Lesson: Joseph & His Nation

Session 4

Scripture Reading

Introduction: Pharaoh's Dreams

Pharaoh had two vivid dreams the same night.

• In the morning, his mind was __________________.
• None of Egypt's magicians or wise men could _________________ Pharaoh's dreams.

A. Joseph's Opportunity

• The chief cupbearer remembered Joseph and his ability to ________________ interpret dreams.

• Pharaoh summoned Joseph and expressed _________________ in his abilities.

• Joseph refused to take ______________ for the ability God had given him.

B. Joseph's Interpretation

Joseph tells Pharaoh that:

• Both dreams have the same _______________.
• God is _____________ what He is about to do.
• Seven years of _____________ harvest will be followed by seven years of ________________.
• The repetition of the dream means it is _____________ and _____________.

C. Joseph's Recommendation

Joseph recommended God-centered ______________ to his nation's ____________.

1. Look for a person who is ______________ and _________________ to prepare Egypt for the coming famine.
2. Appoint other leaders under his _________________.
3. Set aside ______ of the harvest during the seven years of abundance.
4. Store it and _____________ it against loss.

D. Pharaoh's Decision

• Pharaoh ______________ this role to Joseph because of his _____________ and abilities.

• Pharaoh delegated Joseph total authority with only one _______________.
• Pharaoh gave Joseph ______________ of his authority.
  1. Signet Ring
  2. Fine Linen Garments
  3. Gold Necklace
  4. Second Chariot
  5. New Name

E. Joseph's Impact

1. At this point, Joseph was only _____ years old.
2. The land produced seven years of great harvests just as God had ____________.
3. Food was stored locally to provide for the people who had done the ________ and made the _____________.

1. God ____________ Joseph with two sons.
   • Manasseh means "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household."
   • Ephraim means "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

1. After seven years of abundance, the famine began just as Joseph had ____________.
2. The famine extended to other countries, but only Egypt was ______________.
3. When the people cried out to Pharaoh, he told them to go to Joseph and follow his _____________.

1. Joseph ____________ until the famine was nationwide before he opened the storehouses.
2. People from all over the world came to Egypt to buy grain from ____________.
3. Egypt was ____________ and resisted the temptation to _____________ their resources.
4. As a result, Egypt's wealth ________________ and Egypt's position as a global super-power was __________________.
5. Only God could elevate a rejected brother, falsely accused slave, and forgotten prisoner to a position of global economic and political _________________.

Our Response…

• What social problem has God given you a ________________ for?
• What platform of influence has God _______________ to you?
• What one practical action will you take to _______________ your influence and bring God-centered solutions to a specific problem in our world today?