S.R.  Genesis 39:1-10

Introduction

  1. Joseph: a Type of Jesus.
    1. Joseph and Christ are both objects of special love by their Fathers, both are hated by their brethren, both are rejected as rulers over their brethren, both are conspired against and sold for silver, both are condemned though innocent, and both are raised from humiliation to glory by the power of God.
  2. Joseph also demonstrates for us what “godliness” looks like in action
    1. Godliness – definition is not “being like God”
    2. Godliness  (Gk. eusebia) “reverence or respect”  “denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well pleasing to Him.” (Vine’s Expos
    3. “The piety toward God and the proper conduct that springs from a right relationship with Him.”  (New International Dictionary of the Bible)
    4. God awareness and desire to please Him.  Constant consciousness (Micah 6:8)
    5. Pleasing the Father is what godliness is about (Heb. 10:7)
  3. Joseph demonstrates the concept of godliness in action.  The godly man...:


Outline

  1. Thinks of God in Time of Temptation (Gen. 39:7-10)
    1. Temptation must have been tremendous – commit adultery
      1.  Far from home
      2. Far from anyone who cares
      3. Everyone is doing it He is not just anyone in Egypt
      4. She was his superior – it has been his job to please her, but some actions are off limits.
      5. She tries to break down his resistance  (vs. 10)
    2.  What enabled him to resist this tremendous temptation? Awareness of God
    3. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8  name of God or Lord as we read – sanctification honor
      1. Calls us to holiness.
      2. Think of God in times of temptation. 
  2. Thinks of God in Times of Personal Praise (Genesis 41:14-16)
    1. Background: Butler and Baker (Cupbearer) – in prison
    2. Cupbearer finally remembers Joseph two years later when Pharaoh has a dream
    3. Joseph interprets the dream and makes wise recommendations.
    4. Joseph thinks of God. God is able to give Pharaoh an answer 
    5. Whatever we are able to accomplish in the service of God is because of His power not our own.  God should receive the glory.
      1. Luke 5:1-10  hidden message
    6. Romans 12:6-8 “according to the grace given…”
    7. 1 Cor. 4:7-8 if you are good at something that glorifies God It was a gift that you received from Him.
    8. 1 Peter 4:10-11  “...Ability which God supplies"
    9. Joseph is aware it was not himself, but it was God’s power working in Him.
  3. Thinks of God in time of Affliction (Trouble – Pain, Hard Times) (45:3-8)
    1. Famine is severe – affects Canaan and Joseph’s family – they are hungry.                     
    2. God sent me before you to save your lives (Gen. 45:3-8)
    3. Rather than resentment and retaliation Joseph sees God’s hand in:
    4. None of the above were good or right, but God was working
    5. We all know a little bit about troubles.  God is the one who brings us through.
    6. Mark 6:45-48 Jesus knows and Jesus cares
    7. 2 Cor. 12:7-10 Read
    8. How long – cry of God’s people throughout time (Psalm 13:1-3)
  4. Thinks of God in time of Death (Gen. 50:24-26)
    1. Joseph is aware of the promises of God  (Hebrews 11:22)
    2. The only victory over death is the one accomplished by a resurrected Jesus.
      1. Hebrews 2:14-15
      2. 1 Cor. 15:12-20;56-58
  5. Godly man thinks of God in time of Temptation, Praise, Affliction and Death.
    1. God is thinking about you and keenly aware of you, whether or not you are aware of Him.
    2. 1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."
    3. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."