God’s Promotion in Hard Times
Joseph, A Ruler in Egypt - Genesis 41
1. Aim: To lead the people to understand how God promotes faithful people so they can multiply His kingdom’s qualities in their communities.
2. Explanation of the Aim: The Bible assures us that as we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God He will exalt us at the proper time. (I Pet. 5:6) After allowing Joseph to be unjustly imprisoned God promotes Joseph to a position of great responsibility in Pharaoh’s court. When people show themselves to be faithful, effective and responsible in little things God promises to elevate them to greater responsibilities. Understand that the Lord advances some people who are expected to use their greater opportunities to multiply His kingdom and His righteousness instead of using it for their own selfish purposes.
3. The Bible Story: Our lesson begins by describing a troubled Pharaoh who had a dream that no one was able to correctly interpret. Pharaoh became angry with his servants who failed to explain the meanings of his dreams. Finally, Joseph was called from his prison cell to give Pharaoh the correct interpretation of his dream.
When godly people do God’s will they will eventually be promoted to places of honor, privilege and new opportunities of service. The secret to Joseph’s success is found in his response to Pharaoh’s request for a correct interpretation of his dream. Joseph said, “I cannot interpret the dream, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (Gen. 41:16)
Not only did Joseph give the credit for his success to the Lord, but he told Pharaoh that God is only one who gives supernatural wisdom. Be sure to give not only the credit for successful outcomes but also the processes of seeing His will accomplished.
4. Prepare to Teach: The INTRODUCTION is designed to find out what they people know about promotions. Ask the people how some people get promoted while others languish in their same positions for years? Then ask the people what are some of the criteria for getting a promotion from God? (Luke 16:10,11) The BIBLE STORY describes how Joseph gets an opportunity to correctly interpret Pharaoh’s dream and ends up getting promoted to one of the highest offices in Egypt. Describe how God promotes people according to one’s faithfulness, maturity and obedience in handling lower level responsibilities.
THE MEANING FOR OUR LIVES gives the people opportunities to make various applications from the lesson. Ask the people what are some of the pre-requisites that must be met before God will promote us? Ask the people what are some of the reasons why many Christians languish in mediocrity? Find out what are some of the principles of leadership that we learn from the life of Joseph?
Introduction is designed to find out what they people know about promotions. Ask the people how some people get promoted while others languish in their same positions for years? Then ask the people what are some of the criteria for getting a promotion from God? (Luke 16:10,11)
The Bible Story
The first verse in chapter 41 tells us that Joseph had to wait two entire years in jail before he was given an opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Sometimes, we need to wait on the Lord while remaining encouraged in His promises, before we receive His promotion. Do not get discouraged when it seems like nothing good is coming your way. Remember God’s promises,
“I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psa. 27:13,14)
Application: Be busy with the service opportunities that are before you and God will promote you at the proper time. Refuse to give into worry, frustration or anger. God will deliver you according to His perfect schedule.
Joseph told the Pharaoh that his dream meant that there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. This allowed everyone in Egypt to adequately plan for the coming shortages. Through this act of service the Lord enabled Joseph to be promoted to the highest administrative position of power and trust in Egypt.
When the seven years of famine came, the Lord used the crisis to expose the sins of Joseph’s brothers. Furthermore, the Lord used the famine to show how He always provides for his faithful servants even in tough times. No matter how great things might appear remember that the Lord is able to humble any individual, group or nation. David said it best,
“I have been young and now I am old, but I have never seen the righteous go hungry or his seed begging for bread.” Remember God’s promises when there are shortages and He know that He will always supply you with everything you need according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
Joseph teaches us how to use God’s gifts with gracious humility. When the Pharaoh sent for Joseph from the dungeon he says,
“I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” (Gen. 41:15)
Joseph also knew that if he disappointed Pharaoh it would probably mean the loss of his life. Yet, the man of God graciously answers Pharaoh by explaining that every gift it given to him by the Lord. Wise people will always show respect to those to whom it is due even if they are responsible for our oppression. Righteous men remain humble, grateful and dependent on the Lord for every good work.
The Lord will hold rulers in account for their ability to care and see that their people are taken care of. Do not think that you can accomplish anything of eternal value without complete obedience and trust what the Lord has given you. He is the only one who can give blessings without adding any sorrow. God always give what is peaceful, fruitful and blessed for those who are willing to receive His gifts by faith.
Even the pagan Pharaoh recognized that the hand of God’s power was on Joseph and so had him promoted. When we are doing God’s will even non-Christians will take notice of how the Lord works in our life. Jesus said it best, “Let your light so shine before men that they can see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)
There are many great testimonies that come out of our acts of love, service and faith. John tells us, “Do not love in word only but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:18)
Joseph became the prime minister of state, the comptroller of the household and the minister of finance because of God using Pharaoh to promote him. The Lord is able to use anyone to advance and enlarge the ministry of multipliers of His kingdom and righteousness.
Realize that the Lord is seeking those whose hearts are right so that He can reproduce their godly character in thousands of followers. Let the Lord use you to do His great work and He will multiply His kingdom in qualitative and quantitative measures through you. (Jer 30:19)
Let us trust the Lord to promote men and women who are led by God’s Spirit to position of power in our nation. When the righteous govern the affairs of the people they will be blessed, but the people groan when the carnal are in charge. Joseph continued to enjoy the support of Pharaoh regardless of the attacks from jealous men.
Pharaoh said, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift a hand or foot in all Egypt.” (Gen. 41:44)
Application: Trust the Lord to give you the good support from powerful people so you can be free to accomplish all that God has for you and your activities.
Memory Verse: For promotion does not come from the east or the west or from the south. But God is the one who judges. He brings one down, he exalts another.” (Psa. 75:6,7)
The Meaning for Our Lives
Give the people opportunities to make various applications from the lesson. Ask the people what are some of the pre-requisites that must be met before God will promote us?
Ask the people what are some of the reasons why many Christians languish in mediocrity? Find out what are some of the principles of leadership that we learn from the life of Joseph? What are some of the reasons why God blesses some leaders but not others?
Response:
Song: Living for Jesus a life that is true. Striving to please Him in all that I do. Yielding allegiance glad hearted and free. This is the pathway of blessings for me.
Prayer: Ask the Lord to give you the patience, courage and faith to wait until God enlarges your scope of responsibilities to serve Him better.
At Home: Ask your family and friends how they have seen the Lord bless them when they waited on His timing in their lives.
