Westhill Episcopal Church 11 August 1996

Theme: God’s Plan for Joseph

 

Reading
Genesis 37:1-23

1.   Introduction
What is God’s plan for me, now and in the future?
Will God speak to me, or is that just for special people?
Can we be sure that God will guide us as His people?

2.   God reveals His purpose to Joseph
God speaks through Joseph’s dreams
Jesus reveals God to us (Heb 1:2)
The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us (John 16:14)
He teaches, reminds, testifies, guides and reveals (Jn 14 - 16)
He uses his own means of revelation, not ours.

3.   Joseph is misunderstood
His own family would not accept his message
God’s messengers through the ages were similarly treated
Jesus was similarly treated (John 1:11)
How do we know what is of God?

4.   Joseph endures hardship
For years Joseph experienced the very opposite of what God had said
Through it all God was with Joseph (39:2,3,21,23)
His commitment to God brought him ‘success’ (39:3,23)
(what do we count as success?)
Enduring hardship is part of the Christian life (Heb 12:7)
God’s presence with us brings his success (John 14:23)

5.    God’s purpose is fulfilled
God brought about what he had revealed to Joseph years before
No amount of opposition from those opposed to God could prevent it!
God’s timing is not ours; a building to last for eternity must have deep foundations!
Faith sustains us until we see God’s purposes fulfilled (Heb 11:1)
Never succumb to the fear that God has abandoned you (Matt 28:20)
God will fulfill His purpose for you even if all others fall away (Jas 5:16,17)

6.   Response
Are you listening for the voice of God to you?
Are you open to whatever means God chooses to speak to you?
Are you willing to submit to God’s time and method?
Will you determine to endure hardship by faith until his work is accomplished?