Genesis 40:16-23. Joseph, God Builds a Man (Part 4). Have you ever wondered, “Why does God allow evil and suffering?” The incredible account of Joseph, a Prefigure of King Jesus, reveals how God builds men and women through difficulties and disappointments. After a moment of hope, Joseph is forgotten by the Chief Butler and remains in prison for two more years! Although Joseph’s trial is substantial, it does not diminish God’s faithfulness in his life or your life today. Pastor David’s sermon from Genesis 40:16-23. Joseph, God Builds a Man (Part 4), is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereign work being accomplished even in the darkest moments of life!
CHIEF BAKER and the BUTLER / CUPBEARER are sent to prison
God is using Joseph’s life as a PROPHETIC FORESHADOW OF JESUS
“No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.”
‘When He (Jesus) ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. Now this, “He ascended”, what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.’
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient.”
God is using Joseph’s life as a prophetic foreshadow of Jesus Joseph – a prophetic prefigure of King Jesus
1) The beloved son, sent to Israel’s tribes by the father on a mission of love.
2) Rejected by his own brethren (Tribes of Israel)
3) His tunic taken by the captors
4) Beaten and left for dead
5) Sold to gentiles for a few pieces of silver (the price of a slave)
6) Falsely accused and arrested (Potiphar)
7) Preached to the spirits in prison (Eph 4:8-10, 1Pet 3:18-19) (to one a message of Salvation, to one a message of judgment)
8) Savior of the world
God can appear to be ABSENT or CRUEL at times
“You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments. Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good, and (You) do good. Teach me Your statutes.”
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY, FAITHFULNESS, & GOODNESS ARE NEVER DIMINISHED even when gross injustice seems to prevail
“Trials may be viewed from two standpoints, and it will make all the difference to our spiritual life and peace which of these two points of view we take.
From the human side Joseph’s suffering was due to injustice on the part of Potiphar, and ingratitude on the part of the butler.
From the Divine side these years were permitted for the purpose of training and preparing Joseph for the great work that God lay before him.
If we look only at the human side of trial we shall become discouraged, irritated and angered, but as we turn to look at it from the Divine side we shall see God in everything and all things working together for our good.”
– Griffith Thomas
“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”
Joseph – a prophetic prefigure of King Jesus
1) The beloved son, sent to Israel’s tribes by the father on a mission of love.
2) Rejected by his own brethren (Tribes of Israel)
3) His tunic taken by the captors
4) Beaten and left for dead
5) Sold to gentiles for a few pieces of silver (the price of a slave)
6) Falsely accused and arrested (Potiphar)
7) Preached to the spirits in prison (Eph 4:8-10, 1Pet 3:18-19) (to one a message of Salvation, to one a message of judgment)
8) Savior of the world
9) Began his public ministry at 30 years of age
10) An alleged criminal instantly Raised to power, and seated at the right hand
11) Known as: God Speaks and saves lives
12) Espoused to a Gentile Bride
13) Lord of the present harvest, Lord of the coming 7yr Tribulation
14) Every knee must bow (Gen 41:43, Phil 2:10)
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