“God Speaks in Solitude: Joseph” (part 4) Genesis 37:2-11,23-28
Ol Old
<< “… my bundle stood up, and your bundles… bowed low before mine!” “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” >>
<< “… the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by…” “And the traders took him to Egypt.” >>
1) Where was Joseph in solitude? • In his coat – favoritism set him apart.
1) Where was Joseph in solitude? • In a pit – he was left to die.
1) Where was Joseph in solitude? • In his heart – betrayed by his brothers.
1) Where was Joseph in solitude? • In a slave caravan – to be sold in Egypt.
2) Why was Joseph in solitude? Because… • His father favored him.
2) Why was Joseph in solitude? Because… • He reported his brothers’ poor work habits.
2) Why was Joseph in solitude? Because… • God set Joseph apart by giving revelation dreams only to him.
2) Why was Joseph in solitude? Because… • Joseph unwisely shared those dreams with his family.
2) Why was Joseph in solitude? Because… • His brothers rejected and betrayed Joseph out of hatred and jealousy.
3) What did God do in Joseph’s solitude? • God seemed silent and unconcerned.
3) What did God do in Joseph’s solitude? • In actuality, God was at work. o God would make Joseph the second in command in Egypt.
3) What did God do in Joseph’s solitude? • In actuality, God was at work. o Joseph would save Egypt from famine.
3) What did God do in Joseph’s solitude? • In actuality, God was at work. o Joseph would save his brothers and father from famine.
3) What did God do in Joseph’s solitude? • In actuality, God was at work. o God’s people from Jacob’s family, would prosper and grow in Egypt.
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Family and faith. Families can encourage or discourage us in our faith.
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Family and faith. Families can encourage or discourage us in our faith. o Am I willing to follow Jesus with or apart from my family? o Am I a parent who seeks to show Jesus to my children?
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Secrecy – a forgotten spiritual discipline. o Secrecy knows the time and the people to whom to speak. James 1:19
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Secrecy – a forgotten spiritual discipline. o Am I discerning about whom I speak to and what I say?
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Endurance – some situations must be endured in order for us to reap the fruit.
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Endurance – some situations must be endured in order for us to reap the fruit. o What circumstances make it just too difficult to proclaim that “God is good”?
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Providence. Romans 8:28; John 11:25
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
4) Application: The story speaks to us about… • Providence. o Do I believe God can only do good in my life, no matter the situation?
“God Speaks in Solitude: Joseph” (part 4) Genesis 37:2-11,23-28
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