A. INTRODUCTION: WHAT GOD’S FAVOR IS NOT
1. Even in prison. “The Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor” (Genesis 39:21).
2. Joseph’s road down:
a. Joseph’s favored status with his father. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children” (Genesis 37:3). Favoritism always is wrong.
b. Joseph snitched on brothers. “Joseph brought a bad report of them (his brothers) to his father” (37:2).
c. Jealousy. “Made him (Joseph) a coat of many colors” (39:3).
d. Joseph brags on dreams. “My sheath arose … your sheaves … bowed down” (37:7, NKJV).
e. Again brags on dream. “The sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me” (37:9, NKJV).
f. “They conspired against him to kill him” but “cast him into some pit” (37:18, 20, NKJV).
g. “Sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels” (37:28, NKJV).
h. Slave in Potiphar’s house lie told by Potiphar’s wife against Joseph (39:1-26), thrown in prison (39:20).
i. Interpreted dreams for butler and baker, but butler forgot about him. “Remember me … make mention of me to Pharaoh” (40:14). “Did not remember, but forgot him” (40:23, NKJV).
B. WHAT “GOD’S FAVOR” MEANT
1. God’s presence. “The Lord was with Joseph ... in the house of his master” (39:2, NKJV).
2. God blessed others because of Joseph. “The Lord blessed the Egyptians’ house for Joseph’s sake” (39:5, NKJV).
3. “The Lord was with Joseph … and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (39:21, NKJV). God’s favor in worst time and conditions.
4. God’s favor does not mean:
a. Material wealth.
b. Praise of men.
c. Luxury and possessions.
d. Comfort or ease.
5. Hard times and trials do not mean loss of God’s favor.
6. God’s favor means His presence, His guidance, His work through you, and your inner strength.
C. WHAT DO YOU WANT WRITTEN ON YOUR TOMBSTONE OR EPITAPH?
1. Won the prize.
2. Made millions.
3. Made it to the top.
4. Made a difference in the lives of friends.
5. Raised godly children.
6. Walked with God.
7. Enjoyed God’s presence.
8. Was led by the Holy Spirit.
D. LISTEN TO BLESSING OF JOSEPH BY MOSES: DEUTERONOMY 33:13-17, ELT
“May the Lord bless Joseph with the dew of heaven, and the rain to water his crops, and the sun to give him a bountiful harvest, with the best fruit from the eternal hills. May God favor him with His presence, like the presence I (Moses) experienced at the burning bush. May peace and joy rest on his head and may his crown be the respect given to his children.”
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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