WISE JOSEPH
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) The special description "wise" is used for 12 significant people in the Bible. They can be helpful models in our own pursuit of wisdom.
b) Here is one of them.
1. The person: Joseph
a) Their role: Wise leader
b) Text reference: Acts 7:10
i) 9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10 NKJV)
c) How they practiced wisdom
@1. Prepared for a major famine.
@2. Helped rule Egypt.
2. What is the text all about?
a) Our most important opportunities may come when we least expect them. Joseph was brought hastily from the dungeon and pushed before Pharaoh. Did he have time to prepare? Yes and no. He had no warning that he would be suddenly pulled from prison and questioned by the king. Ye Joseph was ready for almost anything because of his right relationship with God. It was not Joseph's knowledge of dreams that helped him interpret their meaning. It was his knowledge of God. Be ready for opportunities by getting to know more about God. Then you will be ready to call on him when opportunities come your way.
b) Joseph made sure that he gave the credit to God. We should be careful to do the same. To take the honor for ourselves is a form of stealing God's honor. Don't be silent when you know you should be giving glory and credit to God.
c) After interpreting Pharaoh's dream, Joseph gave the king a survival plan for the next 14 years. The only way to prevent starvation was through careful planning; without a famine plan Egypt would have turned from prosperity to ruin. Many find detailed planning boring and unnecessary. But planning is a responsibility, not an option. Joseph was able to save a nation by translating God's plan for Egypt into practical actions (implementation). We must take time to translate God's plan for us into practical actions too.
d) Joseph rose quickly to the top, from prison walls to Pharaoh's palace. His training for this important position involved being slave and then a prisoner. In each situation he learned the important of serving God and others. Whatever your situation, no matter how undesirable, consider it part of your training program for serving God.
e) Joseph was 30 years old when he became governor of Egypt. He was 17 when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. Thus he must have spent 11 years as an Egyptian's slave and 2 years in prison.
The End ...
0. Introductiona) The special description "wise" is used for 12 significant people in the Bible. They can be helpful models in our own pursuit of wisdom.
b) Here is one of them.
1. The person: Joseph
a) Their role: Wise leader
b) Text reference: Acts 7:10
i) 9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. (Acts 7:9-10 NKJV)
c) How they practiced wisdom
@1. Prepared for a major famine.
@2. Helped rule Egypt.
2. What is the text all about?
a) Our most important opportunities may come when we least expect them. Joseph was brought hastily from the dungeon and pushed before Pharaoh. Did he have time to prepare? Yes and no. He had no warning that he would be suddenly pulled from prison and questioned by the king. Ye Joseph was ready for almost anything because of his right relationship with God. It was not Joseph's knowledge of dreams that helped him interpret their meaning. It was his knowledge of God. Be ready for opportunities by getting to know more about God. Then you will be ready to call on him when opportunities come your way.
b) Joseph made sure that he gave the credit to God. We should be careful to do the same. To take the honor for ourselves is a form of stealing God's honor. Don't be silent when you know you should be giving glory and credit to God.
c) After interpreting Pharaoh's dream, Joseph gave the king a survival plan for the next 14 years. The only way to prevent starvation was through careful planning; without a famine plan Egypt would have turned from prosperity to ruin. Many find detailed planning boring and unnecessary. But planning is a responsibility, not an option. Joseph was able to save a nation by translating God's plan for Egypt into practical actions (implementation). We must take time to translate God's plan for us into practical actions too.
d) Joseph rose quickly to the top, from prison walls to Pharaoh's palace. His training for this important position involved being slave and then a prisoner. In each situation he learned the important of serving God and others. Whatever your situation, no matter how undesirable, consider it part of your training program for serving God.
e) Joseph was 30 years old when he became governor of Egypt. He was 17 when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. Thus he must have spent 11 years as an Egyptian's slave and 2 years in prison.
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