Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

JOSEPH

1. If one is tempted to doubt the inspiration of the Psalms, the words of our text should remove such temptation:
   1. The Psalmist gives a brief but complete perspective of the rich life of the man Joseph
   2. Each link in this story is an unfolding revelation in itself
2. The life of Joseph is unquestionably one of the most thrilling chapters in the annals of ancient Israel:
   1. The child reads it with wonder and the wonder increases rather than diminishes
   2. It has pathos so rich that it is fascinating to young and old alike because its essential features do not differ from the experience of other great Bible characters.

1. The main features of the story of Joseph:
   1. The young boy with a conscience sensitive to right and wrong is shocked by what they do and report to his father
   2. He becomes the victim of the envy; and they sold him as a slave to Egypt
   3. He becomes a useful and a faithful servant in Potiphar's home. There a lewd woman seeks to entice him to be immoral; he resists
   4. He is imprisoned and tortured; but again he proves his dignity and honor, and is promoted
   5. Finally, his wisdom brings him into a position of great honor and in time he becomes the savior of his race
2. The story of Joseph reveals the strength which a man gains in purity:
   1. his temptation - his loyalty to principle shows his loyalty to his God - Gen. 39:9
   2. Others have failed miserably in this test of character: Examples: Samson, Solomon, David, Gehazi are typical examples; their shortcomings in times of tests
3. Not less striking is the importance of practical wisdom in the affairs of life as gained by the experience of life:
   1. "There is none so discreet and wise as thou art" was the testimony of Pharaoh to Joseph - Gen. 41:39
   2. We are apt to forget how large a part of the Bible is occupied with this lesson. The Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are devoted almost entirely to it
   3. It was the wisdom of the pit, of slavery, of the prison house that disciplined and trained Joseph. "His soul entered into iron" - he accepted each experience as it come; he found the sphere of service in each and through each
4. Then we see the beauty and true character of forgiveness:
   1. Joseph's forgiveness to his brethren was not weakness on his part, but strength. He tested them and found a change of heart and that become the incentive to forgiveness
   2. In that he was a type of the One who prayed "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" - Luke 23:34
5. The last truth which stands out in the story of Joseph is God's faithfulness to those who trust Him:
   1. Note, please, the repeated testimony of the Bible about God's faithfulness to Joseph - "The Lord was with Joseph" - Gen. 39:2; "But the Lord was with Joseph and shewed him mercy" - Gen. 39:21
   2. That was and is the great secret in the lives of all who have and are having similar experiences as Joseph had in his rich life. They can count on God's faithfulness
   3. Note how often Paul calls attention to God's faithfulness - I Thes. 5:24; 2 Thes. 3:3; I Cor. 1:9; 2 Tim. 3:13

1. Character is not the fruit of idleness or the result or a pampered life
2. Achievement is not necessarily the result of genius but rather of industry and loyalty to principle
3. Says the Lord, "For them that honor Me, I will honor" - I Sam. 2:30