E-pistle for July 3, 2009
Posted by: info <info@...>
E-pistle
Happy Fourth of July
Joseph "Framed" by Potiphar's Wife
(Genesis 39:1-23)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the events of Joseph's life in this chapter
Joseph had been sold by his brothers to Ishmaelites (children of
Abraham by Hagar), Genesis 37:25-28; 39:1, also identified with
Midianites (children of Abraham by his second wife, Keturah),
Genesis 25:1-2. These two clans probably had inter-married,
becoming known by both names.
1. Potiphar, captain of the Egyptian Pharaoh's guard, purchased
Joseph from the Ishmaelites, v. 1.
2. The Lord prospered all Joseph put his hand to, and he was given
total authority over Potiphar's household, vv. 2-6.
3. Potiphar's wife tried unsuccessfully several times to seduce Joseph;
then "framed" him for attempted rape, vv. 7-18.
4. Joseph was thrown into jail, where soon the keeper gave him
authority over the entire prison system, vv. 19-23.
II. Meditation: on why Joseph was so successful in his responsibilities
1. Because the Lord was with him, vv. 2-3, 21-23.
2. Because Joseph had strong moral character, vv. 6-8, 10-13.
3. Because Joseph realized that adultery (and all other sins) are
"against God," v. 9, Psalm 51:4.
4. Because the Lord showed mercy toward Joseph, preserving his
life for His destined purpose . . . to save God's chosen people, v. 21.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications found here
1. The Lord will never forsake those whom He has chosen, Hebrews 13:5-6.
2. God's people are to be holy (pure), just as God is holy, Leviticus 11:44-45;
I Peter 1:16.
3. At the root, all sins are rebellion against the Creator's will.
4. God's mercy allows Him to use imperfect human beings to accomplish
His heavenly purposes.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Walk by faith, trusting in the Lord, Who will be with me "always, even
unto the end of the age," Matthew 28:20.
2. Keep my life pure . . . by repenting of my sins and receiving God's
forgiveness and cleansing, I John 1:9; 3:2-3.
3. Surrender my will completely to the Father, praying as Jesus did, "Your
will be done," Matthew 26:42.
4. Claim God's mercy and grace as I seek to fulfill the destined purpose He
has mapped out for my life, Philippians 3:13-14.
The Butler and the Baker
(Genesis 40:1-23)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on Joseph's relationship with his fellow inmates
1. Joseph as a "trustee," administered the royal prison, Genesis 39:21-13.
2. He was given charge over two of Pharaoh's imprisoned servants: the
chief butler and the chief baker, vv. 1-4.
3. He noticed their sad and dejected faces and expressed genuine concern,
asking, "Why do you look so sad today?" vv. 5-7.
4. The two prisoners said, "We each have had a dream, and there is no
interpreter of it," v. 8.
II. Meditation: on the dreams and Joseph's interpretations
1. The butler's dream concerned a vine with three branches from which he
pressed grape juice into Pharaoh's cup, vv. 9-11.
2. Joseph's interpretation: Within three days Pharaoh will release you from
prison and restore you to your position, vv. 12-13.
3. The baker's dream showed him carrying on his head three baskets of baked
goods for Pharaoh, which the birds came and ate, vv. 16-17.
4. Joseph's interpretation: Within three days, Pharaoh will execute you and the
birds will eat your flesh, vv. 18-19.
III. Revelation: on the key events in this chapter
1. Joseph gave God all the credit . . . because God is the only One Who is
able to interpret dreams, v. 8.
2. Joseph asked the butler to return his favor and kindness by mentioning to
Pharaoh that an innocent man was being held in prison and should be
released, vv. 14-15.
3. All the events which God had revealed to Joseph came to pass . . . the
butler was restored and the baker was executed, vv. 20-22.
4. The chief butler failed to remember to speak to Pharaoh about Joseph,
for two whole years, Genesis 40:23; 41:1.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Give God all the glory for the things which He does.
2. With humility, make requests for needed help from other persons to whom
I have ministered and given assistance, Galatians 6:2.
3. Realize that God is faithful to bring to pass all those prophesied things
which He has promised.
4. Recognize that men generally are unreliable; only the Lord is faithful to
always keep His word.
"For me, winning isn't something that happens on the field when the whistle
blows and the crowds roar. Winning is something that builds physically and
mentally every day that you train and every night that you dream."
- Emmitt Smith
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