned about their well being. Vs. 12-17
• When they saw Joseph coming to them from afar
  they plotted against his life and end up selling
  him to Midianites.
• In turn, Joseph is sold by the Midianites to
  Potiphar. Gen. 391
• In the meantime, Josephs brothers imply to Jacob
  of Josephs death. Vs. 31-34

7
The Life of Joseph

• Joseph put into prison by Potiphar, the Egyptian
  (officer of Pharaoh). Gen. 39
• Because God is with Joseph and Potiphar knows
  this, he ends up as overseer over Potiphars
  house and possessions. Vs. 3-6
• Because he was handsome in form and appearance
  Potiphars wife made unsuccessful advances at
  Joseph and has him sent to prison. Vs. 7-20
• Even in prison, however, God continues to be with
  Joseph. Vs. 21-23

8
The Life of Joseph

• Joseph interprets more dreams. Gen. 40-41
• For Pharaohs cupbearer and baker who offended
  Pharaoh and were placed in prison. Ch. 40
• For Pharaoh.Ch. 411-37
• Joseph greatest next to Pharaoh. Gen. 4138-57
• Joseph is now 30 years old when he rules as 2nd
  in command to Pharaoh. V. 46
• There are seven years of plenty (and two sons
  born to Joseph) before the seven years of famine
  come.

9
The Life of Joseph

• Joseph brings his family to Egypt. Gen. 42-47
• True to Josephs interpretation of Gods dream,
  the famine was so severe the nations come to
  Egypt for food.
• Thus, Josephs brothers come and bow before
  Joseph in need of food, thus fulfilling the dream
  he had twenty plus years earlier.
• After testing their integrity Joseph reveals
  himself to his brothers and sends for his father
  to live in the land under Pharaohs favor.

10
The Life of Joseph

• Josephs great faith verbalized before his death.
  Gen. 5022-26
• He understood Gods providence behind his dreams
  and welfare for his fathers family. Gen.
  5019-21
• Joseph has now lived in Egypt 93 years and has
  seen some of his great-great-grandchildren. Vs.
  22-23
• He reiterates Gods promise given to his
  forefathers will come to pass for his children.
  Gen. 5025 Heb. 1122
• Joseph died firmly trusting in Gods promise and
  that his children would carry out his dying will
  to be buried in the land of Canaan.
• True to their word, Moses carries his bones out
  of Egypt (Ex. 1319) and Joshua buried them in
  Shechem where the other patriarchs were buried.
  Cp. Acts 715-16

11
The Lessons To Learn From Josephs Life

• Joseph is a great pattern of faithfulness from
  his youth till his death. Heb. 116, 22
• He was found faithful, even when tested by God.
  Cp. Psa. 10516-19
• He saw over the course of many years how
  Gods divine providence worked for good through
  his life and the life of his Hebrew family. Cp.
  Rom. 828
• He also knew ultimately, that God keeps all His
  promises. Cp. 2 Pet. 34-13

12
Conclusion

• The life and death of Joseph is a truly amazing
  example of faith for Christians today.
• May all those who need the blood of Jesus, and
  those who have received the Promise through His
  blood follow in his footsteps.