God's Plan for Faithfulness and Favor

How do you follow that, right?

Yeah, yeah, I admit I'm an Alabama fan.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

There's a whole lot that go goes along with that, but I I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be here, and I thank Pastor Russ for the opportunity to ask me to come and jump in and to share.

Because one of the things I do know, he was scheduled to be out.

And I do always know that it's always a challenge and always unsettling sometimes when the pastor's out and you have a speaker that's there, you don't know what he's gonna say.

It's like, you know, a box of chocolate, you never know what you're gonna get.

But, you know, he allowed me the opportunity, and I'm grateful that he's here today, and you know, uh still praying for your shoulder and that the Lord would heal you through medicine and through rest as well.

Um, and we're just excited about what's going on here at uh Church to Grove.

You guys are in an exciting time.

You guys are in an exciting time.

Building project, opportunities to reach out more and to be more impactful with the gospel.

This is not about building a bigger building.

This is about being able to position yourselves, be able to do ministry more most effectively.

And to be able to do that is being able to have a space where God can use, can feel that you all can wind up doing what the scripture tells us to do and go make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of Father, Son, Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And that's not just for the pastors and leaders and elders and everybody else who serves, but it's for all of us who make a commitment, who made a commitment to give our lives to Christ and surrender ourselves to him so that he can use us.

And using us is not just for the path, for us to bring people here, but it's for us to be able to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Amen.

Well, this morning I'm not going to stand before you long, and I wanted to say that, you know, we're we're gonna do a kind of a sneaker competition, right?

Pastor Russ, you know, he he he he got his Jordans on and everything else, and I have my Nikes on, and I wish I could say this, but I didn't buy them.

My wife bought them.

She dresses me sometimes, and I'm okay with that.

I'm okay with that, but hey, we're we're gonna jump in.

Um, this morning, we're going to continue in the sermon series that you guys have been tracking.

God has good plans.

And I've been tasked with uh taking on Genesis chapter 41, verses 41 through 57.

Genesis 41:41–57

And this morning, I want us to kind of delve into the story of Joseph just a little bit more.

Over the past few weeks, you all have been journeying through the series of God has good plans and examining the life of Joseph.

Today, as we continue in this sermon series, I want us to look at Genesis and examine as we journey with Joseph as it relates to these focal points: his faith, his resilience, and his favor.

His faith, his resilience, and his favor.

I'm going to read verses 41 through 44 in your reading, in your hearing.

Hear the word of the Lord.

It says, And Pharaoh said to Joseph, see, I've set you over all the land of Egypt.

Then Pharaoh, looking, took off the signet ring from his hands and put it on the hands of Joseph, and clothed him with a garment of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.

He blinged him out, he made him look good.

And he made him ride in his second chariot, and they called out before him, bow the knee.

Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.

What we see in this text is a man who was elevated to a high office in the land of Egypt.

But it's important to understand that it came at a sacrifice.

In the midst of Joseph's trials, his adversity, coming from an unhealthy family dynamic of jealousy of brothers, being sold into slavery by his brothers, being wrongfully accused, fleeing temptation, and placed in prison, all of that would make anyone pull their hair out, would make anyone cringe, would make anyone say, What are you doing?

But through this, we see that Joseph kept his head.

His mind was focused for one reason, his unwavering commitment and dedication to God.

When you look at all the situations and everything that he was faced with, the thing that remained the same was his faithfulness and his dedication to God.

This dedication and faithfulness to God served him well then.

And I believe that it serves us all well now.

His faithfulness, his dedication in the midst of all the adversities that he had faced, he still held to the promise of who God is and what God is going to fulfill in his life.

In our lives, all of us have faced situations that seemed too hard.

There are many of us in our lives that we just simply wanted to throw up our hands and say, that's enough, I quit.

But something inside of you quickened.

And that something I would venture to say is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God that dwells on the inside of you as believers, and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit dwelling in those who weren't believers, to be drawn in to recognize that is not the end.

God has something in store for all of us, regardless of what we are dealing with, regardless of the situations that we're faced with, God still has a plan.

This is not just a story about Joseph, but it also draws from a parallel to the ultimate example of faithfulness and favor in the person of Jesus Christ.

When we look at the sufferings of Joseph and compare them to the sufferings of Jesus, the faithfulness of Joseph, the faithfulness of Jesus, the favor of Joseph, and the favor of Jesus.

In Genesis 41, we find that Joseph was elevated to a place of power in part because of his ability to interpret dreams.

God gave him an ability.

God gave him a gift.

Joseph didn't harbor that gift for himself.

He didn't brag about it.

What he did was, even while he was in prison and interpreted a dream for Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker.

Two years after that, he was brought before Pharaoh because they remembered that there was a man that could interpret dreams.

Joseph only was able to do and say what he heard God say and do.

In our lives, this is very important for us to make sure that we kind of pin mark.

Instead of us doing what we feel, what we desire, what makes us feel good, instead of saying what makes us feel good, giving other people a piece of our mind, why don't we give them the mind and the word that comes from God?

Joseph was able to be in a position that someone remembered what he did for them and gave him an opportunity to do the same thing for another person.

This was a gift that was given to him from God.

Joseph realized that this gift was not his own ability, but the ability and the gift of God.

You were wrongfully accused, but yet still you still remained faithful.

As we look at our own lives, how are we being an example of God's faithfulness?

How are we being an example of God's faithfulness?

This morning there are four things that I want to point out that I think is very important for us to walk through.

Number one, looking at the faithfulness and integrity, looking at Joseph's faithfulness and integrity.

Despite his adversity, Joseph still remained faithful to God and maintained his integrity.

We understand what faithfulness is, it's being able to do and to stand steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the works of God.

We understand what faithfulness is is being committed.

We understand what it means to be faithful for some of us who are Alabama fans.

But the integrity of a man, of a human being, stands when no one else is looking.

Joseph demonstrated faithfulness and integrity.

His integrity, being accused, fleeing, temptation, because he was committed to God.

When we look at individuals in media and sports, we put people on high pedestals and we we we celebrate them, and then all of a sudden, when they let us down, our hearts are broken.

One of the things that I recognize is that we can't put our trust in man, but we always have to put our trust in God because God is faithful and his integrity is always true.

When we're able to look to him for our example, instead of looking to men to be our examples, our lives will change drastically.

Joseph didn't put his faith, didn't look to other people.

What he did was he looked to God.

All of us will experience something, some tragedy in our lives at some point in our lives.

Or will we put our faith and focus on God?

Joseph was in a bad situation.

But the beauty of it is that even in his faithfulness, God still blessed him.

From the pit to the palace.

Joseph remained faithful to God because he experienced God's presence and favor throughout his life, even in the midst of difficulties and circumstances.

Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph's faithfulness to God was rooted in his belief that God was with him and had a plan for his life even when things seemed bleak.

Proverbs 3 and 4, 3, 3 and 4 says these words.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you.

Bind them around your neck.

Write them on the tablets of your heart so that you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

Let me read that one more time.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you.

Bind them around your neck.

Write them on the tablets of your heart so that you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

When we begin to write the word of God, the promises of God that He has spoken to us in our hearts, when we bind truth around our neck, understanding God's faithfulness, it changes everything.

We see demonstrations or illustrations or examples of people wearing necklaces with crosses around their neck, and it symbolizes for some different things.

People recognize and identify with it.

When we tie the word of God of life around our necks, we're holding true to the promise that God will do what he said he is going to do.

He's going to be faithful to his word.

Because God continues to show himself faithful every single day.

It is something that we've understood.

It is something that we understand.

It is something that we live every single day because God's word is in us.

When we think about integrity, Proverbs 22 and 1 says, a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.

And loving favor rather than silver and gold.

Those things that he received didn't change who Joseph was.

God is a giver of things.

But when he gives you authority, when he gives you possessions, are you using it for his glory?

Each and every one of us has possessions that we hold dear to our hearts.

God has given all of us ability.

But to understand that those things don't matter.

What matters is a good name.

He said, a bumper's name is to be respected.

He said, that's all I give I've given you is your name.

When we look at ourselves, what demonstration or illustration are we giving that's greater than our name?

Jesus demonstrated his integrity and was without sin.

We find these words in Hebrews 4.15, for we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

See the parallel, Joseph's integrity was in question, was was was tried.

But he stayed faithful to God.

Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with us.

But he was tempted but did not sin.

He was without sin.

That's the illustration, that's the demonstration, that's the example that we have.

Our integrity is tested when no one else is looking.

Number two.

Joseph showed and exemplified forgiveness and reconciliation.

Before God can work through you, he has to do a work in you.

Joseph could have been bitter.

Joseph could have been mad at the world, walked around with a chip on his shoulder, angry, mad, because he was dealt a bad hand.

But he still remained faithful and he forgave.

We want to experience the fullness of God.

There are things that we feel like we want to experience in our lives.

Praying for, but have we forgiven those people who have wronged us?

We want to be forgiven, but have we taken it upon ourselves, took the first step to forgive?

Some of us need to forgive our fathers, our mothers, our spouses, our children, co-workers.

The list can go on and on because we want to be forgiven.

When we do something wrong to somebody else, we ask for forgiveness and we're expecting them to forgive us.

Regardless of the circumstance or whatever has gone on, it's still our responsibility to forgive.

Why?

Because we were forgiven.

Jesus died on the cross so that we can have access to eternal life, and he said on the cross, Father, forgive them.

For they know not what they do.

That forgiveness was for them, is the same forgiveness that is given to us.

If we ask God for forgiveness, he's faithful and just to forgive us of all sins and cleanse us.

Joseph was willing to be a forgiver.

God wants to trust us, but we have to let go of some things that are preventing God from releasing all of his blessings to us.

All of us have been hurt, but it's a decision to hold on or to let go.

Joseph made the decision to let go.

When we let go, God restores.

And for years, even into our marriage, I was still angry with this person.

And I remember when my wife would mention her name or say something about her, I would, I would, I would, I would just boil up, get hot.

And my wife reminded me, she said, she has forgotten about what was what went on.

She's gone on about a lot, and you were held in bondage.

And at that moment I realized that I had to let go and to forgive what had happened.

We hold on to so many things in our lives that causes bitterness, that leads to health issues, mental issues, strain on relationships, marriages, and family because we want to hold on because we're mad.

We understand what it means to be mad.

Jesus understands what it looks like to be angry, but not to sin.

We have to forgive.

Matthew 6, 14 says these words.

Jesus says, For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses.

Things that make him.

He recognized that God gave him everything that he has.

Humility is recognizing what we have, we didn't get it on our own.

But God.

God's grace.

Many of you in here, there's some of you in here, God has blessed tremendously with gifts, with resources, with talents.

Not for you to get the big head and to recognize and to say, I can do, I can buy, I can go and do whatever I want to do.

That's wrong.

It's God, this is what you've given me.

How can I give back to you?

Whether it's through the building project, whether it's through the campaign, whatever it is, whether it's through your service, whether it's through you doing missions, whether it is you teaching, how are you going to live a life that is an example of humility?

Not because of what you have, but simply because of who God has placed, what God has placed in you.

Humility is trusting completely.

Proverbs three, five, and seven simply says, trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Do not lean to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him.

And He will make your path straight.

Humility is recognizing that God is not about me.

It's not about what I want.

Ultimately, it's about what you want for me.

Joseph simply could have been angry, frustrated, unforgiving.

But yet and still he stayed humble.

Jesus demonstrated that same humility that while we were yet sinners, he died for us.

He humbled himself.

Jesus, and became a servant.

Last thing what we learn from Joseph is that he trusted in God's sovereignty.

He trusted in God's sovereignty.

He trusted in God's sovereignty.

Despite these challenges, Joseph remained faithful to God and were able to understand how do we apply these things to our lives.

Joseph's faithfulness to God kind of points out a few things to us.

It points out what it means to be faithful and to live a life of integrity.

What it means to forgive.

What it means to live a life of humility.

What it means to trust in God's sovereignty, and through it all, it still shows our perseverance.

He held on.

He believed.

God wants to trust each and every one of us.

But we have to be willing to demonstrate faithfulness, forgiveness, humility, and a full trust of Him.

When we're able to demonstrate faithfulness, not because of what we want, but simply because of who He is.

When we're able to practice and demonstrate forgiveness, because we were forgiven, and I'm responsible, I'm demanded, I'm expected to forgive.

When I'm able to walk in humility, God, it's not about me, but it's about you.

The gifts that you've given me, the ability that you've given me, the talents that you've given me.

God, it's not about what I want, but ultimately it's about what you want.

And when I put my trust in a sovereign God, knowing that God has created everything, my thought, my mind, the creation, the way, the air that I breathe, I can totally trust in God's sovereignty.

It changes everything.

Joseph was a demonstration of that.

We look in the New Testament, Jesus demonstrated that same example of faithfulness, forgiveness, humility, and a sincere trust in the sovereignty of God the Father.

The thing that is so interesting is that none of this could have been done in Joseph's own ability.

He had to rely on God.

In our lives today, we have to recognize that none of this can happen in our own strength, in our own ability, but we have to do it in the strength of God, and the only way that we're able to have that strength of God is through his son Jesus.

In a relationship that he desires to have with us so that we can walk in the fullness, in the favor that he has for us.

Not wondering, not desiring, but knowing that what God has created and what God has purposed and what God has planned is going to come to pass.

Regardless of all the stuff that I'm faced with, God is still faithful.

And the interesting thing about it is that God is faithful even when we're not faithful.

He still remains faithful.

His word is true.

Romans 8 and 28 reminds us that all things work together for the good of those who love him and who are called according to his purpose.

He was able to remain faithful because he knew what God had shown him, told him, and proven to him.

Can we say the same thing?

If we can't, there's an opportunity for us to hold true to God's promises.

Jesus demonstrated his love for us that while we were yet sinners, he died for us.

All of this circles back around, not just as a story of Joseph, but an application of Jesus so that we can live a life full of promises and God's plan.

God has good plans for all of us, but before we can receive those good plans, we have to totally surrender to Him.

We can't just get the plans and experience the good plans, the good life without surrendering our own lives to Him.

It's just a total surrender.

It's simply saying, God, you know what?

I've been trying to do this thing on my own, but it doesn't work.

God, I've been asking for forgiveness, but I haven't even forgiven myself.

I'm asking you to forgive me, but I haven't totally surrendered and forgiven someone else or even asked you for forgiveness.

Because what I've done to other people, I've done to you.

God, I've been walking in my own strength.

I haven't lived a life of humility.

When I've gotten, I felt like I've done it on my own.

I've trusted in my ability.

I've leaned on my understanding.

Trying to make plans for my life.

Living totally opposite of trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not to my own understanding, but in everything, acknowledging you.

God is beckoning.

He's calling, he's yearning, he's waiting for us to totally trust Him.

Not with some, but with everything.

We put trust in man, but do we put the same trust in God?

We can say it, but do we live it?

Can other people see it wrapped around our necks?

Can we demonstrate it written that it's written on our hearts?

Can we be an example of who Jesus is?

Does our neighbors know that we're totally committed and sold out to Him?

Do our children see the example of mom and dad living a life pleasing before God?

Do our coworkers hear us talk about church on Sunday but live totally different throughout the week?

Are we living a life faithful, fully committed, walking in humility, totally committing to the sovereignty of God?

If not, this is our opportunity to do so.

Joseph's life was an example of going from the pit to the palace, but staying faithful to what God had said to him.

God has spoken to each and every one of us and has given each and every one of us a promise.

The ultimate promise is that when we close our eyes and take our last breath, that we will spend eternity with him in heaven, in eternity, forever.

But the only way that can happen is that we have to first surrender.

Joseph surrendered not to the process, but to the plan of God.

I don't know where you are in your spiritual journey, but let me encourage you in this.

We all have been hurt, suffered adversity, been wrongful accused, been wrongly been tempted, been sold out.

And the story talks about how he was placed in a palace, given the signet ring, given a wife, gifted of two children.

People from all over came to see him.

And he was fair.

God found favor in him.

Can he find favor in you?

As we prepare to close, if there is some unforgiveness in your life, in your heart, I would encourage you today to let it go.

To ask God to help you forgive so that He can use you.

If you're lacking faith, ask God to give you a portion of faith, even more.

Careful.

Because when you ask for faith, he's going to give it to you.

He's going to provide situations and circumstances in your life that's going to allow you to tap into that faithfulness.

But he's drawn to those who are humble.

Today I want to encourage you that before God can do a work through you, He has to do a work in you.

And right here is where we start doing the work.

And here, right here, submitting our lives and our hearts to Him.

Let us pray.

Father, we thank you for who you are.

God, we ask that you would help us remain faithful because you're faithful.

God, that you would help us to forgive, not hold grudges, to be used and found with favor in the side of you, in the side of man.

God, let us live a life of humility.

Not just in church when we're around people that we know, but God, that we would serve and show humility every single day.

And Father, that we would trust in this, in your sovereignty.

That we would trust completely in your sovereignty.

Trust you completely.

Trust you completely.

Trust you completely in the middle of circumstances that seem too hard for us.

Let us trust you and you alone.

Let us not look to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, to self-help books, to friends, to family, but let us turn to you for what we need.

Knowing that our answer is found in a quick whisper to you.

God, if there's anyone here today that does not have a relationship with you, God, that today they will surrender their lives to you.

Totally surrender to you by inviting you into their life to be their Lord and Savior.

It is in Jesus' name that we do pray.