David Murphy
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Preparation is Power
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September 22, 2024
Genesis 37:2- 4 NIV ...Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
THE TEST OF PRIDE.
Genesis 39:1-6 NIV Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did…Now Joseph was well-built and handsome…
Genesis 39:9 ...How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
THE TEST OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Genesis 39:20-21 NIV ...But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
THE TEST OF FAITHFULNESS.
Genesis 40:23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
THE TEST OF DISAPPOINTMENT.
Genesis 41
41:16 “...God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
41: 25 “...God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do”
41: 28 “...God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do”
41: 32 “...the matter has been firmly decided by God and God will do it..”
Genesis 45:3-8 NIV Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence..."I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you… But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God...
Genesis 50:19-20 NASB But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.
THE TEST OF REVENGE
Application-
1. Embrace each season and life event as valuable preparation for the future.
2. You can triumph over sexual temptation and honor God-
3. Demonstrating faithfulness in your personal and professional life, even amidst obstacles, showcases godly character.
4. How I handle disappointment, whether from others or myself, impacts my effectiveness.
5. Trusting in God's sovereignty as your foundation can foster a positive attitude to life.
Romans 8:28 NKJV- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...