The sermon highlights the evidences and results of God being with Joseph, and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that 'The Lord was with Joseph' throughout his life, showcasing how God's presence guided him from his youth, through slavery, temptation, imprisonment, and ultimately to power in Egypt. Despite facing hatred, betrayal, and false accusations, Joseph remained steadfast, recognizing that sin is ultimately against God. His ability to resist temptation and see adversity as a means for growth illustrates the profound impact of God's companionship. Smith encourages believers to be aware of God's presence in their lives, as it leads to victory and purpose in all circumstances.
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"THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH"
Intro: Scripture often sums up a man's life in a few words. "Abraham believed God."
Saul, "Behold I have played the fool." Moses was very meek.
I. EVIDENCES OF THE LORD BEING WITH HIM.
A. At home growing up.
1. Communicated to him through dreams.
2. Gave him favored position.
B. When sold as slave.
1. "And prospered him."
2. Made ruler over the house.
3. Everything entrusted into his hand.
C. When in temptation.
1. His masters wife daily sought to seduce him.
2. How easy it would have been to yield. Solomon said, "For she hath cast
down many wounded, many strong men have been slain by her."
3. How can I do this great wickedness?
a. It may be common practice in world.
b. l am a child of God not of world.
c. "How con we who are dead to sin..."
4. "And sin against God."
a. Not sin against Potiphar.
b. Not sin against you.
c. Sin is against God.
1. Psalm 51.
2. We need as Joseph to be more aware of presence of God.
5. Flight from her presence smartest and bravest thing he could His do.
a. Paul to Timothy, "Flee youthful lusts."
D. When in prison. (verse 21..
1. Showed him mercy, gave him favor.
2. That which he did the Lord made prosper.
E. When before Pharaoh.
1. Able to interpret dream.
2. He was recognized as a man in whom the spirit of God is.
3. Placed 2nd in command over Egypt.
II. THE RESULTS OF GOD BEING WITH HIM.
A. What it did not do.
1. Keep him from being hated by brothers.
2. Keep him from being sold as slave.
3. Keep him from most powerful temptation.
4. Keep him from false accusations.
5. Keep him from imprisonment.
a. "Whose feet they hurt with fetters, he was laid in iron."
b. Keep him from disappointment.
B. What it did do.
1. Kept him from sin.
2. Caused him to see adversity in a new light.
a. "You meant it for evil."
3. Gave him victory in all circumstances.
4. Caused him to reign.
Sermon Outline
- Evidences of the Lord being with Joseph
- The Results of God being with him
- What it did not do
- Kept him from sin
- Caused him to see adversity in a new light
- What it did do
- Gave him victory in all circumstances
- When in temptation
- When in prison
- When before Pharaoh
Key Quotes
“For she hath cast down many wounded, many strong men have been slain by her.” — Chuck Smith
“How con we who are dead to sin...” — Chuck Smith
“You meant it for evil” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We need to be aware of God's presence in our lives and remember that sin is against Him, not just against others.
- We can apply the lessons from Joseph's life by fleeing from temptation and trusting in God's sovereignty.
- God's presence in our lives can lead to victory in all circumstances and a new perspective on adversity.
