The Life of Joseph
How do we respond in faith through the ups and downs of life? We all face troubles in life, but God is at work in the midst of those troubles, even if He seems hidden. What we need in order In this Lenten journey, we will explore themes of faith, suffering, God’s hiddenness and God’s sovereignty from the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50.
Blessing and Rescue
Joseph’s story ends in Genesis 47-50 with his family together, his relationships restored, and the hope of a future for himself and God’s people. Our stories are stories of blessing for us and for others, but find their deepest meaning in the story of God’s blessing intended for all the peoples of earth. Sermon Outline You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Joseph’s words…
Reconciliation
After a series tensions, Joseph is overcome by emotion and reveals himself to his brothers. Joseph and his brothers experience a reconciliation of relationship with one another and their father. How might our suffering lead into life, healing and reconciliation? Text: Genesis 45:1-46:34 Sermon Outline He said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!” (Genesis 45:4) The Story in Summary Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers (45:1-15) The brothers return to Jacob with good news…
Open Wounds
The climax of Joseph’s story in Genesis 42-44 is his encounter with his brothers in their hour of need. Walking into their lost brother’s world, the brothers do not recognize Joseph. It is only after a series of challenges that they realize what is happening. How do we deal with our wounds, particularly when past hurts are opened by those who inflicted them? Sermon Outline “As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be…
Lost and Found
In Genesis 40, we find Joseph languishing in prison, where he is put in charge of the prison because of his diligence. He interprets dreams of Pharaoh’s imprisoned cupbearer and baker. When Pharaoh himself has inexplicable dreams, the cupbearer remembers Joseph’s abilities. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams and suggesting plans for good stewardship, Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of Egypt’s action plan for the season of famine. Sermon Outline “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give…
Caught
In Genesis 39:1-20, Joseph works as a slave in the household of an Egyptian official, Potiphar, whose wife accuses him of misusing her after Joseph rebuffs her entreaties. Joseph is wrongly imprisoned because of the false accusation. How do we respond to temptation? And what do we do with wrongful accusations? Sermon Outline “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.” (Genesis 39:2) Joseph Caught by Potiphar (39:1-6a) From…
Descending
Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37:1-36 with dreams, parental favoritism, and family tensions. His father’s favorite son, Joseph, quickly finds his disagreements with his brothers boiling over into his faked murder and sale into slavery. What do you do when everyone seems to turn against you? Sermon Outline “But his brothers saw Joseph in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.” (Genesis 37:17-18) God’s Blessing Descends to Humanity (37:1-4) Abraham & Sarah → Isaac &…