THE FIRST PART: A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
From Abraham to Joseph
Message Five—Joseph
Scripture Reading: Gen. 37:5-11; 41:38-46; 45:5-9; 49:22-26; Psa. 105:17-21
I. Joseph represents the reigning aspect of a mature life—Gen. 45:8, 26a: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
A. Spiritually speaking, Joseph is not separate from Jacob; rather, he represents the reigning aspect of a mature saint, the mature Israel. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
B. In reality and in actuality, the reigning aspect typified by Joseph is Christ constituted into our being—Eph. 3:17a; Gal. 4:19: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
1. The process of being constituted with Christ will continue until it reaches its climax when the reigning aspect comes forth in us—Rom. 5:10, 17, 21. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
2. The constitution of Christ in our regenerated being is what gives us the burden to take care of others; this is shepherding—Gen. 37:12-17. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
II. Joseph’s life was controlled and directed by his dreams—Gen. 37:5-11: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
A. Joseph’s dreams reveal the situation of God’s people in His sight—Rev. 12:1: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
1. We need the view of the heavenly dream, the eternal view, not the view from the earth—Num. 23:21; 24:4-8. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
2. We need to see God’s people from the heavenly viewpoint; the more we have this vision and the more we mature in life, the less we will speak negatively concerning the saints or the church. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
B. The vision of Joseph’s dreams controlled his life and directed his behavior; he behaved excellently and marvelously because he was directed by the vision he saw in his dreams—Gen. 37:7, 9: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
1. In his conduct he was a sheaf standing up and full of life, and he was a star shining in the darkness—39:1-23. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
2. Joseph’s life under the heavenly vision was the life of the kingdom of the heavens described in Matthew 5—7. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
III. Before Joseph was enthroned, he passed through a long period of testing, trial, and suffering—Gen. 37:18-28; 39:1—40:23: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
A. Enthronement did not immediately follow his dreams; instead, there was betrayal leading to imprisonment—37:11a, 18-28; 39:19-20a. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
B. The years of Joseph’s imprisonment were a training, an exercise, and a time of learning as a preparation for his enthronement—Gen. 40:12-15, 20-23. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
C. The visions Joseph saw sustained his faith during the years of testing; the stronger our faith is, the longer the period of testing will be—Psa. 105:17-21; 26:2; 1 Pet. 1:6-8; James 1:3, 12. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
D. Joseph’s speaking released him from prison and ushered him to the throne; he was given authority directly through his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams—Gen. 41:1-46. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
IV. The record of Joseph’s life is a revelation of the rulership of the Spirit—45:9, 26a; 41:42: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
A. A gold chain was put around Joseph’s neck; this signifies the Spirit for obedience—v. 42; Acts 5:32: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
1. Our neck (will) must be conquered, subdued, and chained by the Holy Spirit. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
2. After our stiff neck has been softened and subdued, others will see on our neck the beauty of the Holy Spirit for obedience expressed in our submission—S. S. 1:10; 4:9; 2 Cor. 10:6; Phil. 2:12. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
B. Joseph was a man who had been thoroughly dealt with and who lived under the rulership of the Spirit; therefore, he was qualified to rule over the land of Egypt, carrying out such a vast administration—Gen. 45:9; 41:55-57; 47:11-27: (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
1. He was full of human feelings and sentiments, but he kept himself with all his feelings under the rulership of the Spirit—43:26-34; 45:1-5, 9; 46:29. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
2. Joseph was a sober, disciplined person, and his personal temperament and sentiment were under the control of resurrection life—42:6, 8-9a. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
3. As a leader Joseph did not act according to his need, desire, feelings, disposition, sentiment, or enjoyment; rather, he did everything according to the need of others and for their good—42:6-28; 43:15—45:24. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
V. Joseph fully understood that it was the sovereign God, not his brothers, who had brought him to Egypt—45:5-9; 50:15-21. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)
VI. Joseph was blessed by God wherever he was; thus, Joseph is a sign of God’s universal blessing—Gen. 39:2-5, 20-23; 49:22-26; Deut. 33:13-17. (2000 FTTA-F, msg. 16)