1) DIVINE FAVOR – 11.10.10

As we begin to dig into the life of Jacob it is very easy to recognize that Jacob was the favored son. This was no secret. Even our text reveals this truth very clearly. Let’s read this verse together. 

· Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 

As we begin this lesson let us explore the meaning of FAVOR v.: 1) to like or approve of 2) to help or aid 3) to prefer or help in an unfair way 4) to look like 

REASONS FOR JACOB’S FAVOR TO JOSEPH 

#1. JOSEPH WAS OF THE RIGHT BLOOD LINE 

· Genesis 30:22-24 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. 23. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: 24. And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son. 

· The older of Jacob's two sons by Rachel. Having been long barren, she said at his birth "God hath taken away my reproach"; "the Lord (I regard this son as the earnest that He) will add to me another son," a hope fulfilled afterward in Benjamin's birth. 

#2. HE WAS OF THE RIGHT TIME PERIOD  
· Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.

· Literally rendered, it is `son of old age to him'-Hebrew phrase for `a wise son'-one who possessed observation and wisdom above his years-an old head on young shoulders.

#3. HE WAS GIVEN A SPECIAL GIFT (THE COAT)  

· Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 

· [A coat of many colours.] k¦tonet (OT:3801) paciym (OT:6446), "a coat made up of stripes of differently-coloured cloth." Such vestures as clothing of distinction are worn all over Persia, India, and China to the present day. 

· This was a coat reaching to the hands and feet, worn by persons not much occupied with manual labor, according to the general opinion. 

MARKS OF GOD’S FAVOR ON US 

#1. WE ARE OF THE RIGHT BLOOD LINE  

· Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 

Ø Purge your conscience
Ø Eternal Redemption
Ø Boldness
Ø Sanctification
Ø Glorification
Ø Sheltering
Ø Atoning
Ø Liberating
Ø Salvation
Ø Purchased
Ø Purified
Ø Inheritance
Ø Faith
Ø Peace
Ø Cleansing
Ø Covered
Ø Overcomes

· Col 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 

Eph 2:13-14 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 

Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 

#2. WE ARE OF THE RIGHT TIME PERIOD 

· Est 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? 

· Acts 2:17-18 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 

· Hag 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. 

#3. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SPECIAL GIFT (HIS SPIRIT WITHIN US 

Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 

Acts 1:8-9 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

2) DIVINE CHARACTER – 12.1.10

Sometimes when we read the ancient stories about Bible characters (especially in the Old Testament) it is easy to forget that they were real people just like us. They are not heroes of faith because they were perfect human beings – But because they chose to follow God even while facing incredible pressure to do otherwise. 

Joseph's life provides us with a beautiful example of a person who totally commits to living a godly life regardless of the circumstances encountered. Joseph exhibits the character of God through his faithfulness, integrity, purity, and mercy, even while he is forced to endure intense pressure and difficulty. In our everyday lives, we need to implement the principles modeled by this wonderful man of God as we remember that our choices have consequences too. 

I. A PERSON WITH CHARACTER WILL BE BLESSED 

§ Gen 39:4-6 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. 

He blesses those who bless his own (Gen 12:3). 

II. A PERSON WITH CHARACTER WILL BE TESTED 

§ Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 

Here we are introduced to Joseph's next problem - Potiphar's wife. 

She lusts after Joseph and begs him to sleep with her. 

He could have used loneliness, bitterness or self-pity as an excuse for giving in to her. Since he was totally alone in a foreign land, no one would ever have known. 

Instead, it is clear that the Lord was able to bless and prosper Joseph in all that he did because his heart and attitude was right. Everyone around Joseph shared in the blessings because he feared and obeyed God. Joseph's Godly behavior during his trials teaches us many things about how to live out our faith while under pressure. 

Genesis 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: HOW THEN can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 

§ Joseph gives two powerful reasons for his noncompliance with the wishes of his mistress: 

o 1. Gratitude to his master, to whom he owed all that he had. 

o 2. His fear of God, in whose sight it would be a heinous offence, and who would not fail to punish him for it. 

A. PROBLEM #1 – HE TRIED TO REASON WITH HIS SEDUCER 

§ Genesis 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9. There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 

· This is always a mistake because the Bible teaches us that we must flee from sinful temptations. 

2 Tim 2:22-23 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 

· We are weakened whenever we stay and try to use intellectual arguments to justify our position. Joseph's words did not work and Potiphar's wife continued her attack and attempted to wear down his defenses by "speaking to him day by day." 

· Joseph fled and got him out. To know when to fight and when to flee are of great importance in the Christian life. Some temptations must be manfully met, resisted, and thus overcome; from others we must flee. 

B. PROBLEM #2 – HE PUT HIMSELF IN PROXIMITY OF TEMPTATION 

§ Genesis 39:11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. 

· Finally, Potiphar's wife waited for the moment when all of the other men were out of the house and then made one last desperate attempt to bring Joseph down by seizing him by his clothes and commanding him to sleep with her. 

· Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil. 

· Joseph had only seconds to decide if he would maintain his integrity, righteousness and purity or trade them for a few moments of pleasure. Joseph's choice in this moment of testing and temptation would effect his future and the future of Israel forever. But he chose to flee, "got himself out of there" 

III. CHARACTER WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY  

§ Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. 

We know that in the end Joseph the Hebrew slave rose from the dungeon to the second highest position in the massive Egyptian empire which meant he had enormous power and riches. He was second only to Pharoah so God did reward Joseph generously for his righteousness. 

But we cannot ignore the price Joseph paid before reaping his reward: He was mistreated, abused, hated, betrayed, enslaved, tempted, tested, lied about, unjustly imprisoned, and forgotten (though not by God) in a dungeon for many years. 

However, if we trust the Lord while we experience them, we will exchange our sometimes shallow faith for compassion, character, wisdom, patience, and a deep faith in Jesus that cannot be shaken. 

IV. A PERSON WITH CHARACTER WILL COME OUT WITH A GOOD NAME

§ Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 

The (KJV) also translates “good name” into "fame," "famous," "named," "renown," and "report." 

A good name (a combination of reputation and character) certainly should outweigh riches, prominence, position, and status. 

CONCLUSION 

In the ancient Greek writings, strange creatures called sirens appeared to sailors. They inhibited coral-encrusted Islands or rocky straits that were particularly hazardous to the ships. Sirens are usually depicted with the faces of women, the bodies of birds, and the voices of angels. Their songs were lovely, but ever so fatal. Their melodious voices and near-angelic appearance caused the sailors to veer from the safe, deepwater channels and journey close to the dangerous Islands. Just when it looked like their ships would escape harm, the razor sharp shoals shredded the vessels and the sailor’s lives would be lost. There are similar voices calling out to us today. The Apostle Paul said that there are so “So many kinds of voices in the world” (I Corinthians 14:10) Like those mariners of yesteryear, you must too learn to refuse the sirens’ song.

3) DIVINE FORGIVENESS – 1.5.11

Today we will determine that Joseph HAD A SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS. Before we can accurately talk about forgiveness, we must first talk about offences. In order to have forgiveness, there must be something that has been placed in your heart that needs forgiveness. Luke 17:1 “Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come…” We must brace ourselves for reality – you are going to get offended!

THE TRAP OF OFFENCE 

· Yes, you are going to get offended, but you must beware if you stay in that offence.

o It imprisons countless Christians.
o It severs relationships.
o It widens the existing breaches between us.
o Many are unable to function properly in their calling because of the wounds and hurts that OFFENCES have caused in their lives.
o Many are handicapped and hindered from fulfilling their full potential.

THE STING OF OFFENCE 

· The hurtful thing about offences is that they come from those who are the CLOSEST TO US.

Psalm 55:12-14 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13. But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 

The closer the relationship, the more severe the OFFENCE! 

I. THE DREAM BECOMES A NIGHTMARE 

Have you ever felt that everything was lining up against you? The next time that happens sit down and create a list of all of the offences that you can think of, then compare your list to Joseph’s list. 

OFFENCE #1 – BETRAYED BY HIS BROTHERS – THROWN IN A PIT

Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son. He was despised by his older brothers because his father favored him and had set him apart with a coat of many colors. 

God gave Joseph two dreams. 

1) His sheaf arose and stood upright while his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to it. 

2) The sun, moon, and eleven stars (representing his parents, and brothers) bowing to him 

· His brothers did not share his enthusiasm for his dreams. When the older brothers saw Joseph coming to greet them in the field, they conspired against him. They said, “Here comes the dreamer. Let’s kill him! Then we shall see what will become of his dreams! 

OFFENCE #2 – BETRAYED BY HIS BROTHERS – THEY SOLD HIM

· After they threw him in the pit, they saw a company of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt.

· Then Judah said, “If we let him rot in the pit it will not profit us. Let’s sell him as a slave, he will never bother us again, and we’ll all share the spoils!”

· Joseph had OFFENDED them so they betrayed him, taking away his inheritance and family.

· This is what most people do when they are offended – They betray!

· The point: Joseph’s brothers were evil and cruel – It seems he had a RIGHT to be OFFENDED!

OFFENCE #3 – POTIPHER’S HOUSE – PRISION

Joseph was sold to a man named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. He served him for about ten years and found favor in his eyes. Then Potiphar’s wife seduced Joseph. He refused and ran out, leaving his robe in her clutched hand. When he did this she was shamed and screamed, “Rape!” Potiphar had Joseph thrown in Pharaoh’s prison. 

Can you hear his thoughts in the damp darkness of that dungeon? 

· “It seems the more I try to do what is right, the worse it gets!”

· “Could my brothers steal my promise from God too?”

· “Why hasn’t this mighty, covenant God intervened on my behalf?”

· “Is this how a loving, faithful God cares for His servants?”

· “Why me? What have I done to deserve this?”

· “I only believed I’d heard from God!”

OFFENCE #4 – POTIPHER’S HOUSE – PRISION/ FORGOTTON

· Prison was a time of sifting for Joseph, but it was also a time of opportunity. There were two prisoners with Joseph, and both had vivid and disturbing dreams. Joseph interpreted both their dreams with amazing accuracy. One man was to be restored while the other would be executed. Joseph asked the one about to be restored to remember him when he regained Pharaoh’s favor. The man returned to Pharaoh’s service, but two years passed with no word from him. It was yet another letdown for Joseph, another opportunity to become OFFENDED.

PROMISES TO LIVE BY FOR FORGIVENESS

A) IF YOU STAY FREE FROM OFFENSE YOU WILL STAY IN GOD’S WILL
· There is only ONE person who can get out of the will of God, and that is YOU!
· Absolutely no man, woman, child, or devil, can get you out of the will of God
· No one but God holds your destiny
We must remember that nothing can come against us without the Lord’s knowledge of it before it ever happens.

B) GOD ALWAYS HAS A PLAN

We need to remember the exhortation of Paul to the Corinthians, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make A WAY TO ESCAPE, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10:13) 

· Notice it says, “…a way of escape…”

· For every adverse circumstance we will encounter – no matter how great or small – God has a way planned for escaping it.

· Genesis 50:19-20 And Joseph said unto them…20. But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

CLOSING

To answer the question from the beginning of this lesson, “Do I have a RIGHT to be OFFENDED? 

I may have been mistreated but NO, I do NOT have the RIGHT to be OFFENDED because it sidetracks me from the will of God for my life. 

Jesus said: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Again: “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
In the Lord’s Prayer: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

4) DIVINE PROSPERITY – 1.12.11

I. THE INTERVAL – This is the time BETWEEN the dream and the destiny.

§ From his birth until seventeen years of age, his family life was in transition - everyone was unsettled, on the move.
§ From seventeen to age thirty we find Joseph reaching out to manhood and his life seems out of control - Enslavement, unfair accusations, and imprisonment assault him.

§ However, we find that his last EIGHTY years of life are filled with
       Ø prosperity and
       Ø reward under God’s blessing.
§ Through everything, “the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy (Gen 39:21).”
§ Joseph’s greatest act in his prosperity was never forgetting his father’s house.

II. JOSEPH WAS GREAT MAINLY, BECAUSE OF HIS ATTITUDE.
THERE ARE TWO MAIN WAYS TO HAVE A RIGHT ATTITUDE.

#1). WHEN I'M ABLE, BY FAITH, TO TRUST GOD'S PLAN  

Ø Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

#2). TO SENSE GOD'S HAND IN MY SITUATION

Ø Phil 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

v I don’t wait for my situation to change before I put my heart into my work,
v It’s called “blooming where you’re planted.”

IIi. 3 WAYS TO GAIN PROSPERITY

#1). THINK PROSPEROUS
Ø Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

#2). SPEAK PROSPEROUS

Ø Matt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

v Faith must be spoken into existence
v If we desire to have prosperity, then we must speak prosperity

v My family will be saved
v I will over come this obstacle
v My husband/ wife will stop driving me crazy
v We will stop spending more money than we earn
v We will get out of financial bondage
v We will have revival
v I will reach my goal teaching Bible Studies
v I will get that new job
v I will get that raise
v I shall heal the broken relationships in my life
v I will rejoice in the life that God has allowed me to have
v I will improve my attitude
v I will improve my situation

Ø With the Spirit of God indwelling us, we must speak prosperity into existence.
Ø We do this with the help of the Word of God
Ø Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

WE MUST HAVE AN “I WILL” ATTITUDE

Ø Ps 7:17-8:1 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness 

Ø Ps 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

Ø Ps 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 

Ø Ps 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

Ø Ps 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

WE MUST HAVE AN “I SHALL” ATTITUDE

Ø Ps 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

Ø Ps 30:5-6 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 6. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

Ø Ps 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Ø Ps 119:144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

Ø Jer 17:14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Ø Mic 7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

#3). LIVE PROSPEROUS

Ø Gen 39:7-10 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9. There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 10. And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.