warm-up

Share your greatest childhood dream.

Name one person you look up to. What would you want to emulate about him or her?

Recall a time when something bad unexpectedly happened to you. Share what happened, and what you learned from it.

word

39Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. ⁴⁰. . . all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” ⁴¹And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:39-41

Joseph became the most influential leader in Egypt, saving this nation from famine, and confirming the dream God had given him when he was young—that he would be in a position of authority. But getting there was not easy for Joseph. He was resented by his brothers because he was their father’s favorite, was sold into slavery, ended up in prison, and was forgotten for a time. In this lesson, we will look at four lessons from Joseph’s life that prepared him for all God had in store for him.

1
Leadership

So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. Genesis 39:4

As a slave, Joseph used his administrative gifts when he worked for Potiphar, the captain of the guard. It didn’t seem as though the dream that God had given Joseph would come true. Regardless of his situation, he stepped up and used his God-given gifts. Because God showed him favor, people noticed how blessed he was as he was in charge of Potiphar’s household. What do you think it meant for Joseph to be in charge?

2
Integrity

⁸But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. ⁹. . . nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39:8,9

Now, Joseph was handsome. This caused Potiphar’s wife to entice him to lie with [her]. These advances happened on a daily basis. Saying “no” to temptation is hard enough; imagine being provoked by the same one every day. Joseph could have given in, but he knew that this would violate his master’s trust and commit an act of great wickedness against God. So instead, he chose to flee. According to 2 Timothy 2:22, what should we pursue instead of our youthful passions?

3
Faith

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:21

Joseph was unfairly thrown into prison, and his life was, once again, in a downward spiral. But one thing was sure: God was in control. His faith in God enabled him to endure, and God showed him steadfast love and favor. Because of the dream, Joseph knew that God had a plan and purpose for his life. However, until it came to pass, it was his faith that sustained him (Psalm 105:19). According to Hebrews 11:1, how does faith help us persevere?

4
Excellence

²²And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners . . . ²³The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed. Genesis 39:22,23

Joseph used his God-given skills to excellently govern Potiphar’s household, the prison, and, eventually, Egypt. By being with him, God enabled Joseph to excel and succeed no matter what challenges were set before him. In his life we can see that, ultimately, God’s purpose prevails. In the same way, we can excel knowing that God is moving in our lives. And as we excel, He is glorified.

application

Identify one of the points that is most difficult for you to practice. What are you willing to do this week to practice it and to honor God through your life?

Which aspect of Joseph’s life can you relate to the most? Why? What have you learned through the lesson today, and how will it affect your life?

Who can you encourage to live as Joseph did? How can you encourage him or her?

prayer

Thank God for the example of Joseph. Pray that you would learn from Joseph’s life.

Pray that God would be glorified through you, no matter what challenges you face. Pray also for His favor to be upon you as you overcome the challenges that come your way.

Ask God that you would be a testimony of His grace, through your leadership, integrity, faith, and excellence.

© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Permission to photocopy this material is granted for local church use. This is not for sale.
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