Christ gave examples to his disciples of what the end times will entail
We will be challenged in our faith, things will be testimony
Joseph was a favorite son of Israel (Jacob)
- Go thru and not lose our testimony
We in body of Christ are being challenged in our faith because government, schools, has told us what we can and cannot say; because we don’t want to cause an disturbance
No testimony without a test; people have thrown the towel in after is seemed that they understood who to work it out; don't throw in the towel but continue to endure; Book of Martyrs - story of man who gave up on Christ Jesus on his death bed
Joseph held on to his faith over 13 years… even though people talked about him, doubted him,
- your decision to quit could cost you your testimony
Gen 37:3
- Love can produce jealousy; can come from those closest to you
- Favor can cause others to hate you
Gen 37:5
- God's anointing comes at a cost
- Joseph's dream brought problems for him when he told the dream
- God speaks to bring correction and not material blessings; refer to OT prophets
Gen 37:23
- Joseph's brothers betrayed him because of anointing, favor and gifting
Gen 37:31
- Joseph's went and told a lie on him
- Look at the coat w/ blood on it, my son is gone - Jacob
- You are not to old to go through; Joseph was 17 years old
As soon as we are getting back on our feet another trial / tribulation comes
- Pharaoh's wife desires Joseph; but he didn’t give in, he ran and she lied
