Sermon Cloud

•1.     God had a plan for us  of which we are not fully informed

•a)       ...now Joseph had a dream and told it to his brothers  (v 5)

• b) God often speaks in Prophesy, Visions and Dreams (Acts 2:17)

•2.      As a child Joseph learned to trust in God

• a) Even Joseph's brothers believed in God, but were filled with envy (v 11)

•b)       ...for where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing is there (Js 3:16)

• c) Simplicity is Valuable (2 Corinthians 11:3) "Yes Lord" vs. "Why Lord"

•3.     When all is lost faith sustains the soul

• a) Joseph did not allow disaster to effect his faith or his commitment to God (39:1-6)
• b) Doing right can lead to unpleasant results (39:19-20, 1 Peter 2:19-21)

•4.     Times of testing and trial are revealing

•a)       They are intended to make us, not break us  (v 8 )

•b)       I know in whom I have believed (2 Timothy 1:12)

•c)        Joseph demonstrates when the genuineness of  faith is forged (1Peter 1:7 )

•5.     What is your time limit on testing ?

• a) ......get me out of this house (40:14 ) ...let your requests be made known (Phil 4:6-7)

•6.     You are not forgotten

•a)     ... did not remember Joseph (40:23) ..."I will never leave you..." (Heb 13:5)

•7.      Remember the dream

Then Joseph recognized his brothers... and remembered the dreams (42:8-9)