Woodville Baptist Church
Sunday Night Dec.14

      • Proverbs 10:19NLT

      • Acts 1:8ESV

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  • Come, Ye Thankful
  • Count Your Blessings
  • Blessed Assurance
  • Genesis 37:2–4 (NLT)
    2 This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing.
    3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe.
    4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.
    Genesis 37:28 (NLT)
    28 So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.
    INTRODUCTION:
    Have you ever asked yourself the question, can I really make a difference? The story of Joseph answers that question with an emphatic yes!
    The story of Joseph begins when he is only 17 years of age. That’s the same age as some of you here today. God began to reveal to Joseph, in veiled ways, that he had a special plan for Joseph’s life. The skepticism of his family would ultimately be shown to be incorrect. For ultimately Joseph would be elevated to the position of second in command in the land of Egypt.
    The ultimate goal took many years to accomplish. But along the way, the Lord took Joseph through the school of hard knocks. God has plans for your life. Just like with Joseph, the road may contain many potholes and hard knocks. If you follow the pathway that Joseph chose, God will do amazing things in and through you.
    There are four principles that I want to share with you this morning that will open the door for God to do amazing things in and through your life. I hope that you will jot these principles down and commit them to memory. When life does not seem to be going your way and you encounter one obstacle after another, I pray that God will remind you of these principles.

    I- ADVERSITY SOMETIMES COMES AT TIMES OF GREAT PROMISE. (GENESIS 37:1-11)

    Genesis 37:1–11 NLT
    1 So Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan, where his father had lived as a foreigner. 2 This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. 3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him. 5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” 8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them. 9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” 10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.

    A- Joseph seemed to have all circumstances going his way. (Genesis 37:1-2)

    Genesis 37:1–2 NLT
    1 So Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan, where his father had lived as a foreigner. 2 This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing.
    1- His family was settled in the land of promise.
    2- Joseph seemingly had his work-life in order.
    3- Joseph had the loving support of his father.

    B- Joseph began to experience adversity when everything else is going right. (Genesis 37:3-4)

    Genesis 37:3–4 NLT
    3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.
    1- Joseph began to have problems even though he was doing right.
    C- Adversity came in-spite-of big dreams. (Genesis 37:5-11)
    Genesis 37:5–11 NLT
    5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” 8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them. 9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” 10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 11 But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.
    Adversity comes because Satan wants to make us give up. (1 Pet 5:8–10)
    1 Peter 5:8–10 NLT
    8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
    Key Truth:
    Adversity often comes when when we are experiencing great blessing!

    II. ADVERSITY DOESN’T HAVE TO DESTROY YOU. (Genesis 39:1-3)

    Genesis 39:1–3 (NLT)
    1 When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
    2 The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.
    3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.

    A- Joseph understood what it means to endure life’s hard knocks.

    Joseph was betrayed by his own family. (Genesis 37:24-28)
    Genesis 37:24–28 NLT
    24 Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it. 25 Then, just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of camels in the distance coming toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders taking a load of gum, balm, and aromatic resin from Gilead down to Egypt. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? We’d have to cover up the crime. 27 Instead of hurting him, let’s sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed. 28 So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.
    Joseph was sold into slavery in a land where he knew no one. (Genesis 39:1)
    Genesis 39:1 NLT
    1 When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
    Joseph was falsely accused of attempted rape and put in an Egyptian prison. (Genesis 39:6-7, 14-18, 19-20)
    Genesis 39:19–20 NLT
    19 Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her. 20 So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained.
    Joseph was forgotten by those that he provided help to in prison. (Genesis 40:18-23)
    Genesis 40:18–23 NLT
    18 “This is what the dream means,” Joseph told him. “The three baskets also represent three days. 19 Three days from now Pharaoh will lift you up and impale your body on a pole. Then birds will come and peck away at your flesh.” 20 Pharaoh’s birthday came three days later, and he prepared a banquet for all his officials and staff. He summoned his chief cup-bearer and chief baker to join the other officials. 21 He then restored the chief cup-bearer to his former position, so he could again hand Pharaoh his cup. 22 But Pharaoh impaled the chief baker, just as Joseph had predicted when he interpreted his dream. 23 Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.
    In spite of all of these extreme obstacles, Joseph did not allow the hard knocks to destroy him.
    (James 1:2–4)
    James 1:2–4 NLT
    2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

    III. THE KEY TO HANDLING ADVERSITY IS DEVELOPING YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST. (Genesis 39:19-21)

    Genesis 39:19–21 NLT
    19 Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her. 20 So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.
    A- Joseph discovered and drew close to a faithful friend while enduring great difficulties in his life.
    1- Genesis 39:21 gives us the key to how Joseph endured these trials.
    a. The text says “but God was with Joseph in prison and showed him his faithful love.”
    “Faithful Love”(vs. 21) Translates the Hebrew word, checed (חֶסֶד, 2617), “loving-kindness; steadfast love; grace; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; devotion.” This word is used 240 times in the Old Testament, and is especially frequent in the Psalms. The term is one of the most important in the vocabulary of Old Testament theology and ethics.
    The Septuagint nearly always renders checed with eleos (“mercy”), and that usage is reflected in the New Testament. Modern translations, in contrast, generally prefer renditions close to the word “grace.” kjv usually has “mercy,” although “loving-kindness” (following Coverdale), “favor,” and other translations also occur. rsv generally prefers “steadfast love.” niv often offers simply “love.”
    In general, one may identify three basic meanings of the word, which always interact: “strength,” “steadfastness,” and “love.” Any understanding of the word that fails to suggest all three inevitably loses some of its richness. “Love” by itself easily becomes sentimentalized or universalized apart from the covenant. Yet “strength” or “steadfastness” suggests only the fulfillment of a legal or other obligation.
    The word refers primarily to mutual and reciprocal rights and obligations between the parties of a relationship (especially Yahweh and Israel). But checed is not only a matter of obligation; it is also of generosity. It is not only a matter of loyalty, but also of mercy. The weaker party seeks the protection and blessing of the patron and protector, but he may not lay absolute claim to it. The stronger party remains committed to his promise, but retains his freedom, especially with regard to the manner in which he will implement those promises. Checed (חֶסֶד)implies personal involvement and commitment in a relationship beyond the rule of law.
    b. In essence, this passage tells us that Joseph engaged in a personal relationship with the living God.
    2- The key to going through life’s hard knocks is to remain focused on the pursuit of an personal, intimate relationship with God.
    (John 15:4–5)
    John 15:4–5 NLT
    4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

    IV. REMAIN CONSISTENT IN PURSUING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. (Genesis 41:37-43)

    Genesis 41:37–43 (NLT)
    37 Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials.
    38 So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?”
    39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are.
    40 You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”
    41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.”
    42 Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck.
    43 Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went, the command was shouted, “Kneel down!” So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt.
    A- Joseph came to understand that the most important thing that he could do in all circumstances (good or bad) is to remain committed to a growing relationship with his God.
    1- He committed himself to pursuing his relationship with the Lord even after his circumstances changed.
    a. To forsake following God and begin to rely on self when things are going well is to court disaster. (Matt 7:24–27)
    Matthew 7:24–27 NLT
    24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
    b. It is important to realize that the only one who can control our circumstances and provide guidance for our lives is the Lord. (Ps 32:8)
    Psalm 32:8 NLT
    8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

    V. KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD’S DIRECTION OF YOUR LIFE FOR HIS PURPOSES. (Genesis 50:19-21).

    Genesis 50:19–21 NLT
    19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.
    A- Joseph understood that God had directed his life in the good times and the bad times.
    1- In Genesis 50:20, Joseph vocalizes the principle that had guided his life to this point.
    a. While his brothers definitely intended to harm him in their betrayal, God had a good plan for Joseph’s life.
    2- It is important to remember that people will sometimes try to harm you and the circumstances of life will not always be positive.
    a. In spite of our circumstances, God will always accomplish his will for our lives. God is in charge, not man.
    In stead of fretting over the adversity, talk to God and trust Him. (Phil 4:6–7)
    Philippians 4:6–7 NLT
    6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
    Conclusion:
    At this time in your life, you’re making many decisions that will affect the rest of your life. I believe that God has an amazing plan for each one of you. In the process of that plan working out in your life, there will inevitably be obstacles, potholes and hard knocks. I want to encourage you to keep these four principles in mind and use them to guide your decisions.
    I- ADVERSITY SOMETIMES COMES AT TIMES OF GREAT PROMISE.
    II. ADVERSITY DOESN’T HAVE TO DESTROY YOU.
    III. THE KEY TO HANDLING ADVERSITY IS DEVELOPING YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST.
    IV. REMAIN CONSISTENT IN PURSUING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
    V. KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD’S DIRECTION OF YOUR LIFE FOR HIS PURPOSES.

      • Genesis 37:1–11NLT

      • Genesis 37:1–11NLT

      • Genesis 37:1–2NLT

      • Genesis 37:1–2NLT

      • Genesis 37:3–4NLT

      • Genesis 37:3–4NLT

      • Genesis 37:5–11NLT

      • 1 Peter 5:8–10NLT

      • Genesis 39:1–3NLT

      • Genesis 37:24–28NLT

      • Genesis 39:1NLT

      • Genesis 39:19–20NLT

      • Genesis 40:18–23NLT

      • James 1:2–4NLT

      • Genesis 39:19–21NLT

      • Genesis 39:19–21NLT

      • John 15:4–5NLT

      • Genesis 41:37–43NLT

      • Matthew 7:24–27NLT

      • Psalm 32:8NLT

      • Genesis 50:19–21NLT

      • Genesis 50:19–21NLT

      • Philippians 4:6–7NLT

Woodville Baptist Church
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(601) 888-3613
http://www.woodvillebaptistchurch.net
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