Lessons from the life of Joseph, Genesis 30-50
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I know that I don’t many sermons that are filled with what you might call a great deal of advice or self-help kind of teaching. The reason for that is that I believe you need a steady diet of the gospel that points us to Christ. And, every now and then we come to a passage or series of passages that allow us to consider some very practical points of wisdom to live by.
I want to make sure that I characterize this in terms of wisdom. God has called you to live according to his wisdom in a world that thinks godly wisdom is foolish. 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 (CSB) says, “18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent. 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? 21 For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. 24 Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, 25 because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.”
I hope that the sermon today helps you to live for Christ in this moment as a part of Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, MS. When it comes to men in the Bible, the life of Joseph is one of the greatest displays of God’s sovereignty and wisdom. Joseph’s life gives us the opportunity to learn some practical life lessons while at the same time teaching us a major truth of Scripture and ultimately pointing us toward Jesus Christ.
The major truth we see through the life of Joseph is…
God is sovereign over all things for the accomplishment of His purposes.
The word sovereign means that God governs… Scripture reveals God as the one who governs over all things good and evil. The bible doesn’t portray God as simply standing by and watching things happen. No, He reveals Himself as the one who is governing everything for the accomplishment of his purposes.
This truth is present and relevant at the beginning of the Bible because it helps us to understand the gospel.
This truth also helps the Israelites to make sense of the last 400 years of captivity and oppression in Egypt. We are not the first people to wrestle with the goodness of God in the midst of evil circumstances or on the other side of suffering and pain. If anyone is asking about the good plan of God I would think it’s the nation of people who were just delivered from slavery by the miraculous power of God. But, it is also necessary that God’s people frame what happens and where they have been under the governing hand of God as He works out His plans and purposes.
For instance in the books of Daniel and Jeremiah the people of God are sent into exile as slaves to the Babylonian empire. It was while they were slaves in Babylon that God said in Jeremiah 29:11 (CSB), “11 For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
God’s promise of well-being and a hopeful future came through a 70 year exile in Babylon. What Babylon meant for evil, God worked out for good.
God is sovereign over evil for the accomplishment of what is good.
Genesis 50:19–21 (CSB)
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. 21 Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 45:4–8 (CSB)
4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come near me,” and they came near. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt. 5 And now don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. 7 God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
The truth of God’s sovereignty does not make God culpable for the sins of men, but it does teach us that God is working out all things out according to His plans and purposes; and that includes for the good of those who belong to Him.
God works out all things according to his plans and purposes for the good of those who belong to Him.
Romans 8:28 (CSB) says, “28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Applications:
God’s purposes and plans can be painful
It took time for Joseph to see the purpose behind the plans God had for him
God’s sovereignty does not excuse you from your responsibility
It is true that governs and works out all things for His plans. But it is also true that God holds each person accountable for the choices made.
God used evil to save you from your sins
In the first sermon after the Holy Spirit descended from heaven Peter pints this truth out.
Acts 2:22–24 (CSB) says, 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. 23 Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him. 24 God raised him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.
The crucifixion of Christ was an evil act carried out by sinful men that God purposed for the salvation of the world.
It is a difficult truth to accept, but it is true nonetheless that all things work together for the accomplishment of God’s purpose.
The beating of Jesus was according to His purpose
The mocking of Jesus was according to HIs purpose
The crown of thorns was according to HIs purpose
The cross was according to His purpose
The wrath of God for sin poured out on Christ was according to His purpose
The grave was according to His purpose
And the empty tomb was according to His purpose
Not only do we see this incredible truth here in the life of Joseph… but we also find some life lessons that are applicable to us in 2022.
The Life lessons we can learn from Joseph are…
Two practical life lessons:
Jealousy divides and destroys
You can actually see this in the way Joseph’s brothers talk about him and in what they do to him. Genesis 37:11 (CSB) even tells us that they were jealous of him. “11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”
Jealousy fueled their anger and their anger resulted in selling Jacob to the slave traders and the lie they told their father.
Jealous has a corrosive effect on relationships, institutions, systems like politics and the economy, and even the church. The American culture has been shifting for some time now from a culture where of personal responsibility and ambition to one where we focus more on others than we do ourselves.
Now, as Christians we believe in being humble and selfless in our concern for others, but that’s not what I am talking about. I am speaking of the way that Americans more and more are attributing the outcomes of their personal lives to forces beyond their control.
As Nitin Nohria, the former dean of Harvard Business School, said, “It shifts people’s gaze toward others in a negative way and takes their focus off their own goals.”
There’s no doubt to be that the issue we see with Joseph’s brothers resulted in a focus on Joseph as the problem rather than on their own responsibilities and possibilities.
Another example in Genesis is Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:3–8 (CSB), “3 In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? 7 If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
I’d like to propose that living in a culture that is shifting from personal responsibility to one of jealousy and envy is impacting you and others more than you realize.
Jealousy is…
In a culture where jealousy replaces personal responsibility you have a abundance of:
Fear of loss Suspicion or anger about a perceived betrayal Low self-esteem and sadness over perceived loss Uncertainty and loneliness Distrust Fear of losing something important to another
Jealousy is when you harbor resentment against someone because of his or her success, position, or advantage.
People who are jealous show it through anger, resentment, feeling inadequate, helpless, or disgust.
One of the major characteristics of people who are jealous is the regular feeling of inadequacy and inferiority. People who are jealous regularly compare themselves to others and are often wrestling with feeling like they are not good enough. It’s also common for a jealous person to fear the loss of security and or relationships.
Jealousy convinces you of an immediate danger that triggers a series of responses that range from insecurity, blame, anger, and even suspicion.
People who are jealous are reactive. Being reactive means you operate from your emotions rather than reason. A reactive person comes across as insecure, blameful, resentful, or angry. A reactive person will often blame others for the choices he or she has made. Another way to describe a jealous person is suspicious.
People who are jealous are suspicious. And, because of suspicion they put everything a person or group does under a microscope. Jealous suspicion leads to the breakdown of relationships.
I find myself talking to more and more pastors about what it is like to live under the constant microscope of suspicion. Every pastor has said yes to be held to the qualifications and standards of Jesus… and hopefully every pastor knows he will not measure up and will need grace upon grace. But, the microscope of suspicion is very different than being held accountable to godly living.
I am in a growing number of conversations with pastors because of my personal experiences. And, as one guy begins to experience the microscope of jealousy or suspicion those of us who have been there or who are regularly there try to offer our encouragement to stay focused on what is faithful and to draw boundaries that protect your spiritual life, family, and ministry. I tell pastor after pastor that you cannot have a healthy relationship with suspicious person. And, I would tell everyone of us the same thing. You cannot have a godly and healthy relationship where suspicion reigns. Suspicion simply ruins relationships of all kinds, and in many churches it has torn the fabric of unity in the church.
One of the hardest things about dealing with jealousy is that you have to forgive them whether they ask for it or not. Like Joseph you must forgive in your heart before they ask so that when or if they do reconciliation can happen.
Even though you forgive the relationship cannot improve until the offender repents and ask for forgiveness. The jealous or suspicion person must bring their sin to the Lord to be forgiven, repent of their sin, and then walk in the grace of God.
Joseph didn’t have anything to repent of toward his brothers. He did them no wrong and had nothing to ask for forgiveness from. But, he forgave them and he trusted the Lord with all that unfolded in his life.
Questions for self evaluation:
Do you react or respond? Do you blame others for the choices and situations of your life? Are you suspicious? Do you regularly question the intention of others? Are you consumed with any one person and his or her every move? Are you constantly looking for wrong doing in a person’s life?
If you can answer yes to more than one of these than you need to repent of the sin of jealousy and the many ways it has divided and/or destroyed in the lives of the people around you.
Applications for you:
Trust the Lord and focus on being faithful in your circumstance
Patiently respond rather than urgently react
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Galatians 5:14–15 (CSB)
"14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself., 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.”
Wisdom is robed in purity, gentleness, and peacefulness
Joseph lives in stark contrast to the way of his brothers. Where his brothers embodied jealous and selfishness he exemplifies what the Bible calls wisdom.
Wisdom is the way of the faithful
James 3:13–18 (CSB) says, “13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.”
The age of outrage and bold talk is producing a modern Christian who will shout the truth from the mountaintops. But, the way many Christians are handling themselves would not bring favor in a situation like Joseph’s.
There is no such thing as a wise Christian who is bitter, envious, jealous, boastful, or selfish. These things according to Scripture are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic… and the culture we live in is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. God has called Christians to stand out from the crowd by living according to the wisdom that is from above. You can see a demonstration of what it looks like to live this way in the life of Joseph.
Joseph was pure
In fact Joseph was so pure that he left his robe in the hands of Potiphar’s wife when she tempted him.
Joseph was gentle
Jospeh had every reason to be harsh, ungrateful, and difficult to the man who bought him as a slave. But, Joseph was the opposite of harsh, ungrateful, and difficult.
Joseph was peace-able.
When it says in James 3:18 that the “fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” You can almost picture Joseph. He did everything for the Lord and He was at peace with the house that purchased him.
Genesis 39:2–4 (CSB) says, “2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he did successful, 4 Joseph found favor with his master and became his personal attendant. Potiphar also put him in charge of his household and placed all that he owned under his authority.”
Joseph found favor with the Lord and became a successful man. The faithfulness of Joseph preceded the success of Joseph. Joseph was not just talented, he was successful and found favor with his slave-owner to the point that he was given authority over the household to which he was a part of the estate.
His manner or way of building relationships resulted in favor. Joseph wasn’t given favor and responsibility because he was the guy on FB telling everyone how good he is and how he has been wronged. Joseph was consistently favored by the men around him because his faith resulted in faithfulness to God that was demonstrated in real life or relationships.
In difficult situation after difficult situation Joseph was elevated to higher responsibilities. This is wild considering that he was a slave. Even after he was wrongfully imprisoned Joseph was elevated to a place of responsibility in the prison. Joseph demonstrated what it looks like to bear the fruit of righteousness in peace. The picture that James gives is that wisdom involves living righteously under the umbrella of peace. You cannot sow the fruit of righteousness apart from peace. Joseph cultivated peace and was then able to sow the fruit of righteousness which is faithfulness to the Lord.
It reminds me again of God’s words to Daniel and the rest of the Israelites when they were slaves in Babylon. Jeremiah 29:4–7 (CSB) says, “4 This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Find wives for yourselves, and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons and give your daughters to men in marriage so that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. 7 Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.”
God told an exiled nation to pursue the well-being of the city where he had deported them too. He called them to sow the fruit of righteousness in peace as a people who cultivated peace. Build homes, build families, and make sure there are more faithful followers of God when I come to set you free than when I sent you into exile.
Joseph was sent into Egypt by the Lord so that there would one day be more Israelites coming out of Egypt than come in during the 7 years of famine. God preserved His covenant and His people through the purity, gentleness, and peacefulness of Joseph.
Applications for you:
Flee from temptation and pursue purity
Reject the tone of the day and be gentle
Refuse to ______ and live at peace with others.
Romans 12:17–19 (CSB)
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,, says the Lord.
I mentioned at the beginning of the sermon that we would examine a major theme of the Bible, learn some life lessons, and see how Joseph points us to Jesus… well we will say it this way:
Jesus is the true and better Joseph.
Tim Keller writes, “Jesus is the true and better Joseph, who at the right hand of the King forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his new power to save them.” - Tim Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism
Joseph was wrongfully betrayed and sold by his brothers for $.
Jesus was wrongfully betrayed by Judas for $.
Joseph was wrongfully accused of sin with Potiphar’s wife.
Jesus was wrongfully accused of the sin of blasphemy.
Jospeh was the right hand of the king of Egypt and forgave those who betrayed him.
Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven and forgives those who sinned against Him.
Applications:
Humble yourself and find forgiveness for your sin through faith in Jesus
Be forgiving to those who have wronged you.
Live your life in light of God’s redemptive story
Joseph’s suffering and trials were for the good of God’s covenant people.
The wrongful suffering of Jesus was for the good of those who are saved by the new covenant through his death, burial, and resurrection.
God made a promise to Abraham and that promise was kept through Isaac, Jacob, and then Joseph.
God fulfilled the promise to Abraham through Jesus and made a new covenant through the blood of Christ that saves all who have faith like Abraham.
And speaking of the wrongful suffering of Joseph, it helps us to see the wrongful suffering of Christ. At the end of Joseph’s life He told his brothers, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result— the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” (Genesis 50:20-21)
Like Joseph said in Genesis 50:20-21… the evil of the cross was a part of God’s good plan to bring about the present result of our salvation!
Should it stay or should it go?
The tempter is also the accuser…
Matthew 4:1–3 (CSB)
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Revelation 12:10 (CSB)
“10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.”
Satan tempts and he accuses. In Josephs life Satan worked to tempt Joseph to sin with the wife of Potophar, and after he fled from temptation he is wrongly accused of the sin he didn’t commit. Not only does Satan work to make false accusations, but Satan will also accuse you of the things you know you have done and been forgiven of.
Joseph
Doing and saying the right thing can result
The way things look from your viewpoint
Don’t do the right thing to get the prize, do the right thing because you have received the prize (cereal toy illustration… did you ever ask for a kind of cereal so you could get the toy inside?)