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SEPARATED FROM HIS BRETHREN

Genesis 49:26

September 30, 01

Genesis 37-50 (the last main division of the book of Genesis) records the exciting and true story of Joseph, the eleventh and beloved son of the Hebrew Patriarch, Jacob. Why are so many chapters given to Joseph in the Bible? At least three main reasons may be given. First, much is written about Joseph because it gives an explanation of circumstances. There would be a serious gap in the continuity of the Bible without the story of Joseph. We would be unaware of why Israel was so firmly entrenched in Egypt or how they got there without the story of Joseph.

Second, Joseph is a wonderful exaltation of Christ. Joseph is an excellent type of Christ in the Old Testament. Joseph foreshadowed the Beloved of the Father, sent to his brethren according to the flesh, seeking their welfare. They despised and rejected him. They sold him, and delivered him up to the Gentiles

Thirdly, Joseph is a fine example of conduct. His life is almost flawless. As a result, it gives valuable instruction and encouragement in the matter of God-honoring behavior. Few men give such a great example of victorious Christian living as Joseph does. In every situation he encounters, Joseph shows us how to live uprightly and faithfully for God. His life can be observed as he passes through three distinct areas: a son, slave, and as a statesman. In all these areas Joseph was different from those around him.

What made Joseph different? In what ways was Joseph different from his brothers?

I. Joseph was different in his DEVOTION (37:2)

Joseph stood apart from his brothers in so many ways and most notably in his devotion to his father. Joseph loved Jacob and this devotion is seen in his reporting to his father about his brothers.

He acted not as a gossiping tattler but as a "faithful steward" in reporting the scandalous conduct of his brethren to his father.

A. Whom did Joseph speak? - “Unto his father”

Jacob had a right to know and Joseph would have been wrong if he had not told his father the truth about his brothers. Talebearers are always telling the wrong person. Often their wrong is not so much in what they say, but to whom they say it. It makes a great difference whom you tell. It can either stop evil or spread evil.

B. What did Joseph speak?

the truth .........Joseph’s report was consistent with the facts.

C. Why did Joseph speak?

He was obligated to his father. Joseph knew that a faithful report of the conduct of his brethren involved a loyalty he owed to his father.

II. Joseph was different in his DRESS (37:3)

Joseph was different in his clothes. His attire was different from those around him. His coat of many colors was a mark of distinction. See 2 Samuel 13:18. Joseph’s garments singled him out as one of noble birth. This, no doubt, was Jacob’s object to distinguish Joseph (firstborn of Rachel) from his half brothers (born of slaves). It signified rank.

Christians ought to dress like children of noble birth. We ought to dress like a child of God.

See Zephaniah 1:8 “strange” means foreign. The Israelites were reminded by their very dress that they were a peculiar people, consecrated to God’s service. However, the Israelites were adopting the customs, manners and vices of the other nations they were coming in contact with. According to the Law, Israel was to be distinguished from other nations by their dress as wall as by their religion. But now they were growing ashamed of this outward mark of religion, and beginning to adopt the more varied dress of their neighbors. It is evident from this Scripture that God not only wants us to think like Christians, and act like Christians, but also to look like Christians.

A. Distinctively

B. Modestly

C. Appropriately

D. Reverently

E. Differently

Convenience and comfort are not to be the determining factors for what we wear.

III. Joseph was different in his DREAMS (37:5-10)

His two dreams were revelations of the supremacy of Joseph. The first one was a revelation to the supremacy of his brethren and the second one to his supremacy over the whole house of Israel. We don’t read of his brothers having any visions or dreams.

Far too many have no spiritual dreams or visions. There is nothing wrong with having spiritual goals? Set a goal to read the Bible through once a year, memorize one verse of scripture a week, or lead one soul to Christ in a year.

Paul had goals. “I press toward the mark....” If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time!

We need some people with majestic dreams. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians had some great spiritual dreams as they do with regards to their dreams for golfing, fishing, bowling, or hunting?

Note verse 8 and 19. You will be misunderstood for your dreams.

IV. Joseph was different in his DISPOSITION (37:20)

If there was ever a man who had the right to have the wrong attitude, it would have been Joseph.

If there was ever a man who had the perfect excuse to be bitter it was Joseph. If there was ever a man who had a reason to hold a grudge, it was Joseph.

He was stripped of his coat, shoved into a pit, and then sold into slavery by his brothers.

He eventually arrives in Egypt and is lied about by Potiphar’s wife and cast into prison. While there, he is forgotten by the butler. However, you don’t find Joseph revengeful or bitter.

Bitterness defiles the individual, damages relationships, and destroys spiritual usefulness.

Bitterness makes you miserable in spirit, spiteful in speech, hateful in actions, and suspicious of everybody.

You may hate me for my position, but I don’t want anyone to hate me for my disposition. Oh, the need for Christians with good attitudes. Oh, the need for saintly saints.

Far too many people are going to hell stumbling over people going to heaven.

A. Attitude of forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

B. Attitude of gratitude (Genesis 39:7-9a)

V. Joseph was different in his DEPORTMENT

( Though Joseph worked alongside his brothers in the fields with the flock in those early ears of his life, his conduct was different from theirs. He refused to go along with the crowd.

His temptation with Potiphar’s wife (immorality) was met with a decisive “NO.” “NO” because the sin would have been against God. The honor of God was very important in Joseph’s life and it was a significant factor in his defeat of temptation.

Joseph’s behavior was pure.

Is your behavior different from the world?

A. His conduct was befitting of a Christian

B. His conduct was becoming of a Christian

A church member asked her pastor, “We have some neighbors who believe a false gospel. What literature would you recommend that I give them?”

The pastor thought and then answered, “How about the gospel according to you. Let them read your life.”

VI. Joseph was different in his DEPARTURE (50:24,25)

These words record a great profession of faith.

A. Joseph died relying on the promises of God

The “ye will” relies entirely on the “God will.” Joseph died relying on what God had said.

B. Joseph died reckoning on the power of God

How was this promise going to be kept? The only answer is the power of God.

The thing about Joseph that so pleased God was that Joseph believed God. His faith in God survived every trial, every test, and every trouble he encounters. He lived his faith right to the very end.

Conclusion: Jesus said we are to be salt and light. Salt deters corruption and light dispels darkness. The difference of each from its surroundings makes it vital. You have to be different to make a difference.

See Gen 49: 26. The difference was the way of blessing. Separation is necessary for blessing.