Applying Joseph's Life That We Might Serve
Part 1 - The Formative Years of Divers Benefits

Our GOAL: To become an effective servant -- no matter what we face.

Ro. 15:4; Cor. 10:6,11: Gen. 37

INTRO: Today I want to start a series on Joseph. I intend to go five weeks with this series. Each week we will find an example or a trait that we need to gain from Joseph's experience. Today I want us to know that we need more "Joseph's" serving God. Today we need:

"SOMEONE WITH A VISION AND WILLING TO TOUCH PEOPLE'S LIVES."

  1. Joseph was the "apple of his father's eye"


    2. As are we in God's sight, in this day in which we live

    1. Son of Jacob's old age (special)
    2. Surrounded by brothers out of control
    3. Showered with special treatment -
    Coat of many colors was not a "working" jacket
     
  2. Joseph was the object of venomous envy
    1. Rise of self-importance - 37:2 He gave a bad report
    2. Response to the dream-telling - 37:17-20
    3. Rejected, stripped of his robe and endangered

  3. Joseph the endangered one leaves home
    1. Seventeen year-old is out on his own
    2. His morals and integrity went before him
    3. His vision went before him - Use ILL 68
      1. We must look forward and have a vision of what God can help us do
      2. We must want to go there and encourage others to go there too
      3. We MUST walk forward and accomplish the vision that God has for us

CONCL. We must learn from Joseph's life. We must reach for greatness in our life. So many times we are willing to just do. DO what I might ask -- the same old thing day after day. Joseph had a vision of what God could do for him. He did not understand, yet he was there for God to use. We do not have to understand everything that happens, just be willing to dream and fulfill God's plan for our lives.    Gary Marcum 1-24-99 East 38th St. FWB