Lesson: Joseph & His Work

Session 2

Scripture Reading

Introduction

1. The Background

• Joseph's brothers sold him to Midianite merchants who took him to Egypt.

Main Points

2. The Situation

• The Midianite merchants sold Joseph to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials.
• Joseph is living far from home against his will.
• Joseph didn't get to choose his job or his boss.
• Joseph's life seems completely out of his control.

3. The Ideal Employee

• The Lord was with Joseph and caused him to prosper. (v.2)
• Potiphar recognized that it was God who made Joseph successful. (v.3)
• Joseph found favor in Potiphar's eyes and became his attendant. (v.4)
• Potiphar trusted Joseph with everything he owned. (v.4)
• The Lord blessed Potiphar because of Joseph. (v.5) With Joseph in charge, Potiphar didn't worry about anything. (v.6)
• With Joseph in charge, Potiphar didn't worry about anything. (v.6)

4. The Background

• Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of sexual assault.
• Potiphar believed her lies and became very angry.
• Potiphar had Joseph put in prison.

5. The Model Prisoner

• The Lord was with Joseph and showed him kindness. (v.21)
• The Lord granted Joseph favor in the eyes of the warden. (v.21)
• The warden put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners and procedures. (v.22)
• With Joseph in charge, the warden didn't worry about anything. (v.23)
• The warden recognized that it was God who made Joseph successful. (v.23)

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

• Joseph was often treated unfairly because life is not fair.
• Joseph focused more on present opportunities than past disappointments.
• Joseph based his choices on God's character not his own circumstances.

Our Response

• Potiphar and the warden clearly saw God in Joseph's life. How obvious is your relationship with God to your authorities and coworkers? What can you do to become more like Joseph?
• In what ways have you experienced disappointment in your career or relationships?
• What can you do to shift your focus from past disappointments to present opportunities?