1. Wednesday Night Adult Class South Jackson church of Christ Lesson 14 – Joseph: The Early Years December 21, 2011 rpack119@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ray.pack www.wordpress.com/insidethebackpack

2. Introductory Thoughts One of the most fascinating stories in scripture is that of Joseph A story that covers 20 chapters of Genesis Joseph is one of the 12 sons of Jacob His early years were spent in a home marked by sin, sadness, strife and struggles A story that illustrates God’s providence

3. Providence Shown in His Birth The Testimony of His Birth Remember the background – Genesis 29-30 The Triumph of His Birth Overcame the barren womb The Timing of His Birth The 11 th son

4. The Maze of His Childhood The Problem Areas of His Childhood In the home – Genesis 30 A hasty departure – Genesis 31:22-35 Surrounded by rape, incest, murder, treachery – Genesis 34-35

5. The Maze of His Childhood The Positive Areas of His Childhood Jacob’s encounter with God – Genesis 32:24-32 Building the altar and worshipping God – Genesis 35:1-4 Divine Protection in travels – Genesis 35:5

6. The Message From Joseph’s Battles A Message of Hope A Message of Home A Message of Help

7. A Rose Among Thorns By the Purity of His Life By the Promotion of His Life By the Promise of His Life

8. The Heartbreak Genesis 37:12-35 Jacob’s Demands Joseph’s Devotion The Brother’s Plot Jacob’s Despair

9. Next Weeks Lesson Joseph: Finding Family Forgiveness