NAME: LINDA S.

DEGUILMO
SUBJECT: BIBLICAL PREACHING II
FACILITATOR: PTR. DOMS PACOLOR

TITLE: 5 LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF JOSPEH

READ: GENESIS 37-45

INTRODUCTION

I. JEALOUSY CAN RUIN A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP (GENESIS 37:3-4)

A. Children fighting with one another, even in the best of homes, can be bad enough. But in Jacob’s
household, it turned into very serious siblings’ rivalry. This is because Jacob had favored Joseph more
than any of his other children.

B. Aside from the beautiful coat, the unusual dreams caused his brothers to be more envious of him. Later
on, they literally decided to take his life because of jealousy.

C. The gift of the coat didn’t endear Joseph to his brothers. When his father had given him a beautiful coat
with many colors, his siblings got jealous of him. As a result, they pulled off his fancy coat and threw
him into the cistern. You see how jealousy wrecks even a close family relationship.

D. Interestingly, although his coat had been taken off from him, he was able to keep up his character and
integrity. He may not be wearing a beautiful coat as a slave but his character stood out among other
slaves in Egypt.

E. Instead of fancy clothes and outward appearance, there is no doubt character is the best opportunity to
gain respect and trust from others.

II. BE A DILIGENT, PRODUCTIVE WORKER (GENESIS 39:1-6 NIV)

A. Joseph was a diligent young man. At seventeen, he was tending the flocks with his brothers. When he
was taken to Egypt as a slave, he worked hard in Potiphar’s house. Joseph was able to make sure he was
doing his best, especially in managing the food crisis in Egypt.

B. The message is quite simple: always do your best in the workplace. Paul reminded us to always give
ourselves fully to the work of the Lord because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain
(1Corinthians 15:58).

III. GOD’S PROTECTION IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE (GENESIS 39:7-10 NIV)

A. Joseph was cast into the cistern by his jealous brothers and eventually sold him to traders as a slave.
 B. Later on, he was being accused of raping Potiphar’s wife and was imprisoned. In the midst of dangers
and adversities, God protected him because of his faithfulness.

C. He may not see the overall picture of God’s plan in his life, yet he remained faithful to God instead of
complaining and embracing the culture of the people of Egypt. In return, the Lord had protected him.

D. Joseph was handsome, intelligent, shrewd – a born leader. No wonder Potiphar’s wife became infatuated
and tried to seduce him.

E. The Bible says she caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in
her hand and ran out of the house (Genesis 39:12). Do you ever feel like you’ll never overcome sin and
temptation in your life? Do not worry because God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond
what you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

IV. BLESSED TO BE A BLESSINGS (GENESIS 41:41-44 NIV)

A. Whilst in prison Joseph used his power to interpret the dreams of prison officials, and when the Pharaoh
had two disturbing dreams Joseph was called to interpret them.

B. According to Joseph's interpretation, there were to be seven years of plenty in Egypt, followed by seven
years of famine. Joseph was able to advise the Pharaoh on how to prepare for the famine and as a result
gained the favor of the Pharaoh who promoted him to Prime Minister.

C. Joseph’s promotion brought him bigger roles and responsibilities. Because of his unquestionable
character and wisdom, Joseph was able to save two nations from starvation, Israel and Egypt.

D. Success does not happen overnight. Promotion and true prosperity will come through hard work and
being fair in all of your dealings.

E. Just like Joseph, you need to be more diligent and pursue a relationship with God first to bless you in the
workplace.

V. HE CHOSE FORGIVENESS OVER RESENTMENT (GENESIS 45:1-20 NIV)

A. By the time Joseph met his brothers in Egypt, he was now a leader and they didn’t recognize him.
Joseph’s dreams became a reality when his brothers did indeed bow down to him in respect. (Genesis
37:5-8 NIV)

B. This would have been a perfect opportunity to take revenge but he didn’t do it. Instead, he returned the
money to his brothers and gave grain for free to the men who sold him.

C. It’s not easy to forgive because of the horrible that things they have done to Joseph. Although he may
now how the opportunity to take revenge as a governor of Egypt, he chose forgiveness over resentment
and anger.

CONCLUSION

The harsh reality of life can sometimes knock us down. But the life of Joseph demonstrates God’s ability to
transform underserved adversities into a positive result.
God is in control even when you think your world is out of control. As you continue to fulfill God’s plan for
your life, remember these five lessons learned.

I. JEALOUSY CAN RUIN A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP

II. BE A DILIGENT, PRODUCTIVE WORKER

III. GOD’S PROTECTION IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE

IV. BLESSED TO BE A BLESSINGS

V. HE CHOSE FORGIVENESS OVER RESENTMENT

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for the life of Joseph that teach us how to be humble and faithful in the midst of problem
and trials in life. In Jesus name, Amen.