The Four Coats Of Joseph

Intro: The Book of Genesis records Joseph as the 11th of Jacob's 12 sons. He is Rachel's firstborn. He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, yet became the 2nd most powerful ruler of Egypt. When famine struck Israel, he brought the whole tribe of Jacob down to Egypt which settled in Goshen. Joseph had four coats which illustrated situations and positions in life that he had experienced.

1. The Coat of a Son (Gen. 37:2-4, 23)

A. Given by his Father – Jacob.

B. While wearing it, Joseph had special treatment.

C. He developed Character.

2. The Coat of Servant (Gen. 39:5-6, 11-18)

A. Given by his Master – Potiphar.

B. While wearing it, his master had prosperity.

C. He demonstrated Consecration.

3. The Coat of a Sufferer (Gen. 39:21-23, 41:11-14)

A. Given by his Keeper – the Warden.

B. While wearing it, Joseph prospered thru adversity.

C. He displayed Consideration.

4. The Coat of a Sovereign (Gen. 41:38-42; 50:24-26)

A. Given by his Ruler – Pharaoh.

B. While wearing it, Joseph had the power to do well.

C. He devised Coordination.

Conclusion: What do Joseph’s four coats teach us?

A. God will never forsake us (Gen 39:2, 21, 23).

B. God has a good plan and a purpose for our life.

C. God puts His children in situations and positions where we will need to completely trust in Him.

D. God teaches us lessons in times of adversity that we would not have learned in times of prosperity.

E. God prepares us in the present time so that we could be a blessing to our fellowmen in the future.