JOSEPH IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS- THE EARLY DAYS

GENESIS 40

Pastor Rick Jackson

By way of introduction read Genesis 39:20-23. Here's a young man, rejected by his brethren, falsely accused of attempted rape for refusing to give in to immorality and imprisoned for the crime he did not commit.

Ps. 105:17-19 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

In Joseph's life we see very clearly:

I. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD [v. 1-5]

1. The Place God Wants You To Be [v. 1-3]

2. The People God Wants You To Meet [v. 4]

3. The Preparation God Wants You To Make [v. 5]

II. THE PROMINENCE OF GOD [v. 6-15]

This refers to the prominence of God in the life of Joseph as he lived the Biblical admonition of Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1. It was Displayed in Compassion [v. 6-7]

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

2. It was Displayed in Conversation [v. 8]

3. It was Displayed in Conviction [v. 9-15]

III. THE PATH OF GOD [v. 16-23]

1. The Expectation of Equality is Erroneous [v. 16-17]

2. The Message of Mercy is Extended [v. 18-19]

How often does a person get to know when his death is nigh so he can prepare?

3. The Solace in Setback is Sovereignty [v. 20-23]