Firm FoundationsLesson 20:

God Promoted Joseph;and Took Israel into Egypt

Proverbs 21:1

Proverbs 21:1

Introduction

• Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, had twelve sons

• God worked through one of those sons to save Jacob and his family

• Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he was again sold as a slave

• Joseph was well-treated at first• His master’s wife accused him

of something, and he was put into prison

Joseph was put into prison

• Genesis 39:20• Joseph still trusted

in God• God did not fail

Joseph even when he was in prison

• It just looked like God had failed him• God always keeps

His promises

Pharaoh’s dreams

• Genesis 41:1-8• Pharaoh didn’t

worship the true God

• The Egyptians worshipped the sun, moon, and animals

• Proverbs 21:1• God rules over all

people• He can do whatever

He wants with us• Joseph believed

God’s purposes• Hebrews 11:1-2

Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams

• Genesis 41:14-16, 25-32• Joseph trusted in the Lord

to interpret the dreams

•God gave Joseph understanding to interpret the dreams

Joseph was given the position 2nd to Pharaoh

• Genesis 41:38-41• God caused Pharaoh

to put Joseph in 2nd position of command

• The Lord had not forgotten Joseph

• God always does what He plans

Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt for food

• Genesis 42:1-3,6-8

• God was bringing to pass what He promised

• Joseph’s brothers did bow before him!

Joseph disclosed his true identity

• Genesis 43:1,2; 45:3-9• Joseph cried when he

disclosed his true identity

• Joseph told them God was in control

• Why did God put Joseph in charge of Egypt?• God works out

everything according to His will and plan

Israel went down to Egypt

• Genesis 45:25-28; 46:5-7

• God had promised Abraham that his descendants would go to another country

• The hard things were part of God’s plan

• Just as God promised, Joseph and his family now lived in Egypt

• They were now called “Israelites”

Conclusion

• Israel is still a nation, still in the news

• God still keeps His promises

• God is still carrying out His plans for good