Joseph in the University Of Hard Knocks

GENESIS 39

Pastor Rick Jackson


Joseph had graduated at the age of 17 from the High School of Hard Knocks. His brothers sold him into slavery. Now he enters the University of Hard Knocks for his undergraduate degree which he will receive with high honors as given in this chapter.


I. THE SCIENCE OF BEING [v. 1-6]


1. Being Prosperous [v. 1-2]


Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.


Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.


2. Being a Testimony [v.3-4]


Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


3. Being a Blessing [v. 5-6, 12:1-3]


II. THE BUSINESS OF STANDING [v. 7-12]


1. Explain Your Stand [v. 7-9]


1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:


2. Avoid Temptation [v. 10]

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

3. Flee temptation [v. 11-12]

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

III. THE ART OF LIVING [v. 13-23]

1. You will Earn the Enmity of Some [v. 13-19]

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

2. You will Earn the Respect of Others [v. 20]

1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

3. You Can Obtain the Mercy of God [v. 21-23]

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.