Lecture Notes - Genesis 40 and 41: Joseph's Story

Introduction

• Speaker: Jon Elardo
• Context: Speaking at a former home church and Ohio Valley Christian School
• Background: First Baptist Church foundational in his spiritual growth

Overview of Joseph’s Story (Genesis 37-41)

Genesis 37: Joseph's Early Life

• Age: 17 years old
• Family: Jacob (father), brothers
• Favoritism: Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, causing jealousy
• Dreams: Joseph’s dreams indicated future dominance over his family, increasing sibling rivalry

Events Leading to Egypt

• Shepherding Incident: Brothers were shepherding in Shechem, Joseph was sent to check on them
• Plot Against Joseph: Brothers plotted to kill him but instead sold him to Ishmaelites
• Falsifying His Death: Used a bloodied robe to deceive Jacob

Potiphar’s House (Genesis 39)

• Role: Sold as a slave to Potiphar, head of Pharaoh’s guard
• God’s Favor: Rose to a position of trust and authority in Potiphar’s house
• Temptation: Potiphar's wife’s advances; he refused repeatedly
• False Accusation: Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of assault, leading to his imprisonment

Joseph in Prison (Genesis 40)

• New Inmates: Pharaoh’s butler and baker imprisoned
• Dream Interpretations: Joseph interpreted their dreams accurately
  • Butler's Dream: Restored to position in three days
  • Baker's Dream: Executed in three days

Request for Help

• Joseph’s Plea: Asked the butler to remember him to Pharaoh when released
• Outcome: Butler forgot him upon release

Pharaoh’s Dreams (Genesis 41)

• Dreams: Pharaoh had troubling dreams nobody could interpret
• Butler’s Recollection: Finally remembered Joseph

Joseph Before Pharaoh

• Interpretation: Predicted seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine
• Role Uplifted: Joseph placed in charge of preparations, becoming second in command in Egypt

Conclusion: Lessons and Applications

1. Divine Appointment: People in our lives are placed by God, not by accident
2. God’s Timing: Often doesn’t align with ours but is always perfect
3. Using Abilities: God can use abilities developed in youth for future purposes
4. Retrospective Understanding: God’s plans are often clear in hindsight, though not always known in advance

Principles and Reflections

• People and Timing: Recognize God’s sovereignty in people and events
• Development: Recognize and develop God-given abilities early on
• Retrospection: Reliance on God’s plan even when not fully understood

Final Thought

• Encouragement: Trust in God’s perfect timing and plan, even during trials

Prayer

• Thanksgiving and Praise: For God’s sovereignty and providence
• Comfort: For those seeking answers and dealing with hardships