Series Introduction:

Last week, we turned our focus to Joseph, a young man filled with dreams that God had placed in his heart, who was cruelly and abruptly thrust into slavery by his own brothers. However, we must remember that Joseph's journey is not only about the hardships he endured but the transformation that occurred within his heart and character. God, in His divine wisdom, used the trials and blessings of everyday life to mold Joseph into the person He intended him to be, and He does the same for us.

Just as in Joseph's case, God takes the blessings and trials of everyday life to refine our character. He chips away at the sin within us, be it pride, arrogance, or any other ungodly trait. As we journey through life, the fires of trials are often the crucible through which God purifies our hearts, making us vessels fit for His use.

Scripture Reading: 

Genesis 39:1-23

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, thankful for the opportunity to gather in your presence and delve into the inspiring story of Joseph. We recognize, Lord, that just as you shaped Joseph through trials and blessings, you are continually molding us into the individuals you intended us to be. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we explore the lessons of Joseph's life, and we pray that the insights we gain will strengthen our faith and help us in our own journeys. May your Holy Spirit be our teacher and guide throughout this sermon. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

Every one of us has been called by God for a specific purpose and work. Whether we toil in a factory, an office, a hospital, a home, or any other field, God uses the experiences of life to equip us with the qualities and abilities needed to fulfill His divine calling. Just as Joseph was prepared to save Egypt and Israel, we, too, are being shaped for our unique mission in this world.

Through the blessings and trials of everyday life, God instills in us the most vital lesson of all – to trust in Him. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome :

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28. 

From Slavery to Success (Genesis 39:1-6)

Joseph's life had taken a dramatic turn when he was sold as a slave by his own brothers. Imagine the emotional turmoil he must have endured: heartbroken due to separation from his father, grief-stricken by the hatred of his own flesh and blood, crushed by the sudden turn of events, and utterly devastated in the unfamiliar and harsh world of Egypt. It was in this dire situation that Joseph did something remarkable. He turned to God. He sought the Lord's help and strength, and the Scriptures tell us that the LORD was with Joseph, meeting his needs.

However, Joseph did not merely rely on prayer, he also exemplified hard work. In his newfound role as a slave, he dedicated himself to his tasks, worked diligently, and the Lord blessed his work. The more Joseph toiled, the more God prospered him. This commitment and work ethic caught the eye of Potiphar, his master, who recognized that there was something extraordinary about Joseph.

Potiphar noticed that Joseph had a close relationship with the LORD. He saw that Joseph's faith in God was not just for show, but it played an integral part in his daily life and work. Joseph's faith in God was evident through his character, conduct, and service. This served as a testimony to Potiphar and the members of Potiphar's house. 

Potiphar was also able to recognize and appreciate Joseph's ability to make even the most challenging tasks flourish under his care. This was not just a coincidence, but it was a clear demonstration of God's hand of favor and blessing in his life. Joseph's hard work and unwavering dedication to his tasks were a testament to his faith in God, and it provided a perfect opportunity for the Lord to bless and prosper him in all his undertakings. Joseph's work was a reflection of his character and integrity. He worked with excellence, passion, and commitment, and this made him stand out from everyone else.  

Potiphar recognized Joseph's outstanding qualities and appointed him as the supervisor of all his affairs. Despite being a slave, Joseph was given a remarkable position of authority in Potiphar's house. Everything under Joseph's supervision flourished, and Potiphar was blessed because of Joseph's faithfulness and diligent work. This account should remind us of the influence we can have on those around us when we walk faithfully with the Lord and work diligently. 

As we face our own trials and tribulations, we can learn from the example of Joseph. Firstly, it's essential to cast ourselves upon the Lord during times of trouble, trusting Him to strengthen and help us through every circumstance. We should surrender our fears and anxieties to Him, seeking His guidance and comfort in our darkest moments.

Secondly, when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse, we have two options. We can either wallow in misery over the wreckage of our old life, or we can get up and start building again. As Christians, we are a resurrection people. When we get knocked down, we get back up again. I am not saying that there is no time for grief and mourning, but far too many people spend too much time lamenting what they lost when they could be building up something new. No one can undo the past, and no one can predict the future, but we have today, and we can always start working to build a brighter tomorrow.

Triumph over Temptation (Genesis 39:7-12)

While I am certain that Joseph would have preferred his old life as a free and favored son, over his current life as a slave in a foreign land, he was making the most of his situation and had created a good life for himself in Egypt. Unfortunately, with his worldly success came new temptations. While Joseph was a young man of outstanding character, he found himself in a temptation that many of us can relate to in some way or another – the temptation of sexual sin. 

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians: 

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV

Joseph's story is a vivid illustration of this truth. Let's examine the circumstances surrounding Joseph's temptation and his unwavering commitment to righteousness.

First and foremost, we must acknowledge the gravity of Joseph's situation. He was a young man in the prime of his life, attractive and endowed with natural desires. Moreover, he was in the household of Potiphar, a high-ranking official in Pharaoh's court, and Potiphar's wife was undoubtedly a beautiful woman with great influence. The worldly allure of indulging in this sin must have been enticing. It offered potential advantages, from pleasures to potential promotions.

However, Joseph recognized that Potiphar had placed his trust in him, and he dared not violate that trust. Joseph was a faithful steward not only of Potiphar's trust but of God's trust as well. Joseph understood that illicit sex is a wicked act. It is, as he clearly stated, a "great wickedness" (Genesis 39:9). Sin is not a matter of cultural or personal preference; it is a transgression against God's moral law.

Furthermore, Joseph knew that indulging in this sin would be a direct affront to God Himself. It is a reminder that sin, first and foremost, is against God, and it damages our relationship with Him. Sin is a grievous offense against our Creator. Joseph's commitment to God and his relationship with Him took precedence over fleeting worldly pleasures. As Proverbs 6:32-33 warns us, 

"He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away." - Proverbs 6:32-33

It would be nice if this temptation disappeared after Joseph's initial resistance. However, day after day, Potiphar's wife relentlessly pursued him, becoming more aggressive in her advances. Some people have a hard time understanding how seemingly godly people (both men and women) can fall into the sin of adultery. What they often fail to consider is that most affairs do not happen at the first, second, or third temptation. For many, adultery is a slow wearing down of the will. Most of us can resist temptation for a while, but given enough time and opportunity, it wears down even the strongest of us. This is why the Apostle Paul warned the church in Corinth: 

"Flee from sexual immorality." - 1 Corinthians 6:18, ESV

Keep as far away from temptation as possible. Do all that you can to prevent opportunities for sin, and when temptation arises, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as you can. 

Joseph's refusal remained steadfast even as she persisted in tempting him. She devised a wicked scheme to trap him, but he still did not give in to temptation. Joseph fled, leaving even his cloak behind. Joseph's story is a powerful testament to the importance of self-control, discipline, and faithfulness to God's moral standards in the face of intense temptation. We are all faced with temptation, and sexual sin is a prevalent struggle in our world. Nevertheless, remember, as 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, God always makes a way for us to escape temptation. We must stand firm in our commitment to God, for He is faithful and will provide the strength and means to endure and overcome.

In the Face of False Accusations (39:13-20)

Joseph had already hit rock bottom once before when his cruel brothers faked his death and sold him into slavery. Joseph then hit rock bottom a second time when Potiphar's wife, tired of having her advances rejected, decided to falsely accuse Joseph of a crime he did not commit. This accusation not only made Joseph a public spectacle and brought shame and disgrace on the reputation he had worked so hard to build up, but it also landed him in prison for something he never did. 

Imagine Joseph as he stood accused of such a heinous crime. The very people he served, his fellow workers and servants, all bore witness to the scandalous accusations. He was labeled "this Hebrew," a term intended to stir prejudice against him. 

Potiphar's wife even presented Joseph's cloak as evidence of his alleged wrongdoing. This is the second time that someone had used a piece of Joseph's clothing to lie about him. His brothers had used his coat of many colors to fake his death, and now Potiphar's wife was using his cloak as evidence of a crime he did not commit. Being a slave and a foreigner, he stood no chance of proving his innocence, and his only choice was to face the consequences of these false allegations. Joseph was bound and shackled, as the Psalms tell us, "his feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron" (Psalm 105:17-18).

I will freely admit that I am not a perfect pastor. In spite of my best efforts, I will let you down. Sometimes I will sin and fall short of my calling, and if I am wise, I will own up to my mistakes, repent of my sin, and try to make amends in whatever ways I can. Sadly, I have been doing this long enough to know that sometimes people will lie about me. They will make false accusations against me, slander me, and choose to see me in the worst possible light. Some of my worst ministry experiences were the results of accusations thrown at me that people made up with a vendetta against me. It has happened before, and it may happen again. 

I will also warn you that if you take your walk with Christ seriously and you seek to be a faithful witness in your community or your family, then it will probably happen to you as well. It is painful, but if we know our scriptures, we know that it is something to be expected. 

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - Matthew 5:10-12, ESV

As someone who has been through it, let me provide you with some pastoral advice on how to navigate such situations. When you are enduring false accusations, defamation, and character assassination, remember that Christ endured the same thing on your behalf. 

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. - John 15:18-20, ESV

If Christ, the only truly sinless man, can forgive his enemies and turn the other cheek, then so too can we. In fact, with the right mindset, we can learn from these moments what it truly means to be a follower of Christ and to place our hope and our identity in God. As we reflect on Joseph's journey, let us not forget that his trials of humiliation, false accusations, and imprisonment were a necessary part of God's divine plan. The Lord was molding Joseph into a compassionate, enduring, and resolute leader who would guide a nation through the trials of economic collapse during a seven-year famine. In our own lives, we may also encounter moments of humiliation, false accusations, or trials that seem insurmountable. These trials may come through the fault of our own actions or the actions of others. But remember, just as Joseph learned the depths of humiliation, compassion, endurance, and hardness, so too does the Lord desire to shape us through our trials.

From Prison to Purpose: (39:21-23)

In the darkest moment of his life, Joseph was met with what might have seemed like an overwhelming despair. Imagine the emotions he must have experienced as he languished in prison, falsely accused and betrayed by those he had served faithfully. In the depths of his trial, he cried out to God for strength and help, just as we ought to do when faced with circumstances beyond our control. Like Joseph, we may question why we find ourselves in the midst of adversity, despite our obedience and faithfulness.

But take heart, for God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Joseph's imprisonment was a crucial part of God's divine plan to prepare him for the great work ahead. It was in the crucible of adversity that Joseph's character was refined, and his dependence on God deepened.

As Peter reminds us, 

"After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."  - 1 Peter 5:10, ESV.

Joseph's story is one of great hardship, yet also of great faith. God showed him mercy even in the midst of his struggles, and Joseph's unwavering faith in the one true God was recognized by the warden of the prison where he was held captive. Joseph's capability, diligence, and leadership qualities were evident to the warden, who trusted him with important responsibilities.

Despite the difficult circumstances of being imprisoned, Joseph continued to work hard and trust in God's plan for his life. God's favor was upon Joseph, and he was able to use his position in prison to bless those around him. He remained a testimony to the Lord, even in the darkest of times.

Joseph's story is a reminder that our faith and commitment to God can be a source of hope and inspiration to others, no matter what we are going through. God can use even the most challenging situations to shape us into the person He wants us to be, and to bring about good for us and those around us.

Above all, Joseph learned to trust in God's care and power. He knew that no matter what happened, God was always with him, guiding him and providing for him. This truth resonates with us today, reminding us that if God cared enough and had the power to bless Joseph in prison, then He cares for us and has the power to bless us too, no matter where we are or what we are going through.

If you take anything away from this sermon, let it be this: God uses both trials and blessings to shape us into the people we are to be and to equip us for His divine purposes on this earth. Because He loves us, God does not spare us from the things that will make us more Christlike. 

Conclusion: 

As we continue to journeyed through the life of Joseph, we see seen how God used both adversity and blessing to prepare him for his divine purpose. In many ways, Joseph's story echoes the greater narrative of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

As you reflect on Joseph's journey, I urge you to consider how you respond to the trials and blessings in your own life. Are you willing to trust in God's higher ways, even when circumstances seem overwhelming? Will you stand firm in your faith, just as Joseph did, knowing that God is with you and has a purpose for your life?

Just as Joseph is the account of a man who was cast down so that God could raise him up for the salvation of many, so too, in an even greater sense, was Jesus Christ, the Son of God, cast down from the cross to the grave, so that God could raise Him to the throne of heaven where He is even now offering us salvation. If you have not yet trusted Jesus Christ, I invite you to respond to the gospel message today. Just as Joseph found hope and purpose in God, you can find forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life through faith in Christ. May this be the day you make that life-changing decision, and may God's grace and love fill your heart.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we conclude our time together with hearts full of gratitude for the lessons we have learned from the life of Joseph. We thank you for the reminder that you use both trials and blessings to prepare us for your divine purposes. Lord, help us to trust in your higher ways, to stand firm in our faith, and to recognize your presence in every circumstance. We also lift up those who may be facing trials and temptations in their lives. Grant them the strength to endure and the wisdom to find the way of escape that you provide. As we depart from this place, may your grace and love fill our hearts and lead us to embrace the salvation offered through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen.