Gen
37:3 – 11
Joseph
was just 17yrs old when he began having prophetic dreams concerning his brothers
and family. His father, Jacob,
favored him because he was his youngest and he was the son of his favorite
wife. This caused envy in his
brothers.
Because of his immaturity he did not use wisdom in presenting the dreams
he had. He truly had a gift from
God, but did not have training or experience.
When we are first called or first begin working in the gifts of the spirit we must ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) in how to use the gifts He gives.
Gen
37:12 – 14
Joseph’s
brothers were shepherds and they went to take care of their flocks in
Shechem. Jacob sent Joseph to check
on his brothers. The brothers had
left Shechem and went to
Gen
37:18 – 28
The brothers saw Joseph coming and devised evil against him. When people see the gifts you have and the favor you have with God they may attempt to do you harm. Insecure people do not like those who are confident. They take them as a threat. In reality if God has a job for you no one can stand in your way except you.
Gen
39:1 - 6
Joseph served God and was shown favor because he was faithful to God. His master took notice and everything he did was prosperous. When you are serving God and walking in the ways of God man will notice. God will grant you favor. He will also prosper whoever you are under if you honor God by honoring them.
Gen
39:7 – 9
Satan also takes notice when we walk in holiness and obedience to God. He will attempt to set traps for us. If we stand firm, with God’s help, we can withstand the temptations. Notice, Joseph did not say “I can’t do this against you or your husband”, but “I can not sin against God”. Yes, when you sin it hurts others and hurts you, more importantly, it hurts God. God notices and knows all of your sin and is hurt by it. He is a loving Father and like a father is hurt when His children disobey Him.
Gen
39:10 – 12
When Potipher’s wife trapped Joseph and tried to pin him down he fled. When the enemy throws temptation at you FLEE! Run, get out of there, fast!
Gen
39;13 – 23
Sometimes, even when we do what is right, we suffer. Even in Joseph’s suffering God showed him favor. You may ask “Why did God let him suffer at all?” There was something in Joseph that God wanted to change and there were those in prison that God wanted to use Joseph to minister to. When we are going through trials we can’t always see God’s plan. God doesn’t allow things to happen without His hand being in it or using it for His glory.
Gen
40
Joseph interpreted the dreams of the chief butler and the chief baker. One favorably and one not. Joseph made one mistake. He asked the chief butler to remember him. In doing this he was putting his plan before God’s. He took things into his own hands. Because of this God allowed him to stay in prison 2 more yrs. Sometimes we can make the mistake of running ahead of God’s plans by trying to make things happen on our own.
Gen 41
When we wait for God's timing we will be rewarded with success. Joseph was eventually called to interpret a dream for the Pharoah. When he did this he was made governor of all Egypt and held in a place of honor.
Gen 42-45
Joseph endured hardships for many years because of his brothers, but he still forgave. He recognized God's hand in every area of his life, good or bad. This is the most important lesson we can learn. Forgiveness is number one in our relationship with God. If we can't forgive, God in turn is unable to forgive us.