Eulogy: Secrets to Joseph s Prosperous Life Genesis 49-50

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1 Joint Heirs Adult Bible Fellowship Genesis, Week 71, Genesis September 27, 2015 Tim Powell, Teacher Eulogy: Secrets to Joseph s Prosperous Life Genesis Introduction: Today we are concluding our study of the book of Genesis which covers over 2,000 years from the creation to the end of Joseph s life. Why did God spend 25% of the entire book of Genesis on Joseph? o His life has great lessons for us; he is like a spiritual mentor to us. o Joseph was a man who even though he was so hated by his brothers still had the inner strength to be successful for God. o He not only survived, he flourished and was a positive influence for God. o Genesis records more about Joseph's life than any other person in the entire book. The Secrets of Joseph's life (comments from the class): o Trusting God o Didn't let bitterness take root o Lived the Faith-Rest life o Practiced forgiveness o Did not dwell on the past or worry about the future o Did not spend his emotional energy focusing on oh poor me o Love o Integrity to do right no matter the circumstances o Consistency of trusting in God all the time o Did not hold resentfulness o Knew his convictions before got in the situation, as with: Potiphar s wife, being in jail o Courage and fortitude in times of trouble o Never lost hope o Showed mercy and forgiveness o Saw himself as under authority whether under Potiphar or God. o Like Paul in Php. 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. I. The Death and Mourning of Jacob (Ge. 49:29-50:1-14) Joseph was 56 years old when his father, Jacob, died in Egypt. 1

2 When Jacob had finished commanding his sons about being buried in the land of Canaan, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Joseph fell on his father s face, and wept over him, and kissed him. The physicians embalmed Israel--a forty day process. The Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. Israel is buried with Abraham and Isaac. Joseph led a huge funeral procession to Canaan to bury Jacob and then returned to Egypt. Mourning the passing of a loved one is very appropriate, tears and all, even though you know you will see them again. II. The Death and Mourning of Joseph (Ge. 50:22-26) Joseph died at 110 years of age. He saw Ephraim s children to the third generation and the grandchildren of Manasseh. Joseph made his brothers swear that they would take his bones back to the Holy Land when God took them back (to be more than 300 years later). Joseph had faith that God would surely take His people back to the land as He swore to Abraham. III. Joseph s Eulogy; These Are the Secrets of Joseph s Successful Life (Ge. 49:22-26; 50:15-21) A. Joseph spent his life bearing fruit and being a blessing to others. (Ge. 49:22) Gal. 5:22-23 the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. o Joseph was a God-filled man who demonstrated these things in his life. Mt. 7: You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 2

3 B. Joseph had his roots in the living water of God. (Ge. 49:22) Ps.1 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. o If you are not planted by this water when difficult times come, you will wither. Jn. 4:14 Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. C. Joseph remained strong by the might of God Almighty. (Ge.49:23-25; 48:16) Isa. 40: To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isa. 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isa. 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Jos. 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. o We can be strong for God is with us wherever we go. Heb.13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. D. God was Joseph s Shepherd. (Ge. 49:24; 48:15) Ps. 23 God want to guide us, provide for us, and protect us, but we can choose to go our own way. Jn. 10:27 My sheep hear My voice. o We must listen and hear His voice; His sheep do. 3

4 E. God was Joseph s Rock. (Ge.49:24) Mt. 7:24-27 Jesus parable about the wise man who built his house on the rock. o Are you planted on the shifting sands of this world or on the solid Rock of Christ? o Rains will fall; storms will come; and floods will rise. What is your life founded upon? F. Joseph was dedicated and faithful to God. (Ge. 49:26) Joseph was separated from his brothers meaning that, like a Nazarite, he was dedicated and faithful to God. G. Joseph was forgiving and full of grace. (Ge. 50:15-21) After the death of their father, Joseph s brothers were still unsure about Joseph. They just couldn t believe that he had truly forgiven them. Joseph had not only forgiven them, but he determined to take care of them as well. This is the Romans 8:28 of the Old Testament. Mt. 6:12-15 forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. o This shows the critical importance of forgiveness. Eph. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. H. Joseph had a positive Faith-Rest Life no matter what the circumstances. (Ge. 50:20) Ro. 8:28-29 God works all things together for good. Heb.11:6 without faith it is impossible to please God. IV. Summary of Joseph s Life (Mt.22:34-40) A. Joseph loved the Lord with all his heart and trusted Him with all his life. What s that called??? Positive Faith-Rest Life B. Joseph loved others as himself and looked out for their good. 4

5 C. Joseph displayed the fruits of the Spirit no matter what the circumstances. Application: Are your roots in the Almighty God, the living water, for every part of your life? Are you separate from the world and dedicated to God first? Are you a blessing to others, or is it all about you? Are you full of grace and forgiveness? Is there somebody you need to forgive? Do you truly believe God enough to walk the positive faith-rest life no matter what life brings? Look to Joseph as a mentor in your life. 5