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T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
SUNDAY LESSONS
Outline and Exposition B. B. S utcliffe
Points and Problems H omer A. K e n t
For the Children A llison A rrowood
Lesson material is based upon outlines of International Sunday School Lessons, copyrighted by the International Council of Re ligious Education; used by per mission.
Here is valuable material for all ages.
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 2 Joseph’s Place in God’s Plan LESSON MATERIAL: Ganesis 39:20-24: 41:14-16, 25, 41-43. GOLDEN TEXT: “ Seest thou a man dili- fient in his business? he shall stand before kings" (Prov. 22:29). Outline and Exposition 4 ,' J oseph in P rison (G e n . 39:20-23) In the prison “ the Lord was with Joseph” because Joseph was with the Lord. Even though his experience ap peared an injustice, Joseph continued to be faithful to his God and cheer fully helpful to others. The - “Lord showed him mercy, and gave him fa vor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (vs. 20, 21). Quickly discovering Joseph’s value, the keeper of the prison put all of its affairs in Joseph’s hands; aHd the Lord made to prosper all that Joseph did (vs. 22,23). A ll things were working together for Joseph’s good; he had only to wait quietly until the time when it pleased God to reveal that “good” (cf. 1 Cor. 4:5). II. J oseph B efore P haraoh (41:14-16, 25) Pharaoh had a dream which he could not understand. Sending for the magicians, he demanded that they tell him its meaning. Of course, they were unable to give an interpreta tion, so Joseph was summoned before Pharaoh. Here was the opportunity for an exhibition of Joseph’s pride. Instead, in humility, he gave glory to God: “God shall give Pharaoh an answer” (vs. 14-16). This was a powerful tes timony to God’s omniscience, and was also a manifestation of Joseph’s con fidence in God. Who but a living God could reveal such a thing? (cf. 1 Pet. 5:5; 1 Cor. 1:31). Joseph declared that “ God hath
showed Pharaoh what he is about to do” (v. 25). Pharaoh was given a revelation of future events which should occur while Pharaoh was still alive and could witness the literal fulfillment. There should be full faith in the prophecies of God’s Word whether fulfilled within our lifetime or not. III. J oseph E xalted in E gypt (41:41-43) Impressed with the wisdom of Joseph, Pharaoh exalted him to be “ruler over all the land of Egypt.” This had been in God’s mind when He allowed Joseph to be sold by his brethren, cast into prison, brought be fore Pharaoh, and there given the true interpretation of the dream. There are no mistakes in God’s dealings with His people; His providences are perfect, governed by eternal wisdom (cf. Psa. 105).: In the king’s ring, the fine linen, and the gold chain, Joseph had the outward symbols of authority; his ex altation became known through all the land (v. 43). Wherever he went, he was hailed as the representative of Pharaoh. But his faithfulness to God was the real cause of his promo tion and the reason for his power. Thus the Christian should bear the marks of Christ in such a way that all will know whom he represents, for whom he.works, and to whom he must give account. Points and Problems 1. "But the Lord was with Joseph” (Gen. 39:21), This statement appears four times in this chapter. It accounts for Joseph’s remarkable character. For instance, it explains how he could re main silent when falsely accused in the matter of his master’s wife. Jo seph’s natural reaction would have been to defend himself against lying accusations. But in order to save the honor of Pharaoh’s wife, he main tained complete silence. Quietly en
during injustice, he allowed Gpd to take care of his reputation. Evidently he believed the truth subsequently ex - ■ pressed in the Word: “Vengeance is' mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). 2. "That which he did. the Lord made it to prosper" (39:23). The situa tion of Joseph did not appear advan tageous. Who wants to be incarcerat ed? But here it is made evident that God is able to cause a man to prosper in prison as well as anywhere else. He did it for Paul. The letters he wrote from a Roman cell have help ed the Church throughout the cen turies. John Bunyan’s testimony from Bedford jail still radiates a blessed influence. The Christian needs only to be sure that he is in the center of God’s will; blessing will follow, what-, ever the outward circumstances. 3. "It is not in me: God . . ." (41:16).’ Joseph demonstrates a spirit of self- forgetfulness beautiful to witness. He resisted every temptation to exalt himself. God’s glory was all that he had in view. When a man so con ceives of himself and his relationship to God, he is in a position to be really used. 4. “I have set thee over all the land of Egypt” (41:41). Not until after his humiliation was Joseph elevated. In his promotion he became second only to Pharaoh; all in Egypt were sub ject to him; he was the dispenser of bread to everyone in the time of famine (v. 55). Thus he is a type o f the Lord Jesus Christ, who, after the degradation of His death on the Cross, was exalted and given a name above every name, to which every knee must bow (Phil. ¡2:5-11-). He also provides , the Bread of Life for a famishing world; He Himself is the Bread which He gives. È
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