Sermon Illustrations

The story of Joseph’s life can be outlined by several key events in Genesis:

 

1. REJECTION (37:1-36) – Jacob selected Joseph as the favored son and he was despised by his brothers. They threw him into a pit and left him for dead.

 

2. REFINEMENT (38:1 – 40:23) – Traders came by and captured Joseph and took him to Egypt where they sold him as a slave.

 

3. RESURRECTION (41:1-45) – Joseph began to rise to the top in Egypt until he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. He was blamed and sent to serve as a slave in prison once again.

 

4. REIGNING (41:46-57) – The Lord showed his favor to Joseph in prison where he interpreted dreams and showed remarkable character. He eventually became a powerful ruler in Egypt.

 

5. RECONCILIATION (42:1 – 47:31) – Joseph met his brothers again and forgave them of their awful trespass against him.

 

6. REWARD (48:1-49:33) – Joseph was blessed by God and recognized by others.

 

7. RETURN (50:1-26) – Joseph returned home to bury his father and to be reunited with his family again.

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