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.”
- This promise is limited to God’s people.
- “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). |
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