The Life of Joseph: A Study in Integrity

Part 1: Integrity in the face of angry, abusive

mistreatment
Sự Liêm Chính khi đối diện Sự Ngược Đãi giận dữ, sỉ nhục
Genesis 37:1-5 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the
land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years
old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and
with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil
report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of
his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that
their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak
peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they
hated him yet the more.

I. Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel – Genesis 30:1, 22-24
II. Joseph had 11 brothers and over a dozen half brothers and sisters from three
stepmothers – Exodus 1:2-4
III. Joseph is 17 years old at this point. Genesis 37:1-2
IV. Joseph was loved by his father, but hated by his brothers – Genesis 37:3-4
V. Joseph’s dream – Genesis 37:5-11
a. Joseph’s dream foretold him ruling over his family
b. His brothers responded with anger and jealousy

Genesis 38:18And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them,
they conspired against him to slay him.

Genesis 38:23-28 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that
they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they
took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And
they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a
company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm
and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit
is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the
Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And
his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they
drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty
pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

VI. Joseph’s brothers try to kill him – Genesis 37:18-24

a. They threw him in a pit
b. They took his coat
VII. Joseph is sold in to slavery – Genesis 37:26-28
 a. Trade caravans traveled with slaves roped together around the necks and
forced to walk the long journey. Egypt was 300 miles through the desert.
VIII. The brothers lied about what happened to Joseph – Genesis 37:31-35
a. They said that a wild beast killed him
IX. Joseph lived in a very dysfunctional family
a. He was faced with hate, mistreatment, lies, temptations, undeserved
punishment and gross misunderstanding.
X. Joseph never lost his integrity through all of this.
a. He chose to do right when all others chose evil.
b. Joseph kept his focus on God and refused to get angry or bitter.

Part 2: In the Face of Constant, Continual Temptation

Khi Đối Diện Sự Cám Dỗ Liên Tục

Genesis 39:1-6 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of
Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites,
which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a
prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master
saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in
his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him
overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass
from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that
the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the
LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had
in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And
Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

I. Joseph was given to the Egyptians – Genesis 39:1-6

a. Potiphar watched Joseph
b. It was obvious that the Lord was with Joseph
c. God was watching Joseph as were the Egyptians – Proverbs 15:3
d. God calls us to respect our authorities – Ephesians 6:5-6

Genesis 39:7-14 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her
eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's
wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath
committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither
hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I
do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to
Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it
came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and
there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his
garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him
out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and
was fled forth, That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying,
See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with
me, and I cried with a loud voice:

II. Joseph’s peers were watching him – Genesis 39:7-14

a. Joseph resists Potiphar’s wife’s advances
b. Even the tempter was watching Joseph’s responses
c. Joseph would not allow himself to be talked into sin – verse 10
d. Joseph never got close enough to become comfortable with sin.
e. Joseph concentrated on the consequences of sin, not the pleasures of sin.
f. Joseph new that the sins would affect his relationship with God
g. Joseph could not help those who were pressuring him to sin by living the
same way.
III. What can we learn from Joseph?
a. God convicts us for a reason
b. Sin has consequences
c. Stay as far away from sin as you can – don’t stand on the edge of the cliff
testing God.
d. People look up to you and are affected by your decisions.
i. Who will you hurt by sinning?
1. parents, friends, siblings, people at church, people at school,
pastor, etc.
2. Are you taking your family to the edge?
e. How can you help people who are pressuring you to please God and turn
from sin?
f. We have an advantage over Joseph – complete word of God for strength
and guidance.

Part 3: In the Face of Unfair, Undeserved Punishment

Khi Đối Diện Sự Trừng Phạt Bất Công, Không Xứng Đáng Phải Nhận

Genesis 39:20-23 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place
where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD
was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper
of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners
that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper
of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was
with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

I. Joseph was put into prison – Genesis 39:16-23

a. Potiphar’s wife lied about what had happened.
b. The Lord showed Joseph mercy in prison.
 c. Joseph became the keeper of the prisoners.

Genesis 40:1-8 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of
Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth
against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the
bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison,
the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with
them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. And they dreamed a
dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the
interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were
bound in the prison. And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon
them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in
the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly today? And they said
unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said
unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

II. God places people in Joseph’s life – Genesis 40

a. Two of the pharaoh’s officers were put into prison – verses 1-3
b. They both had dreams – verse 5
c. Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams – verses 22-23

Genesis 40: 21- 23 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he
gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had
interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed:
and, behold, he stood by the river.

Genesis 41:12-16 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the
captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man
according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so
it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged. Then Pharaoh sent and
called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself,
and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I
have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of
thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh,
saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

III. Joseph’s actions are repaid – Genesis 41

a. After two years the pharaoh had a dream – verse 1
b. No one could interpret the dream – verse 8
c. The butler remembered Joseph and the pharaoh called upon him – verses 9-
12
d. Joseph gave credit to God for interpreting the dream – verses 15-16
IV. Joseph’s interpretation
 a. There will be seven good years – verse 29
b. There will be seven years of famine – verse 30
c. Pharaoh should store up food during the seven good years – verses 34-36

Genesis 41:39-41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee
all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and
according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater
than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of
Egypt.

V. Joseph becomes a leader.

a. Joseph is put second in command under pharaoh – verses 38-40
b. Joseph oversaw the gathering of food.
c. Joseph is now 30 years old. Joseph refused to concentrate on his
VI. What can we learn from Joseph? misery and instead looked for a
a. Joseph refused to be bitter or selfish. ministry.
b. Joseph was never afraid.
c. Joseph relied on God’s timing and judgment.

Part 4: In the Face of Amazing, Astonishing Success

Khi Đối Diện Thành Công Kỳ Diệu, Kinh Ngạc

Genesis 42:1-8 Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his
sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is
corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and
not die. And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. But Benjamin,
Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure
mischief befall him. And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for
the famine was in the land of Canaan. And Joseph was the governor over the land, and
he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed
down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. And Joseph saw his brethren,
and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them;
and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to
buy food. And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.

I. Joseph meets his brothers again – Chapters 42-45

a. Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for food – Genesis 42:1-4
b. Joseph concealed his identity – 42:7
c. Joseph tests his brothers – 42:9-20
i. Joseph accuses them of being spies – verses 9-10
ii. Joseph requires them to bring their youngest brother – verses 19-20

Genesis 45:5-8 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me
hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the
famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be
earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth,
and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither,
but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler
throughout all the land of Egypt.

II. Joseph tells his brothers who he is – 45:1-15

III. Joseph’s family settles in Egypt – Chapters 46-47 – read 47:7-13
IV. Joseph saves the people from famine– 47:19-26
V. Jacob divides his children into 12 tribes –
a. Genesis 49: 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their
father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his
blessing he blessed them.

Jacob dies and now his brothers are afraid Joseph is going to do evil to them because
their father is gone.

Genesis 50:17-21 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of
thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the
trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake
unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said,
Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place
of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring
to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will
nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

VI. Joseph forgives his brothers

a. Joseph’s brothers are afraid of punishment – 50:15-16
b. They ask forgiveness from Joseph – 50:17-18
c. Joseph forgives his brothers – 50:19-21

VII. What can we learn from Joseph?

a. Joseph maintained his integrity while in slavery and prison.
b. Joseph maintained his integrity while a leader with wealth and power.
c. Joseph forgave others and repaid evil for good.
d. God blesses those who are faithful, in His own time.

VIII. Three characteristics of Joseph – How do you stack up?

a. Joseph knew God – How well do you know God?
b. Joseph trusted God to reveal His Word and will – Do you pray for
understanding?
c. God trusted Joseph to obey His Word and will – Can God trust you to obey
Him?
d. All Joseph knew was God is on His throne.
i. All he needed to know.
 e. Nothing can happen to us without God allowing it.

Integrity is complete obedience regardless of who is watching, the

intensity of the temptation, or the severity of the pressure.
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liệt, hay dù cho áp lực có gay gắt.