Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The phrase, “The LORD was with Joseph”

a) It is a fact

b) It is a truth-principle

i) To believe in

ii) To rejoice in

2. One aspect of this Truth

a) It results in things favourable

b) Potiphar became prosperous

c) Joseph became a trusted steward in his household

THE TRUTH-PRINCIPLE IN APPLICATION I

1. It does not mean prevention from Temptation

a) Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph

b) She tried to seduce him

2. Was the LORD still with Joseph amidst the Temptation?

a) It would be up to Joseph to practise this Truth-Principle

b) It would be up to him to overcome this Temptation with this Truth

c) Yes! The LORD was with Joseph

RESISTING THE TEMPTATION

1. Joseph’s Response to this Temptation

a) He resisted it

b) He refused the advances made

c) He rejected the Temptation Genesis 39:8

2. His reasons were clearly stated

a) Potiphar was his master

b) The master had full trust in Joseph

c) It would be great wickedness

d) It would be sin against God Genesis 39:9

3. The attempts to tempt Joseph

a) She tempted him again and again

b) Joseph continued to resist resolutely Genesis 39:10

c) Was God with Joseph? Yes!

THE TRUTH-PRINCIPLE IN APPLICATION II

1. It does not prevent things from getting worse

a) Potiphar’s wife framed Joseph

b) Potiphar believed his wife and became angry with Joseph
Genesis 39:19

c) Joseph was sent to prison Genesis 39:20

2. Was God still with Joseph?

a) Amidst false accusations?

b) Amidst injustice?

c) Amidst suffering?

d) Yes! Joseph would have to hold fast to his trust in God!

THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH IN THE PRISON

1. The LORD was with Joseph Genesis 39:21a

2. The LORD showed him mercy Genesis 39:21b

3. Joseph found favour with the keeper of the prison Genesis 39:21c

WHAT PRISON LIFE WAS LIKE IN THE ANCIENT DAYS

1. The prisoner’s life was miserable

a) Bad food

b) Unhealthy living conditions

c) No medical attention

d) A prisoner can die in prison easily

2. The prison system

a) It was not very organised

b) It would have to be organised to function properly

c) Corruption was found everywhere

d) Poor prisoners would suffer the most

3. The Consequences of the LORD’s presence with Joseph

a) Joseph became the assistant of the prison warden

b) All the work of looking after the prisoners was entrusted to Joseph
Genesis 39:22

c) The warden trusted Joseph fully Genesis 39:23a

i) He was given the authority of the warden

ii) He was not imprisoned like the other prisoners

d) Whatever Joseph planned, it turned out well
(The word “prosperous” is not always related to money)
Genesis 39:23b

CONCLUSION

1. The LORD’s promise to be with us may still allow us to face

a) Temptations

b) Problems

2. The Challenge:

a) To hold fast to our Truth-Principle

b) To trust the LORD as fully as possible

c) God’s ways are not our ways but we may trust this Truth-Principle

3. Other great Truth-Principles

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Romans 8:26-30

a) The Spirit of God prays for us

b) All things work together for good to those who love the Lord

c) The Lord will see us through, right to the very end