Hero Series – “Joseph” Message Notes – Pastor Tracy Boyd
Hero’s: Joseph- From the Pit to the Palace
Sunday September 25, 2011- P. Tracy Boyd
What makes a hero in the Word of God? Men and women who against the odds, against every barrier possible persevered in their faith towards God to not only obtain great things in this life but make an impact on people in their life time.
A true biblical hero is someone who will make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others
Gen 37:3-11
o Jacob favored his youngest son which produced jealousy. Parents should never show favoritism
o Wore a coat of many colors; this particular coat was different than what all the workers wore. This was long with long sleeves reserved for royalty.
o The dreams- this would be the anchor that would hold Joseph through the trials a head.
o Should never have opened his mouth
o The pit
o The brothers’ jealousy was so deep they actually ate together while Joseph was probably pleading for his life.
Genesis 39:1-20
God was with Joseph-Joseph was a successful man- When God is with you, you are successful-no matter what!
o Even on the slave block-naked and being sold- God said he was successful!
o How our dreams/words from God are tested when everything around us looks the opposite
o Potiphar- a heathen- acknowledged that God was with Joseph: every thing he touched succeeded. But also Potiphar must have seen some supernatural things that made him acknowledge God
o Look at the pattern
o Genesis 39: 3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. God was with Joseph
o 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Joseph was adaptable and faithful did not complain even though he never did this job before! He depended on God
o Genesis 39:5-6 “Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. 5 So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had in the house and in the field. 6 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Joseph was a trusted leader
o Genesis 39:9 “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Always acknowledged God
o Joseph’s integrity: refused to dishonor God or his boss! She repeatedly went after him! She was trying to wear him down!
o Joseph’s character: God was with him, he was adaptable, faithful, a trusted leader who always acknowledged God.
Genesis 39:20-23
o Plenty opportunity to complain!
o The dreams kept him going
o Even in the pit God was with him and he was successful, adaptable, faithful, a leader who acknowledged God.
o Continued to acknowledge God when asked to interpret dream
Main points:
1. We can be successful in every stage of our life because God is with us. John 14: 16-18
o Many times we miss out on the success right in front of us because we are looking at a dream yet unfulfilled
2. We will be a victim or a victor
3. We keep our eyes on His Word (His promises, those dreams He has spoken to us) and be adaptable, faithful, trusted, always acknowledging God.
o It takes perseverance to obtain big things from God: through faith and patience we obtain
Hebrews 6:12
but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
4. We trust His Favor to be seen
o Faith with out works is dead (James 2:20): His actions of not complaining, being faithful to give his best, being honorable, acknowledging God was a reflection of the faith in his heart.
o He didn’t have to go to the pit to fulfill the dream and providence of God. So many times people will say well it was God’s will for Joseph to go to the pit because that was the only way for Pharaoh to have access to him
Main Point: God is with you! You are successful even if you are in a pit situation!
If you weren’t able to be at service this morning, you can watch the message below:
09/25/11 Joseph – Pastor Tracy from Life Christian Naples Campus on Vimeo.
