These notes accompany the sermon God Meant It for Good, found here: https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/whitesrun/sermons/102520111338970/

Introduction

The summarizing statement of the meaning of Genesis chapters 37-50 is the following:  “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”  Genesis 50:20 ESV

God’s Providence: 

Romans 8:28 ESV,  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

1. This promise is limited to God’s people. 
2. “Good” is defined by God in terms of salvation, sanctification, provision of necessities, and kingdom usefulness. 

See 1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:13, 5:10; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 2:10; Philippians 3:8-11; 2 Corinthians 1:5.  Also: Psalm 135:5-6; Jer. 27:5-7; Lam. 3:38; Dan. 4:34-35. 

God’s providence is the basis of

• Joseph’s Forgiveness. 
• Our confidence in the success of God’s plans.
• Our victory over circumstances.
• Our thankfulness. 

The Faithfulness of His People: 

• Places them in a position to experience God. 
• Reveals their true faith in God. 
• Brings God glory.
• Is the channel of blessings in any circumstance.
• Is their primary focus in every circumstance. 

Salvation for Many

Repent and Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. See John 3.

Genesis 3:15, 12:1-3, 15:13-16; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8, 4:12.

Another Beautiful Typology

Written more than one thousand years before Christ, the book of Genesis contains an unmistakable pre-figuring of the work of Jesus Christ. The life of Joseph, son of Israel, has remarkable parallels to the ministry of Christ.

Joseph	Christ
Joseph was rejected by his own brothers (Genesis 37:19-20), stripped of his robe, and thrown into a pit (Genesis 37:22-24). Sold into slavery, he eventually landed in a dungeon in Egypt (Genesis 37:28; 39:20).	Christ was rejected by his own (John 1:11). He was stripped of his robe, condemned to death and descended to hell (Matthew 27:27-31; John 19:23-24; 1 Peter 3:18-20).
Joseph was an exemplary servant (Genesis 39:1-6).  Though he was tempted he did not give in to temptation (Genesis 39:7-12).	Christ came as a servant (Philippians 2:7). He was tempted, but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Joseph was unjustly accused and condemned (Genesis 39:13-20).  In prison Joseph interpreted a dream of life to one of his fellow prisoners and death to another (Genesis 60:6-23).  He was raised out of the dungeon to sit at Pharoah’s right hand (Genesis 41:14-45).	Christ was unjustly accused and condemned (Matthew 26:57-68; 27:11-25). While on the cross, Jesus’ words promise life to one of the thieves condemned with him (Luke 23:39-43).  Jesus was raised from the prison of death to sit at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 2:33; 5:31).
Joseph had a meal with his brothers before he revealed himself to them (Genesis 43:16).  When he did reveal himself, Joseph saved his brothers’ lives (Genesis 45:3-15).  Joseph’s actions also saved Egypt and many others (Genesis 50:20).	Jesus had a last supper with his disciples (Matthew 26:17-30).  After his death and resurrection he revealed himself to them alive, which brought about salvation for them and the world (Luke 24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11).
In Joseph, God partially fulfilled his promise to Abraham to bless all the nations of the world (Genesis 12:1-3), since Joseph’s actions helped the nations of the world (Genesis 41:57).	In Christ, God completely fulfilled his promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), since Christ died for the sins of the world, and Jesus commanded: “go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).