2. Reaping the Rewards of Righteousness Genesis 41:37-57

3. 1. Receiving a Promotion Background – Joseph was 17 when his brothers sold him – He was then sold as a slave in Egypt to Potiphar – Trials continued for 13 years, of which he spent 2 years in jail after a false accusation – During this time, Joseph did not: Give up his faith in God Compromise his integrity – Suddenly, he is pulled from prison and standing before Pharaoh

4. 1. Receiving a Promotion A.Great Authority 1.Authority in the palace – (vs 40) a.Absolute power under Pharaoh b.He did not seek revenge c.We cannot seek to “get even” with someone who has wronged us. 1)Romans 12:17-19 “Vengeance is Mine…” 2)Matthew 9:13“I desire mercy…” 3)Acts 8:22-23“gall of bitterness…”

5. 1. Receiving a Promotion A.Great Authority (con’t) 2.Territorial Authority – (vs 41) 3.Financial Authority – (vs 42 – 44) B.A New Name & Wife – (vs 45a) 1.From Joseph to an Egyptian name 2.A new wife – (vs 45b) 3.Rewards now 4.Rewards later – (Matt 16:27, Luke 6:23, Rev 22:12)

6. 2. Executing a Plan A.Survey the situation – (vs 46-48) B.Measured the grain collections, until it was unmeasurable due to abundance – (vs 49)

7. 3. Beginning a Family A.Joseph was faithful during adversity and prosperity – (vs 50-52) B.No polygamy. A one-woman man. C.Manasseh means: “to forget; to take away the sting or hurt of memory.” D.We must release all bitterness too. Bitterness destroys its owner.

8. 4. Surviving a Famine A.After 7 years of abundance, came a severe famine as God had promised – (vs 53-54) B.Joseph served God and provided for the people – (vs 55-57)

9. Three Truths 1.Bad memories need not defeat us a.Joseph could have allowed bitterness to consume him b.He could have brooded over events in his life c.He didn’t. d.He proved that it is really our own choice whether we are defeated by bitter memories

10. Three Truths 1Bad memories need not defeat us 2Great blessings need not disqualify us a.Joseph went from prison to palace b.Prosperity was not his undoing c.He did not become a servant of “stuff” d.He chose to be faithful to his God e.He proved that faithfulness and a right relationship to God are the greatest of blessings

11. Three Truths 1Bad memories need not defeat us 2Great blessings need not disqualify us 3Lengthy afflictions need not discourage us a.It took 13 years for Joseph to understand where God was leading his life b.He stayed faithful in the small daily events to God c.Don’t despair when trials stretch out and obscure the end d.God reigns. He plans to bring His faithful home one-by-one e.God always accomplishes what He plans

12. Three Truths 1.Bad memories need not defeat us 2.Great blessings need not disqualify us 3.Lengthy afflictions need not discourage us He is getting us ready for our new home. Our greatest reward is STILL waiting there. We are not home yet...but we are getting closer. Stay the course. God never fails.