1 00:00:30,259 --> 00:00:30,739 Amen. 2 00:00:35,619 --> 00:00:40,259 Of course, one of the greatest things in life is having children 3 00:00:42,099 --> 00:00:45,059 and to see them grow up. 4 00:00:46,099 --> 00:00:50,099 But there's that stage in life of a child whenever they just think 5 00:00:50,979 --> 00:00:52,979 dad and mom can do anything. 6 00:00:53,539 --> 00:00:58,259 Now that's certainly not the teenage stage, but way before that, 7 00:00:58,419 --> 00:00:59,779 way before that. 8 00:00:59,859 --> 00:01:05,139 There's a time when you could literally get most of the most of 9 00:01:05,139 --> 00:01:06,099 your children, not all of them. 10 00:01:06,099 --> 00:01:09,499 Some of them are pretty smart, so some of them get it sooner than 11 00:01:09,499 --> 00:01:09,739 others. 12 00:01:09,739 --> 00:01:12,258 But there's a time when you could get your child to jump off 13 00:01:12,258 --> 00:01:13,059 a house to you. 14 00:01:14,579 --> 00:01:15,219 Come here. 15 00:01:16,739 --> 00:01:18,019 No need to be afraid. 16 00:01:18,979 --> 00:01:20,099 Daddy will catch you. 17 00:01:21,219 --> 00:01:25,439 You know, I watched Johnny at the football game last Friday night 18 00:01:26,399 --> 00:01:30,319 take his little boy Arthur and just throw him up. 19 00:01:31,039 --> 00:01:32,079 Wait two seconds. 20 00:01:32,959 --> 00:01:33,679 Catch him. 21 00:01:34,959 --> 00:01:36,159 It was so awesome. 22 00:01:36,719 --> 00:01:37,959 Throw him up there in the air. 23 00:01:37,959 --> 00:01:39,919 And then I used to do that with our boys. 24 00:01:40,879 --> 00:01:46,719 And I just remember again, that child, no fear at all, just 25 00:01:46,719 --> 00:01:48,199 trusting daddy to catch him. 26 00:01:48,199 --> 00:01:54,009 And one time I was throwing Joshua up in the air, catching him 27 00:01:54,249 --> 00:01:55,129 up in the air. 28 00:01:55,769 --> 00:01:57,529 Catch him up in the air. 29 00:01:57,609 --> 00:01:59,289 Ceiling fan, catch him. 30 00:02:02,649 --> 00:02:05,609 That'll wise him up, right? 31 00:02:06,649 --> 00:02:10,009 But I'm thankful that God always catches us. 32 00:02:11,289 --> 00:02:14,609 And though our kids finally learn that, you know what, Daddy 33 00:02:14,609 --> 00:02:20,309 or mama may drop me, but we all need to understand and know and 34 00:02:20,309 --> 00:02:22,629 learn that God will never drop us. 35 00:02:22,789 --> 00:02:23,669 I love that song. 36 00:02:23,669 --> 00:02:25,429 Tonight, no need to be afraid. 37 00:02:26,069 --> 00:02:30,189 No matter what you're going through, no matter what you may be 38 00:02:30,189 --> 00:02:33,909 facing, he's promised to be near you, to never leave you nor 39 00:02:33,909 --> 00:02:34,549 forsake you. 40 00:02:34,789 --> 00:02:36,629 You know, we serve an all powerful God. 41 00:02:38,469 --> 00:02:40,149 He is all powerful. 42 00:02:41,359 --> 00:02:42,399 He can do anything. 43 00:02:43,519 --> 00:02:44,559 He is limitless. 44 00:02:44,559 --> 00:02:48,999 As we went over Sunday and what an amazing, amazing God. 45 00:02:48,999 --> 00:02:51,439 Turn if you would in your Bibles tonight to Genesis chapter 46 00:02:51,439 --> 00:02:54,719 39 as we continue the life of Joseph. 47 00:02:54,719 --> 00:03:01,239 I am also preaching in chapel at our academy on the life of Joseph. 48 00:03:01,239 --> 00:03:05,999 And these are different sermons, even though there are some 49 00:03:05,999 --> 00:03:09,769 of the same content, but certainly we are going in a little 50 00:03:09,769 --> 00:03:10,329 deeper. 51 00:03:10,889 --> 00:03:14,889 And there's about two messages for you guys to that, just the one 52 00:03:14,889 --> 00:03:17,529 over there in the academy chapel. 53 00:03:17,689 --> 00:03:22,329 And because I did want to, I have preached on Joseph to our congregation 54 00:03:23,288 --> 00:03:28,089 a couple of times over the last 25 years, but never have really 55 00:03:28,089 --> 00:03:28,729 broke it down. 56 00:03:28,729 --> 00:03:29,969 So really the. 57 00:03:29,969 --> 00:03:32,849 I guess the title of these would be Lessons from the Life of 58 00:03:32,849 --> 00:03:33,329 Joseph. 59 00:03:34,359 --> 00:03:38,639 So Lessons from the Life of Joseph because I want to cover more 60 00:03:38,639 --> 00:03:41,079 than just the high points. 61 00:03:41,799 --> 00:03:44,199 And we'll see that here tonight. 62 00:03:46,839 --> 00:03:50,279 Joseph, what a wonderful example for us. 63 00:03:50,359 --> 00:03:55,159 And by the way, as we go along here, we will point out Especially 64 00:03:55,159 --> 00:03:55,919 the last sermon. 65 00:03:55,919 --> 00:04:01,029 We'll point out that Joseph is a picture of Jesus Christ and you 66 00:04:01,029 --> 00:04:05,389 can see in his life many things and shadows, if you would, 67 00:04:05,549 --> 00:04:08,349 of the Lord's life, the life of Joseph. 68 00:04:08,989 --> 00:04:12,429 Again, the Old Testament written for our example. 69 00:04:13,069 --> 00:04:16,269 Again, the Old Testament written primarily to New Testament 70 00:04:16,269 --> 00:04:16,749 saints. 71 00:04:17,629 --> 00:04:26,139 Again, these historically accurate history of Israel and, and 72 00:04:26,139 --> 00:04:28,219 names and lives of the. 73 00:04:28,459 --> 00:04:32,019 Of the patriarchs were given for our learning. 74 00:04:32,019 --> 00:04:36,379 The Bible says in Romans and Corinthians, it was written for our 75 00:04:36,379 --> 00:04:37,019 example. 76 00:04:37,339 --> 00:04:41,499 And so we see that here in Joseph's life and what a wonderful 77 00:04:41,499 --> 00:04:43,979 example Joseph is for us. 78 00:04:45,099 --> 00:04:47,179 The primary lesson from Joseph's life. 79 00:04:47,179 --> 00:04:47,659 I didn't. 80 00:04:47,659 --> 00:04:48,299 Haven't really. 81 00:04:49,019 --> 00:04:50,259 Because I want to give you the ending. 82 00:04:50,259 --> 00:04:50,619 Right. 83 00:04:50,699 --> 00:04:51,659 So the primary. 84 00:04:51,659 --> 00:04:55,149 All these life lessons we're learning from Joseph, the primary 85 00:04:55,229 --> 00:04:58,829 life lesson we learn is Romans 8:28. 86 00:04:59,469 --> 00:05:00,749 That all things work. 87 00:05:00,989 --> 00:05:07,789 That all things work together for good to them that love God to 88 00:05:07,789 --> 00:05:11,629 them who are the chosen according to. 89 00:05:12,749 --> 00:05:13,789 Chosen according to. 90 00:05:13,789 --> 00:05:14,509 Yeah, good job. 91 00:05:14,509 --> 00:05:19,829 Trying to quote that all things work together for good to 92 00:05:19,829 --> 00:05:21,809 them that are united. 93 00:05:21,959 --> 00:05:22,239 Yes. 94 00:05:22,239 --> 00:05:24,159 And I'm still going to misquote it, so I'm going to go read 95 00:05:24,159 --> 00:05:24,439 it. 96 00:05:27,399 --> 00:05:28,519 That last little part. 97 00:05:29,159 --> 00:05:30,679 I don't like misquoting it. 98 00:05:31,159 --> 00:05:33,599 And we know that all things work together for good to them that 99 00:05:33,599 --> 00:05:36,519 love God to them who are the called according to his purpose. 100 00:05:36,999 --> 00:05:38,599 Again, God works all together. 101 00:05:39,959 --> 00:05:42,719 One thing I noticed about that verse this time and we pointed it 102 00:05:42,719 --> 00:05:47,239 out back during COVID it doesn't say, it does include us, 103 00:05:47,699 --> 00:05:48,979 but it says the good. 104 00:05:50,179 --> 00:05:54,059 And here in Joseph's life, it didn't just affect him and wasn't 105 00:05:54,059 --> 00:05:57,019 just for his good, but it was for all of those around him. 106 00:05:57,019 --> 00:06:01,859 In fact, the world affected by his life. 107 00:06:03,458 --> 00:06:05,219 Again, his life is a picture of Christ. 108 00:06:06,739 --> 00:06:07,779 Look here in chapter. 109 00:06:08,179 --> 00:06:09,059 We'll begin reading. 110 00:06:09,059 --> 00:06:10,229 Let's look at 39. 111 00:06:10,329 --> 00:06:10,779 1. 112 00:06:10,779 --> 00:06:12,979 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt. 113 00:06:13,529 --> 00:06:16,569 And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an 114 00:06:16,569 --> 00:06:20,769 Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites, which had 115 00:06:20,769 --> 00:06:21,849 brought him down thither. 116 00:06:22,329 --> 00:06:23,729 And the Lord was with Joseph. 117 00:06:23,729 --> 00:06:26,009 And he was prosperous, a prosperous man. 118 00:06:26,489 --> 00:06:28,969 And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. 119 00:06:29,289 --> 00:06:32,529 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord 120 00:06:32,529 --> 00:06:34,489 made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 121 00:06:34,889 --> 00:06:39,339 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him, and he 122 00:06:39,339 --> 00:06:41,259 made him overseer over his house. 123 00:06:41,259 --> 00:06:44,019 And all that he had he put into his hand. 124 00:06:44,899 --> 00:06:49,219 And it came to pass from that time, from the time that he had made 125 00:06:49,219 --> 00:06:50,739 him overseer in his house. 126 00:06:51,059 --> 00:06:55,779 And over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house 127 00:06:55,779 --> 00:06:57,059 for Joseph's sake. 128 00:06:57,619 --> 00:07:01,619 And the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house 129 00:07:01,619 --> 00:07:02,659 and in the field. 130 00:07:03,619 --> 00:07:06,499 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand. 131 00:07:07,489 --> 00:07:11,329 And he knew not aught he had save the bread which he did eat. 132 00:07:12,049 --> 00:07:14,849 And Joseph was a goodly person and well favored. 133 00:07:16,609 --> 00:07:17,409 We'll stop there. 134 00:07:17,409 --> 00:07:18,849 Just a little running commentary. 135 00:07:18,929 --> 00:07:21,169 You'll notice again sold into slavery. 136 00:07:21,329 --> 00:07:26,209 But I did want to point out that he was put over all of Potiphar's 137 00:07:26,209 --> 00:07:26,449 house. 138 00:07:27,009 --> 00:07:28,449 Notice it said in the field. 139 00:07:29,009 --> 00:07:33,129 And as you think about this man Potiphar, just think about a 140 00:07:33,129 --> 00:07:34,049 very wealthy man. 141 00:07:34,899 --> 00:07:39,939 And all that he had was under the authority being given under to 142 00:07:39,939 --> 00:07:40,459 Joseph. 143 00:07:40,459 --> 00:07:46,899 His cattle, his livestock, his house, his servants, he would have 144 00:07:46,899 --> 00:07:51,539 many, many slaves, all put under Joseph, under the authority 145 00:07:51,539 --> 00:07:51,899 of Joseph. 146 00:07:51,899 --> 00:07:52,579 Look at verse seven. 147 00:07:52,659 --> 00:07:55,899 And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife 148 00:07:55,899 --> 00:07:59,459 cast his eyes upon Joseph, and she said, lie with me. 149 00:08:00,109 --> 00:08:04,469 But he refused and said unto his master's wife, behold, my master 150 00:08:04,469 --> 00:08:06,909 wanteth not what is with me in the house. 151 00:08:07,149 --> 00:08:10,509 And he hath committed all that he hath to me to my hand. 152 00:08:10,909 --> 00:08:13,069 There is none greater in this house than I. 153 00:08:13,389 --> 00:08:17,109 Neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because 154 00:08:17,109 --> 00:08:18,189 thou art his wife. 155 00:08:18,429 --> 00:08:20,909 How then, key part here. 156 00:08:21,149 --> 00:08:25,409 How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against. 157 00:08:25,559 --> 00:08:26,279 Against God? 158 00:08:27,239 --> 00:08:30,879 Notice he just pointed out that it wasn't just the problem he 159 00:08:30,879 --> 00:08:35,599 had concerning his master and not betraying his master, but it 160 00:08:35,599 --> 00:08:39,319 was wickedness in that it was wickedness and sin against God. 161 00:08:39,719 --> 00:08:43,639 And it came to pass, verse 10, as she spake to Joseph day by day, 162 00:08:44,439 --> 00:08:48,359 that he hearkened not unto her to lie by her or to be with her. 163 00:08:48,599 --> 00:08:51,799 And it came to pass about this time that Joseph went into the house 164 00:08:51,959 --> 00:08:55,499 to do his business, and there was none of the men of the house 165 00:08:55,579 --> 00:08:56,779 there within. 166 00:08:57,419 --> 00:08:59,939 And she caught him by his garment, saying, lie with me. 167 00:08:59,939 --> 00:09:04,059 And he left his garment in her hand and fled and got him out. 168 00:09:04,299 --> 00:09:07,419 And it came to pass when she saw that he had left his garment 169 00:09:07,819 --> 00:09:12,099 in her hand and was fled forth, that she called unto the men 170 00:09:12,099 --> 00:09:15,379 of her house and spake unto them, saying, see, he hath brought 171 00:09:15,379 --> 00:09:17,579 in an Hebrew unto us to mock us. 172 00:09:18,149 --> 00:09:21,669 He came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 173 00:09:21,909 --> 00:09:24,869 And it came to pass when he heard that I had lifted up my voice 174 00:09:24,869 --> 00:09:28,149 and cried that he left his garment with me and fled and got 175 00:09:28,149 --> 00:09:32,549 him out and she laid up his garment by her until his Lord came 176 00:09:32,549 --> 00:09:32,869 home. 177 00:09:33,189 --> 00:09:36,669 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, 178 00:09:36,669 --> 00:09:41,149 the Hebrew servant which thou hast brought unto us came in unto 179 00:09:41,149 --> 00:09:42,149 me to mock me. 180 00:09:42,309 --> 00:09:45,789 And it came to pass as I lifted up my voice and cried, that 181 00:09:45,789 --> 00:09:47,829 he left his garment with me and fled out. 182 00:09:48,649 --> 00:09:52,049 And it came to pass when his master heard the words of his wife, 183 00:09:52,049 --> 00:09:55,569 which he spake unto him, saying, after this manner did thy 184 00:09:55,569 --> 00:09:59,089 servant to me, that his wrath was kindled in verse 20. 185 00:09:59,089 --> 00:10:04,289 And Joseph Master took him and put him in prison, a place where 186 00:10:04,289 --> 00:10:05,609 the king's prisoners were bound. 187 00:10:06,089 --> 00:10:08,329 And he was there in the prison. 188 00:10:08,809 --> 00:10:09,329 Let's pray. 189 00:10:09,329 --> 00:10:11,209 Heavenly Father, again we thank you for your love. 190 00:10:11,209 --> 00:10:15,339 And we thank you again for this wonderful example of the life 191 00:10:15,339 --> 00:10:15,859 of Joseph. 192 00:10:15,859 --> 00:10:17,339 And Lord, may we glean from it tonight. 193 00:10:17,339 --> 00:10:19,379 In Jesus name, Amen. 194 00:10:19,779 --> 00:10:22,819 Joseph was the second youngest son of Jacob. 195 00:10:23,859 --> 00:10:27,059 And I point we pointed out a couple weeks ago that he was the. 196 00:10:27,059 --> 00:10:30,539 But he though he was the second son, the second to youngest 197 00:10:30,539 --> 00:10:34,659 son of Jacob, he was the firstborn of Rachel. 198 00:10:34,739 --> 00:10:38,019 And Rachel was Jacob's favorite wife. 199 00:10:38,339 --> 00:10:41,829 And it's kind of interesting to point out because we find that 200 00:10:42,149 --> 00:10:49,389 Joseph was the one that Jacob used to be the, you know, the overseer 201 00:10:49,389 --> 00:10:51,749 of his brothers who were all older than him. 202 00:10:52,469 --> 00:10:54,469 He was the one who was to go check on them. 203 00:10:54,709 --> 00:10:57,269 He was the one following up on them. 204 00:10:57,989 --> 00:11:04,349 We know in chapter 37 that he sent Joseph to check on his brothers 205 00:11:04,349 --> 00:11:07,429 and his brothers didn't like that. 206 00:11:10,729 --> 00:11:13,129 Again, Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. 207 00:11:14,729 --> 00:11:18,889 Maybe there's inferred here that Jacob gave Joseph the firstborn 208 00:11:18,889 --> 00:11:21,449 rights because he was the firstborn of his favorite wife. 209 00:11:21,769 --> 00:11:25,009 Maybe that was taken away from Reuben, who was truly the firstborn 210 00:11:25,009 --> 00:11:26,409 and given to Joseph. 211 00:11:27,609 --> 00:11:32,569 Maybe there again we know that the brothers hated him because of 212 00:11:32,569 --> 00:11:34,489 the favoritism that Jacob showed him. 213 00:11:35,839 --> 00:11:40,319 We know that they hated him because of that and was jealous of 214 00:11:40,319 --> 00:11:46,919 him because of the again the overseer role that Jacob, their dad 215 00:11:46,919 --> 00:11:47,679 had given to him. 216 00:11:48,239 --> 00:11:51,479 It was Joseph who would go back and report about his brother's 217 00:11:51,479 --> 00:11:52,079 wickedness. 218 00:11:52,319 --> 00:11:57,399 It was Joseph who would go back and report to dad about the 219 00:11:57,399 --> 00:11:59,199 awful things that their brothers were doing. 220 00:12:02,009 --> 00:12:03,449 And they were jealous. 221 00:12:05,449 --> 00:12:10,529 Joseph was favorite in that also that Jacob made him the coat 222 00:12:10,529 --> 00:12:11,089 of many colors. 223 00:12:11,089 --> 00:12:14,089 And we learned about that story when we were in Sunday school 224 00:12:14,089 --> 00:12:14,889 as little kids. 225 00:12:16,169 --> 00:12:20,969 There's a lot more probably to that than we would have here amongst 226 00:12:21,849 --> 00:12:23,929 our day, you know, in our culture. 227 00:12:24,169 --> 00:12:27,659 But in that culture there was many different things that could 228 00:12:27,659 --> 00:12:31,139 have been the reason why he wore this particular coat. 229 00:12:31,699 --> 00:12:35,699 And I used the example that some of my boys have been in a position 230 00:12:36,259 --> 00:12:40,619 of, you know, being the foreman and being over people and 231 00:12:40,619 --> 00:12:41,739 sometimes over their brothers. 232 00:12:41,739 --> 00:12:45,339 And there was, at some point, one of some of my kids were calling 233 00:12:45,339 --> 00:12:46,899 one of my kids papercut. 234 00:12:47,779 --> 00:12:49,699 In other words, he just never got out of the truck. 235 00:12:50,179 --> 00:12:53,259 He was just ramroding everybody, telling everybody what 236 00:12:53,259 --> 00:12:53,499 to do. 237 00:12:53,499 --> 00:12:55,849 And they began to make fun of one of them. 238 00:12:55,849 --> 00:13:01,569 And I'm, you know, anyway, I'm waving at him. 239 00:13:02,849 --> 00:13:07,809 And that's possibility here, that there is a tradition in that 240 00:13:07,809 --> 00:13:12,209 day that the, you know, the one who was over and seeing everything 241 00:13:12,769 --> 00:13:15,329 would wear the coat because he wasn't going to get down and really 242 00:13:15,329 --> 00:13:15,849 have to work. 243 00:13:15,849 --> 00:13:18,929 And he'd wear a fancy, fancy clothes. 244 00:13:19,329 --> 00:13:21,369 Whatever the reason is, it was absolutely. 245 00:13:21,369 --> 00:13:22,049 We know for. 246 00:13:22,629 --> 00:13:27,429 Because the Bible tells us that they hated him because of the 247 00:13:27,429 --> 00:13:32,549 favoritism that Daddy showed Joseph. 248 00:13:34,629 --> 00:13:37,909 They hated him because of his character. 249 00:13:39,589 --> 00:13:42,909 So I don't want to make it clear that all that I've just said 250 00:13:42,909 --> 00:13:46,909 about Joseph did not in any way indicate he was a man of bad 251 00:13:46,909 --> 00:13:48,549 character, because he was just the opposite. 252 00:13:49,659 --> 00:13:54,499 One of the reasons we infer that Joseph was put over maybe the 253 00:13:54,499 --> 00:13:57,659 authority over his older brothers, because they were all wicked, 254 00:13:57,819 --> 00:13:58,859 and they really were. 255 00:13:59,419 --> 00:14:04,818 And Joseph proved in his own life he was a man of character, a 256 00:14:04,818 --> 00:14:09,899 man of integrity, that he was a godly man hated by his brothers. 257 00:14:11,659 --> 00:14:19,269 They were so jealous of him, so jealous they conspired to kill 258 00:14:19,269 --> 00:14:24,549 him as he approached to check on them. 259 00:14:25,349 --> 00:14:26,789 They did conspire to kill him. 260 00:14:26,789 --> 00:14:31,149 And thankfully, Reuben stepped in and said, let's don't kill him. 261 00:14:31,149 --> 00:14:32,149 Just throw him in the pit. 262 00:14:35,109 --> 00:14:38,229 Then they sold him to some Midianite slave traders. 263 00:14:39,839 --> 00:14:40,559 Most of you know the story. 264 00:14:40,559 --> 00:14:45,999 So I'm trying to skip over some of it back up and understand 265 00:14:46,959 --> 00:14:50,039 that this jealousy not only came because he was his father's 266 00:14:50,039 --> 00:14:53,439 favorite, but because of the dreams that Joseph had. 267 00:14:53,839 --> 00:14:55,159 Joseph had two dreams. 268 00:14:55,159 --> 00:14:58,079 One of his sheaves bowing. 269 00:14:58,239 --> 00:15:01,839 The sheaves of his parents and his brothers bowing down to his sheaf. 270 00:15:01,839 --> 00:15:03,999 In other words, his stack of hay. 271 00:15:04,399 --> 00:15:07,119 The other stacks of hay bowing down to his stack of hay. 272 00:15:08,359 --> 00:15:09,479 Texas way of saying it. 273 00:15:10,359 --> 00:15:11,559 Sun, moon and stars. 274 00:15:11,639 --> 00:15:12,719 Most of y' all know the story. 275 00:15:12,719 --> 00:15:14,919 The sun, moon and stars bowing down to him. 276 00:15:15,479 --> 00:15:16,599 And they said, what do you. 277 00:15:16,599 --> 00:15:17,879 The brother said, what do you mean? 278 00:15:18,519 --> 00:15:20,119 Mom and Dad's gonna bow to you? 279 00:15:20,119 --> 00:15:21,479 We're gonna bow to you. 280 00:15:21,719 --> 00:15:23,639 And they became very jealous. 281 00:15:26,199 --> 00:15:28,759 I mentioned when we were teaching on that a couple weeks ago 282 00:15:29,079 --> 00:15:34,039 that understand that in the Old Testament, God spoke through 283 00:15:34,039 --> 00:15:37,559 dreams and visions and of course, through appearances with 284 00:15:37,559 --> 00:15:39,999 the theophanies when he would literally come and speak to them 285 00:15:40,799 --> 00:15:41,679 face to face. 286 00:15:43,839 --> 00:15:48,439 And when God gave Joseph this dream, it's as if he gave him the 287 00:15:48,439 --> 00:15:49,119 word of God. 288 00:15:50,799 --> 00:15:54,959 It's just as divinely inspired as what you hold in your lap. 289 00:15:57,119 --> 00:15:58,239 It's the same thing. 290 00:15:59,279 --> 00:16:00,839 Jacob, his dad would have known that. 291 00:16:00,839 --> 00:16:04,249 In fact, the Bible says that Jacob pondered this. 292 00:16:04,889 --> 00:16:07,529 He thought about this again. 293 00:16:07,529 --> 00:16:09,529 His brothers would have known this truth as well. 294 00:16:09,769 --> 00:16:13,849 My brothers had a dream about my hay bowing down to his hay. 295 00:16:13,849 --> 00:16:15,609 And the sun, moon and stars bow down. 296 00:16:15,849 --> 00:16:20,889 Either he's crazy and he's a pompous, arrogant younger brother, 297 00:16:21,049 --> 00:16:22,329 or God spoke to him. 298 00:16:22,329 --> 00:16:25,489 And it was very evident that Joseph was a man of character. 299 00:16:25,489 --> 00:16:29,169 It was very evident that Joseph was a man of integrity who 300 00:16:29,169 --> 00:16:30,249 was a godly young man. 301 00:16:30,249 --> 00:16:36,959 He was 17 years old and there was zero doubt that that word had 302 00:16:36,959 --> 00:16:37,719 come from God. 303 00:16:38,599 --> 00:16:42,759 And it was Jacob and the brothers who rejected God's word. 304 00:16:43,479 --> 00:16:46,039 They rejected God's will for the family. 305 00:16:46,279 --> 00:16:50,999 And what God was telling Joseph and the family was that Joseph 306 00:16:50,999 --> 00:16:52,599 was going to lead the family one day. 307 00:16:53,479 --> 00:16:57,839 And not Reuben, not the oldest, but Joseph would lead the 308 00:16:57,839 --> 00:16:58,119 family. 309 00:16:58,119 --> 00:17:00,809 It would be Joseph who brought peace to the family. 310 00:17:00,809 --> 00:17:05,129 Boy, that family needed peace because that was a, that was a terrible 311 00:17:05,129 --> 00:17:05,569 bunch. 312 00:17:06,849 --> 00:17:09,249 It was Joseph who would bring contentment to the family. 313 00:17:10,209 --> 00:17:12,689 And yet again they rejected God's Word. 314 00:17:12,849 --> 00:17:15,929 They could have had rest and peace, but they rejected the word 315 00:17:15,929 --> 00:17:16,449 of God. 316 00:17:17,729 --> 00:17:21,089 So much so again, that they thought, hey, we'll sell him. 317 00:17:22,369 --> 00:17:28,249 We'll sell him to these Ishmaelites and that dream won't 318 00:17:28,249 --> 00:17:28,809 come to pass. 319 00:17:28,809 --> 00:17:30,329 They said that it's in the Word. 320 00:17:30,329 --> 00:17:34,729 The Bible tells us that that'll sure put a stop to his dreams. 321 00:17:34,889 --> 00:17:36,409 No, no, no, it didn't do that. 322 00:17:36,809 --> 00:17:38,249 It didn't put a stop to his dreams. 323 00:17:38,249 --> 00:17:39,449 It actually propelled it forward. 324 00:17:42,649 --> 00:17:44,329 It's what propelled it forward. 325 00:17:45,529 --> 00:17:46,609 It was God's will. 326 00:17:46,609 --> 00:17:51,009 It would put Joseph riding smack dab in the middle of God's 327 00:17:51,009 --> 00:17:51,289 will. 328 00:17:54,719 --> 00:17:59,719 Understand too, that had Jacob, his dad believed and trusted 329 00:17:59,719 --> 00:18:05,919 God's word, he would have known when he was handed Joseph's 330 00:18:05,919 --> 00:18:09,999 coat of many colors with all that blood on it, instead of saying, 331 00:18:10,559 --> 00:18:14,519 yes, that's my son's coat, yes, looks as though he has been 332 00:18:14,519 --> 00:18:18,679 killed by some animal, he would have said, yes, that's his 333 00:18:18,679 --> 00:18:19,119 coat. 334 00:18:19,199 --> 00:18:20,239 Yes, that's blood. 335 00:18:20,639 --> 00:18:24,159 But I know my God has said that Joseph one day will rule this 336 00:18:24,159 --> 00:18:24,479 family. 337 00:18:24,639 --> 00:18:26,759 And I'm just going to put my Trust in the word of God. 338 00:18:26,759 --> 00:18:28,479 But that's not what Jacob did. 339 00:18:28,479 --> 00:18:29,679 That's not what his daddy did. 340 00:18:31,279 --> 00:18:32,119 He did not believe. 341 00:18:32,119 --> 00:18:35,599 He the Bible said he mourned. 342 00:18:36,399 --> 00:18:41,239 So much so that they could not the sons and those could not get 343 00:18:41,239 --> 00:18:41,919 him to stop. 344 00:18:45,689 --> 00:18:47,209 We need to rely upon God's word. 345 00:18:48,089 --> 00:18:49,609 We need to trust God's word. 346 00:18:50,409 --> 00:18:53,049 Trusting in the word of God will bring peace. 347 00:18:53,929 --> 00:18:57,129 Trusting in the word of God and having faith in God's word will 348 00:18:57,129 --> 00:18:59,929 bring about purpose and guidance in life. 349 00:18:59,929 --> 00:19:02,889 The word of God's a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. 350 00:19:04,089 --> 00:19:07,929 We ought to acknowledge again the Lord and he will direct us. 351 00:19:09,299 --> 00:19:12,299 I mentioned about again the applications is be careful about 352 00:19:12,299 --> 00:19:16,099 showing favoritism to our children or even grandchildren. 353 00:19:16,099 --> 00:19:19,379 Be careful, parents, about being passive in your parenting. 354 00:19:19,699 --> 00:19:21,779 Passive parenting produces bad kids. 355 00:19:22,659 --> 00:19:24,659 You say, well, what's pacificity? 356 00:19:24,738 --> 00:19:25,859 Well, it is. 357 00:19:26,579 --> 00:19:28,179 I say, number one, being lazy. 358 00:19:29,699 --> 00:19:30,939 Don't be a lazy parent. 359 00:19:30,939 --> 00:19:32,099 See too many of them. 360 00:19:33,219 --> 00:19:36,459 You know what, Training a child is a lot of work. 361 00:19:37,739 --> 00:19:42,579 But I'll tell you what value it brings as they grow older, what 362 00:19:42,579 --> 00:19:44,859 enjoyment will bring to you as they grow older. 363 00:19:45,019 --> 00:19:48,059 Take that time and don't be a passive parent. 364 00:19:49,339 --> 00:19:51,939 There are a lot of parents today who don't like to confront 365 00:19:51,939 --> 00:19:52,379 their kids. 366 00:19:52,379 --> 00:19:54,859 I'm like, he's little, you're big. 367 00:19:55,579 --> 00:19:57,899 Why is this kid running the house? 368 00:19:58,459 --> 00:20:01,099 Why is this kid determining whether we go to a restaurant or 369 00:20:01,099 --> 00:20:01,339 not? 370 00:20:01,339 --> 00:20:04,259 Why is this kid determining whether I go to Kroger and go shopping 371 00:20:04,259 --> 00:20:04,619 or not? 372 00:20:04,889 --> 00:20:06,249 Why is this kid determining. 373 00:20:06,329 --> 00:20:10,329 Why is this kid determining anything in my life that should never 374 00:20:10,329 --> 00:20:12,329 happen and it doesn't have to. 375 00:20:13,289 --> 00:20:18,569 If you'll train your children, if you will raise them the Bible 376 00:20:18,569 --> 00:20:21,929 way, it's an amazing thing. 377 00:20:23,929 --> 00:20:25,609 These be careful again. 378 00:20:27,369 --> 00:20:29,289 Joseph was a man of character. 379 00:20:29,609 --> 00:20:34,099 And the reason why his, his brothers hated him was again because 380 00:20:34,099 --> 00:20:35,019 of his character. 381 00:20:35,739 --> 00:20:38,379 Man, his life pricked their conscience. 382 00:20:40,219 --> 00:20:43,659 We mentioned again about how that light dispels darkness. 383 00:20:44,699 --> 00:20:47,819 Light reveals a lot of bad stuff. 384 00:20:48,539 --> 00:20:52,659 You ever gone into a building and it's been dark and you turn the 385 00:20:52,659 --> 00:20:55,619 light on and the cockroaches go, you know, the water bugs. 386 00:20:55,619 --> 00:20:57,329 We lived in a house that had a lot of water bugs. 387 00:20:58,679 --> 00:21:00,759 Turn the light on, go in there about 1 o' clock in the morning, 388 00:21:01,399 --> 00:21:03,959 flip the light on, there's 20 of them. 389 00:21:08,839 --> 00:21:10,519 Just reveals a lot of nastiness. 390 00:21:11,719 --> 00:21:15,479 And what it does is it pricks the heart, pricks the conscience, 391 00:21:15,879 --> 00:21:20,679 it pricks the moral awareness that God has placed on every person 392 00:21:20,759 --> 00:21:22,359 who is born into this world. 393 00:21:26,289 --> 00:21:29,529 That's why we got a lot of yelling and screaming in our society 394 00:21:29,529 --> 00:21:39,329 today because churches like this, people like you, pricks the 395 00:21:39,329 --> 00:21:43,329 conscience of a wicked society. 396 00:21:46,129 --> 00:21:50,229 These brothers were envious and jealous resentment in their own 397 00:21:50,229 --> 00:21:50,509 lives. 398 00:21:50,509 --> 00:21:54,149 Can I tell you, when it comes to envy and jealousy and resentment 399 00:21:54,149 --> 00:21:58,389 that the love of Christ expels it just get closer to Jesus. 400 00:21:58,629 --> 00:22:02,309 Keep your eyes on the Lord and you can overcome envy and jealousy. 401 00:22:04,388 --> 00:22:08,589 Again, as we think about these brothers and Jacob especially the 402 00:22:08,589 --> 00:22:11,709 brothers, rejecting God's word will not block his will, it simply 403 00:22:11,709 --> 00:22:12,269 moves it forward. 404 00:22:12,269 --> 00:22:16,799 And then tonight we, we have a comparison in chapter 38. 405 00:22:16,799 --> 00:22:20,159 We did not read chapter 38, by the way, chapter 38. 406 00:22:20,159 --> 00:22:25,279 It would be hard to read that in front of children about what Judah 407 00:22:25,279 --> 00:22:27,119 did and what Tamar did. 408 00:22:27,839 --> 00:22:32,279 Again, Judah married a Canaanite woman, had sons. 409 00:22:32,279 --> 00:22:35,279 The first son had a second son. 410 00:22:35,439 --> 00:22:39,679 His first son, er, married Tamar. 411 00:22:40,809 --> 00:22:42,409 The Bible says er was wicked. 412 00:22:42,729 --> 00:22:43,729 This is Judah's son. 413 00:22:43,729 --> 00:22:44,209 He was wicked. 414 00:22:44,209 --> 00:22:45,289 And God slew him. 415 00:22:46,809 --> 00:22:54,569 And so the biblical rule, the commandment was that if a son died, 416 00:22:54,889 --> 00:23:00,289 the widow would marry the next brother in order that the line or 417 00:23:00,289 --> 00:23:01,449 the seed would carry on. 418 00:23:01,529 --> 00:23:06,609 The name of that child, which would be er E R would be carried 419 00:23:06,609 --> 00:23:06,849 on. 420 00:23:06,929 --> 00:23:08,649 Well, that didn't go well either. 421 00:23:08,649 --> 00:23:13,409 And God slew Onan, the next kid of Judah. 422 00:23:15,169 --> 00:23:17,169 The third child was too young to marry. 423 00:23:17,169 --> 00:23:20,289 And so he told Tamar, he said, his daughter in law, he said, well, 424 00:23:20,849 --> 00:23:23,209 wait till he gets older and I'll give him to you. 425 00:23:23,209 --> 00:23:27,729 And if you know the story, you'll remember that as the next 426 00:23:27,729 --> 00:23:30,209 son got older, Tamar was watching. 427 00:23:30,209 --> 00:23:35,149 And Judah had had no intention of fulfilling the law of God and 428 00:23:35,149 --> 00:23:37,309 giving her to him. 429 00:23:38,749 --> 00:23:46,829 And Judah had done some work and went into a woman of immorality. 430 00:23:48,509 --> 00:23:53,869 And that woman of immorality, he was tricked, was Tamar. 431 00:23:54,909 --> 00:23:56,429 Tamar got pregnant. 432 00:23:58,519 --> 00:23:59,599 I told you it could be hard to read. 433 00:23:59,599 --> 00:24:01,159 It'd be hard to read this in front of kids. 434 00:24:02,199 --> 00:24:02,879 And the whole. 435 00:24:02,879 --> 00:24:05,399 The crux of this is Judah was a wicked man. 436 00:24:06,919 --> 00:24:10,039 And when Tamar got pregnant, he's like, all right, she's pregnant, 437 00:24:10,359 --> 00:24:11,879 don't know about kill her. 438 00:24:11,959 --> 00:24:12,958 That's what the law says. 439 00:24:12,958 --> 00:24:14,759 She committed adultery to kill her. 440 00:24:15,239 --> 00:24:17,279 And Tamar, remember what Tamar does? 441 00:24:17,279 --> 00:24:24,369 He brings him his ring and his staff, said, you're the man. 442 00:24:25,249 --> 00:24:26,209 Kind of hard to kill. 443 00:24:27,009 --> 00:24:27,489 Yeah. 444 00:24:27,489 --> 00:24:32,129 Anyway, wickedness, wickedness. 445 00:24:33,089 --> 00:24:35,009 So that's what you see in chapter 38. 446 00:24:36,289 --> 00:24:41,329 And then in chapter 39 you see godliness. 447 00:24:42,769 --> 00:24:47,249 You see God blessing a man because of his godliness. 448 00:24:49,259 --> 00:24:49,939 Did you get that? 449 00:24:49,939 --> 00:24:51,819 Look at verse two of chapter 39. 450 00:24:52,379 --> 00:24:53,699 And the Lord was with Joseph. 451 00:24:53,699 --> 00:24:54,539 And he was what? 452 00:24:54,619 --> 00:24:56,219 A prosperous man. 453 00:24:57,419 --> 00:24:58,699 A prosperous man. 454 00:24:59,579 --> 00:25:05,499 So again, if you do the comparison between these two brothers, 455 00:25:06,059 --> 00:25:11,579 you see how one was so immoral, one was so decadent and 456 00:25:13,829 --> 00:25:14,229 corrupt. 457 00:25:17,189 --> 00:25:17,829 Wicked. 458 00:25:18,869 --> 00:25:19,989 What a contrast. 459 00:25:21,109 --> 00:25:24,069 The corruption of Jacob's other sons versus Joseph. 460 00:25:25,429 --> 00:25:28,069 Go back to chapter 34 and read about the corruption there. 461 00:25:28,869 --> 00:25:30,149 What happened at Shechem. 462 00:25:32,389 --> 00:25:35,829 We see again here that Joseph was sold to Potiphar. 463 00:25:36,389 --> 00:25:38,229 Potiphar, who was an Egyptian guard. 464 00:25:38,309 --> 00:25:39,589 Of the Egyptian guard, by the way. 465 00:25:39,589 --> 00:25:40,309 He was the captain. 466 00:25:41,509 --> 00:25:46,459 He would have been the chief of the royal guard, the one who guarded 467 00:25:46,859 --> 00:25:48,299 the pharaoh's palace. 468 00:25:49,979 --> 00:25:52,339 He would have been a member of the aristocracies. 469 00:25:52,339 --> 00:25:56,219 In other words, he was not just a captain in the army or whatever. 470 00:25:56,219 --> 00:25:58,939 No, he would have been of royal line. 471 00:26:00,059 --> 00:26:02,299 He would have been a very, very wealthy man. 472 00:26:03,019 --> 00:26:03,779 He would have been. 473 00:26:03,779 --> 00:26:07,019 This was a high office to be a part of. 474 00:26:07,979 --> 00:26:09,819 He would have lived in a vast palace. 475 00:26:11,229 --> 00:26:14,789 I always think about again as you think about Egypt, you know, 476 00:26:14,789 --> 00:26:22,829 here's Joseph entering the estate of Potiphar as he turned into 477 00:26:22,829 --> 00:26:23,309 the gate. 478 00:26:23,549 --> 00:26:27,149 Two sphinx on the top of the columns of the gates. 479 00:26:27,229 --> 00:26:28,509 Anybody think that way? 480 00:26:28,989 --> 00:26:29,309 No. 481 00:26:29,309 --> 00:26:36,679 And then the gates, as you go down that great pathway to the illustrious 482 00:26:36,679 --> 00:26:39,119 palace that Potiphar would have lived in, it would have been 483 00:26:39,119 --> 00:26:39,639 that way. 484 00:26:40,199 --> 00:26:42,599 This man was a very, very wealthy man. 485 00:26:45,719 --> 00:26:50,479 I just want to point out that the contrast, too, of how Joseph 486 00:26:50,479 --> 00:26:56,799 must have felt coming from the rural countryside, coming from his 487 00:26:56,799 --> 00:27:03,849 father's care and his father's favoritism, sold into slavery by 488 00:27:03,849 --> 00:27:11,169 his brothers to rough slave traders set up on an auction block 489 00:27:13,329 --> 00:27:17,648 in Egypt and sold amongst hundreds of other slaves. 490 00:27:21,169 --> 00:27:24,209 There's no indication that he knew the language either. 491 00:27:24,209 --> 00:27:25,009 Just think about that. 492 00:27:25,649 --> 00:27:26,689 You're part of this. 493 00:27:26,689 --> 00:27:27,729 You don't know what they're saying. 494 00:27:31,829 --> 00:27:33,189 You're 17 years old. 495 00:27:33,189 --> 00:27:34,309 Could you just imagine? 496 00:27:36,309 --> 00:27:37,189 Imagine that. 497 00:27:39,509 --> 00:27:40,869 It's hard for me to imagine. 498 00:27:41,509 --> 00:27:43,069 I read you the verse last week. 499 00:27:43,069 --> 00:27:46,309 When the brothers at the end of the book of Genesis are talking 500 00:27:46,309 --> 00:27:49,109 about Joseph, they said, remember what they said? 501 00:27:49,829 --> 00:27:56,679 We are in this spot because we did not heed the cries of our little 502 00:27:56,679 --> 00:28:00,599 brother when we sold him and we put him in the pit. 503 00:28:00,679 --> 00:28:02,279 The Bible says he cried out. 504 00:28:03,479 --> 00:28:04,759 He didn't just sit there. 505 00:28:04,839 --> 00:28:07,679 Joseph didn't go, oh, you're going to put me in the pit? 506 00:28:07,679 --> 00:28:08,199 That's awesome. 507 00:28:08,279 --> 00:28:09,239 Here, I'll jump in. 508 00:28:10,839 --> 00:28:11,439 No, no. 509 00:28:11,439 --> 00:28:12,999 Oh, you're going to sell me to the Midianites. 510 00:28:12,999 --> 00:28:13,399 That's good. 511 00:28:14,039 --> 00:28:14,719 Let me go. 512 00:28:14,719 --> 00:28:15,279 No, no. 513 00:28:15,279 --> 00:28:20,439 The Bible says He cried out to them, he begged them, he. 514 00:28:20,789 --> 00:28:22,589 He asked for them not to do what they were doing. 515 00:28:22,589 --> 00:28:28,229 He Imagine the wailing he must have done at 17 years of age. 516 00:28:29,989 --> 00:28:35,389 And now he's been sold to this captain, this mighty man, this man 517 00:28:35,389 --> 00:28:37,109 of power. 518 00:28:39,109 --> 00:28:41,509 What a contrast to what he was used to. 519 00:28:43,989 --> 00:28:46,629 But the Bible says in verse two, the Lord's hand was upon him. 520 00:28:48,189 --> 00:28:51,389 In fact, it says he was prosperous, that he prospered. 521 00:28:51,389 --> 00:28:52,429 Why did he prosper? 522 00:28:53,869 --> 00:28:57,789 Why is it that everything in Joseph's hand went well? 523 00:28:59,069 --> 00:29:03,589 Why is it that success followed Joseph number one? 524 00:29:03,589 --> 00:29:04,589 Because of his character. 525 00:29:06,909 --> 00:29:09,389 If you look down at verse six, it says he was a goodly person. 526 00:29:11,309 --> 00:29:14,709 How else could a slave who was sold on the auction block to this 527 00:29:14,709 --> 00:29:15,709 man, this man of. 528 00:29:15,959 --> 00:29:20,279 Of prominence, this wealthy man, how else could he, you know, 529 00:29:20,359 --> 00:29:23,399 go rise in ranks amongst Potiphar's house? 530 00:29:23,399 --> 00:29:27,079 And so much so that the Bible says that Potiphar didn't even know 531 00:29:27,079 --> 00:29:28,439 what was going to be served on the table. 532 00:29:28,839 --> 00:29:30,839 Everything had been given to Joseph. 533 00:29:31,559 --> 00:29:34,999 The authority, the overseer of everything. 534 00:29:35,159 --> 00:29:40,839 That meant his cattle, his lands, his finances, his food. 535 00:29:41,969 --> 00:29:44,529 Only thing he didn't, he didn't even know what was going to 536 00:29:44,529 --> 00:29:45,329 be on the table. 537 00:29:46,209 --> 00:29:49,649 Now, it does point out that he withheld his wife and Joseph pointed 538 00:29:49,649 --> 00:29:50,129 that out. 539 00:29:51,409 --> 00:29:51,809 Why? 540 00:29:52,689 --> 00:29:57,409 Why would a slave rise to that prominence, by the way? 541 00:29:57,489 --> 00:29:58,929 He would have had to learn the language. 542 00:29:58,929 --> 00:30:01,809 So God blessed him in order that he might learn the language. 543 00:30:02,209 --> 00:30:02,809 He would have. 544 00:30:02,809 --> 00:30:05,169 There would have been so many things a part of this. 545 00:30:07,739 --> 00:30:12,619 He was a man of character, no doubt prompt, no doubt diligent, 546 00:30:13,499 --> 00:30:16,539 no doubt obedient, no doubt reliable. 547 00:30:17,419 --> 00:30:20,299 You'd have to be all those things for a wealthy man to put you 548 00:30:20,299 --> 00:30:22,139 in charge of everything that he has. 549 00:30:22,778 --> 00:30:26,619 And you're a slave, by the way, a young slave. 550 00:30:28,299 --> 00:30:31,539 You imagine putting somebody you know who may be like 21 in charge 551 00:30:31,539 --> 00:30:32,179 of all your stuff. 552 00:30:32,179 --> 00:30:34,409 And you're a multi, multi millionaire here. 553 00:30:34,409 --> 00:30:35,969 No, God's blessing. 554 00:30:35,969 --> 00:30:36,449 Everything you have. 555 00:30:36,449 --> 00:30:36,889 Here you go. 556 00:30:36,889 --> 00:30:37,529 Take all the. 557 00:30:38,329 --> 00:30:38,729 Why? 558 00:30:40,409 --> 00:30:42,089 Because of Joseph's testimony. 559 00:30:43,769 --> 00:30:47,049 It would have been not only the way in which God blessed him, 560 00:30:47,049 --> 00:30:49,849 but God blessed him because he was a man of character. 561 00:30:50,569 --> 00:30:52,489 Because he was a man of character. 562 00:30:52,729 --> 00:30:57,289 Because as he did, as he worked, he was diligent, he was obedient 563 00:30:57,289 --> 00:31:03,799 to his boss, he was reliable, he worked to please his boss. 564 00:31:04,919 --> 00:31:06,999 But more importantly, he worked to please the Lord. 565 00:31:10,919 --> 00:31:17,199 The true basis of character in any person is a relationship with 566 00:31:17,199 --> 00:31:17,879 Jesus Christ. 567 00:31:20,839 --> 00:31:25,799 Again, every prominent survey you find of corporations who are 568 00:31:25,799 --> 00:31:29,629 looking for employees at the top of the list if it's not one, 569 00:31:29,629 --> 00:31:30,469 it's usually two. 570 00:31:30,469 --> 00:31:31,429 Is integrity. 571 00:31:32,949 --> 00:31:36,709 They're looking major corporations and honestly, anyone 572 00:31:36,709 --> 00:31:42,309 who is employing people is looking for people of character. 573 00:31:43,268 --> 00:31:45,589 They want somebody who can run the register, who won't take money 574 00:31:45,589 --> 00:31:46,229 out of it. 575 00:31:46,709 --> 00:31:47,989 They want somebody who will. 576 00:31:48,069 --> 00:31:51,429 Who will give them an hour for pay for an hour. 577 00:31:53,039 --> 00:31:56,639 They want somebody who will come in on time and they want somebody 578 00:31:56,639 --> 00:32:00,079 who will be reliable and won't call and you find. 579 00:32:00,239 --> 00:32:02,639 Call in sick and find out they're at the Rangers game. 580 00:32:07,999 --> 00:32:08,959 I even. 581 00:32:09,599 --> 00:32:10,239 Okay. 582 00:32:12,159 --> 00:32:13,119 You'd be amazed. 583 00:32:15,119 --> 00:32:21,129 Even I have come across this amongst staff. 584 00:32:27,369 --> 00:32:29,009 You mean preachers don't know? 585 00:32:29,009 --> 00:32:31,049 I'm telling you, it's unbelievable sometimes. 586 00:32:31,769 --> 00:32:35,329 I'm just saying in order for him to rise in prominence in that 587 00:32:35,329 --> 00:32:35,609 home. 588 00:32:37,769 --> 00:32:39,769 Yes, it says God gave him favor. 589 00:32:39,849 --> 00:32:41,449 But why did God give him favor? 590 00:32:42,809 --> 00:32:43,929 Because of his character. 591 00:32:46,639 --> 00:32:49,599 Godliness, the Bible says, is profitable in all things. 592 00:32:50,639 --> 00:32:57,639 Can I remind each one of us that we ought to aim with the help 593 00:32:57,639 --> 00:32:58,439 of the Holy Spirit? 594 00:32:58,439 --> 00:32:58,879 Of course. 595 00:32:58,879 --> 00:33:04,079 The power of the Holy Spirit to be people of character, to follow 596 00:33:04,079 --> 00:33:05,439 in the footsteps of Jesus. 597 00:33:06,799 --> 00:33:07,919 We're working for others. 598 00:33:07,919 --> 00:33:11,199 The Bible says, as we work for others, that we ought to do it heartily 599 00:33:11,199 --> 00:33:15,459 as unto the what the Lord and not unto man. 600 00:33:16,739 --> 00:33:21,659 As Joseph did his job as a slave, as Joseph especially, you 601 00:33:21,659 --> 00:33:23,779 got to remember at the beginning, he would have not even 602 00:33:23,779 --> 00:33:24,459 known the language. 603 00:33:24,459 --> 00:33:26,859 And as he's learning the language and he's doing the tasks, 604 00:33:26,859 --> 00:33:31,419 the little tasks that whomever had given him, another servant had 605 00:33:31,419 --> 00:33:31,819 given him. 606 00:33:31,819 --> 00:33:34,979 And then as he did those little tasks, and then as he grew 607 00:33:34,979 --> 00:33:36,459 in prominence, he did the bigger tasks. 608 00:33:36,459 --> 00:33:38,139 We know that the Bible speaks about. 609 00:33:38,139 --> 00:33:41,949 Take care of the little things and God will give you the big things, 610 00:33:44,829 --> 00:33:46,429 the little foxes that spoil the vine. 611 00:33:46,429 --> 00:33:48,589 And there's so many verses we could turn to. 612 00:33:48,669 --> 00:33:49,949 We don't have time tonight. 613 00:33:50,029 --> 00:33:50,949 But just again. 614 00:33:50,949 --> 00:33:53,549 If you are seeking to be. 615 00:33:54,349 --> 00:33:57,029 If you're seeking, and you ought to be, as a Christian, you 616 00:33:57,029 --> 00:33:59,469 ought to be seeking to please the Lord. 617 00:33:59,869 --> 00:34:03,629 And as you please the Lord, he will make your way prosperous. 618 00:34:04,429 --> 00:34:06,429 He will bring about in your life good success. 619 00:34:08,819 --> 00:34:09,579 What does that look like? 620 00:34:09,579 --> 00:34:15,059 Well, it looks like an employee or an employer who has character. 621 00:34:20,499 --> 00:34:22,099 Why are you always arriving late? 622 00:34:25,219 --> 00:34:26,419 That's not character. 623 00:34:28,019 --> 00:34:28,579 Hello. 624 00:34:31,219 --> 00:34:32,899 Why are you taking things on the job? 625 00:34:33,119 --> 00:34:34,639 You know, I could go on and on and on. 626 00:34:35,999 --> 00:34:36,839 It gets quiet. 627 00:34:36,839 --> 00:34:37,599 I'll move on. 628 00:34:39,919 --> 00:34:44,239 Prosperity comes as we walk close to the Lord, as Joseph did. 629 00:34:44,959 --> 00:34:46,559 He believed God put him there. 630 00:34:46,879 --> 00:34:48,039 You believe that about Joseph? 631 00:34:48,039 --> 00:34:48,879 I believe Joseph. 632 00:34:49,199 --> 00:34:52,799 He understood the dreams and he understood that one day he was 633 00:34:52,799 --> 00:34:56,399 going to rule and have authority over his family. 634 00:34:56,479 --> 00:34:59,829 And so that meant that wherever he was at right now, God 635 00:34:59,829 --> 00:35:00,309 had put in there. 636 00:35:00,309 --> 00:35:02,949 Can I say tonight that wherever God's put you, wherever 637 00:35:02,949 --> 00:35:06,309 you're at tonight, God's put you there and so be all there. 638 00:35:07,029 --> 00:35:08,629 I'm pointing to myself too. 639 00:35:08,709 --> 00:35:10,709 Do all things again to the glory of God. 640 00:35:11,909 --> 00:35:16,669 Our testimony at work ought to be that as Joseph's testimony, we 641 00:35:16,669 --> 00:35:20,229 should be valued and people will take notice. 642 00:35:24,309 --> 00:35:25,669 The Lord prospered him. 643 00:35:27,698 --> 00:35:28,178 Joseph. 644 00:35:28,418 --> 00:35:28,938 We see. 645 00:35:28,938 --> 00:35:29,938 And I'm out of time. 646 00:35:32,018 --> 00:35:33,458 We may cover this next time. 647 00:35:34,738 --> 00:35:38,178 Let's just do the application a little more and then we'll cover 648 00:35:38,178 --> 00:35:39,938 the purity part next time. 649 00:35:42,418 --> 00:35:43,618 There is a lot to be said. 650 00:35:43,618 --> 00:35:45,378 Turn to Psalm chapter one. 651 00:35:45,938 --> 00:35:48,098 And we'll use this as our conclusion tonight. 652 00:35:49,378 --> 00:35:50,978 We could also turn to Deuteronomy. 653 00:35:50,978 --> 00:35:54,338 There's several places in which God uses the word prosperous. 654 00:35:54,338 --> 00:35:56,418 Not a lot of places, but several places. 655 00:35:57,319 --> 00:35:58,439 And this is one of the areas. 656 00:35:58,599 --> 00:36:02,639 One of the times in which he uses the word In Psalm Chapter one. 657 00:36:02,639 --> 00:36:04,759 Most of you know this chapter. 658 00:36:05,559 --> 00:36:06,919 We preached it many times. 659 00:36:07,079 --> 00:36:08,199 It's a great chapter. 660 00:36:08,919 --> 00:36:10,679 The Bible says verse number one. 661 00:36:10,679 --> 00:36:13,839 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the 662 00:36:13,839 --> 00:36:14,479 ungodly. 663 00:36:14,479 --> 00:36:16,759 Think about Joseph as you think about these verses. 664 00:36:17,079 --> 00:36:20,839 Nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat 665 00:36:20,839 --> 00:36:21,879 of the scornful. 666 00:36:23,169 --> 00:36:25,089 But his delight is in the law of the Lord. 667 00:36:25,729 --> 00:36:28,289 And his law doth he meditate day and night. 668 00:36:29,729 --> 00:36:31,169 And what's the result of that? 669 00:36:31,489 --> 00:36:34,689 Well, he should be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that 670 00:36:34,689 --> 00:36:36,449 bringeth forth his fruit in his season. 671 00:36:36,689 --> 00:36:38,288 His leaf also shall not wither. 672 00:36:38,288 --> 00:36:40,769 And what whatsoever he doeth will what? 673 00:36:41,729 --> 00:36:42,369 Prosper. 674 00:36:44,209 --> 00:36:45,409 You want to prosper? 675 00:36:49,259 --> 00:36:50,059 Walk with the Lord. 676 00:36:51,339 --> 00:36:52,459 You want to prosper? 677 00:36:56,539 --> 00:36:58,299 Don't take the counsel of the ungodly. 678 00:36:58,619 --> 00:37:00,699 Be careful who you're getting your advice from. 679 00:37:01,099 --> 00:37:02,699 Be careful who you're hanging out with. 680 00:37:03,019 --> 00:37:05,779 We say that to teenagers and young people all the time, but that 681 00:37:05,779 --> 00:37:06,859 applies to us too. 682 00:37:08,619 --> 00:37:10,539 Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 683 00:37:10,699 --> 00:37:15,269 If you're around somebody who's scornful, be careful. 684 00:37:15,509 --> 00:37:16,789 I'd say if you got something. 685 00:37:16,789 --> 00:37:20,189 If you're around somebody who's just scornful again, that has 686 00:37:20,189 --> 00:37:27,469 to do with again, wrong thoughts of God, even heresy as it 687 00:37:27,469 --> 00:37:28,469 pertains to the Lord. 688 00:37:30,469 --> 00:37:32,389 You really shouldn't hang around people like that. 689 00:37:34,389 --> 00:37:35,469 But notice what it says. 690 00:37:35,469 --> 00:37:36,949 Delight in the law of the Lord. 691 00:37:37,989 --> 00:37:42,079 Meditating day and night, chewing the cud chewing the word 692 00:37:42,079 --> 00:37:48,479 of God will prosper. 693 00:37:51,279 --> 00:37:53,599 Why did Joseph prosper? 694 00:37:55,999 --> 00:37:57,279 Because he walked with God. 695 00:37:59,679 --> 00:38:00,959 Because he walked with the Lord. 696 00:38:04,809 --> 00:38:05,849 Are you walking with the Lord? 697 00:38:11,449 --> 00:38:17,689 I do want just one other thing real quick illustration. 698 00:38:17,689 --> 00:38:18,809 And I promise we're done. 699 00:38:21,769 --> 00:38:24,169 A healthy person is less likely to get sick. 700 00:38:26,009 --> 00:38:27,049 Boy, that's just. 701 00:38:27,449 --> 00:38:28,809 That's profound, isn't it? 702 00:38:32,819 --> 00:38:36,259 And it really doesn't matter your age, it concerns that. 703 00:38:36,979 --> 00:38:42,819 But a person who is trying to be healthy, and I'm pointing fingers 704 00:38:42,819 --> 00:38:47,579 at myself, a person who eats right and takes care of themselves 705 00:38:47,579 --> 00:38:55,459 and exercises will be less normally less likely to get sick. 706 00:38:55,459 --> 00:38:55,779 Right? 707 00:38:58,729 --> 00:39:03,089 It's the same thing spiritually as we think about walking 708 00:39:03,089 --> 00:39:05,449 with the Lord and spending time with him. 709 00:39:06,809 --> 00:39:11,049 Spending time in prayer and reading our Bibles, attending church 710 00:39:11,049 --> 00:39:15,609 services like this, attending Sunday school, you know, going to 711 00:39:16,489 --> 00:39:19,209 revival meetings and hear Sam Davison holler at us. 712 00:39:19,209 --> 00:39:19,929 It's awesome. 713 00:39:21,699 --> 00:39:23,939 And allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. 714 00:39:25,299 --> 00:39:27,979 And then during the week, we've spent time with the Lord, reading 715 00:39:27,979 --> 00:39:28,899 our Bibles and praying. 716 00:39:28,899 --> 00:39:32,459 Maybe we're listening to a podcast on the way to work and listening 717 00:39:32,459 --> 00:39:35,779 to Paul Chappell preach or whomever it is you're listening to 718 00:39:36,579 --> 00:39:40,499 on your live stream or your podcast stuff. 719 00:39:43,139 --> 00:39:48,189 You're just feeding yourself good spiritual stuff, being careful 720 00:39:48,189 --> 00:39:53,349 not to, you know, eat too many cupcakes, not to allow yourself too 721 00:39:53,349 --> 00:39:55,869 many chocolate almond bars. 722 00:39:57,789 --> 00:39:58,189 Right. 723 00:39:59,629 --> 00:40:00,509 That's what I mean. 724 00:40:02,029 --> 00:40:07,069 I believe Joseph no doubt lived a healthy life spiritually, 725 00:40:08,909 --> 00:40:13,069 and so when temptation came, he was less likely to give in. 726 00:40:14,659 --> 00:40:15,139 Amen. 727 00:40:16,899 --> 00:40:18,259 Man, what a man of character. 728 00:40:19,059 --> 00:40:21,139 God prospered him because of it. 729 00:40:22,179 --> 00:40:28,619 Young person, you want to live a prosperous life, aim to be a person 730 00:40:28,619 --> 00:40:29,299 of character. 731 00:40:30,419 --> 00:40:32,339 By the way, you can only do that through the Holy Spirit. 732 00:40:32,819 --> 00:40:37,579 And walking with the Lord as we walk with the Lord, he'll make 733 00:40:37,579 --> 00:40:38,499 our way prosperous. 734 00:40:38,499 --> 00:40:40,909 Let's all stand, have a verse invitation tonight. 735 00:40:40,909 --> 00:40:42,109 Hymn 161. 736 00:40:43,469 --> 00:40:48,589 We'll cover the sin next time, the temptation. 737 00:40:50,029 --> 00:40:51,309 I do want to give you some things. 738 00:40:51,309 --> 00:40:53,789 Hopefully that'll help you when it comes to that. 739 00:40:56,109 --> 00:40:59,269 Tonight our song is Softly and tenderly after we pray. 740 00:40:59,269 --> 00:41:01,589 Heavenly Father, we thank you again for the life of Joseph, for 741 00:41:01,589 --> 00:41:03,909 the example that he set for us. 742 00:41:03,909 --> 00:41:10,869 And Lord, may we strive to be people of character and Lord understanding 743 00:41:10,869 --> 00:41:17,229 that to do that we must walk with you, spend time with you, grow 744 00:41:17,229 --> 00:41:20,989 closer to you, and that you will make our way prosperous. 745 00:41:22,029 --> 00:41:25,149 Lord, may we as Christians rely upon your Holy Spirit and the 746 00:41:25,149 --> 00:41:30,349 power that is given to us through him to live the life that 747 00:41:30,349 --> 00:41:31,509 pleases you in Jesus. 748 00:41:31,509 --> 00:41:31,869 Name. 749 00:41:31,949 --> 00:41:32,509 Amen.