INTRODUCTION:

A. The events in the life of Joseph transpired during the time of the patriarchs, in the land of Canaan and  Egypt.
B. Joseph's family was plagued by polygamy and paternal partiality, resulting in family division, strife and  hatred by his brothers.
C. The account of Joseph's valiant life clearly illustrates God's mighty, overruling, providential care of His  people, giving us courage to live righteously and faithfully despite discouragement and disappointments  that come our way.
D. According to the Winston College Edition dictionary, to be valiant means to be worthy, fearless, brave,  strong, courageous, and heroic.

DISCUSSION:

I. JOSEPH'S STEADFAST FAITH IN ADVERSITY PROVED HIS VALIANCY.  HE WAS
 COURAGEOUS EVEN THOUGH --
 
 A. His brothers hated him.
  1. They conspire to kill (Genesis 37:20).
  2. On second thought, they sell him to Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:28). 
  3. They deceived their father causing him grief for years (Genesis 37:34,35).
 B. In Egypt distance did not diminish Joseph's strong adherence to godly principles by which he   lived.
  1. Sold as a slave to Potiphar (Genesis 37:26).
  2. The Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2-6).
  3. Joseph spurns the romantic advances of Potiphar's wife. Her lying about the incident    costs Joseph two years in prison for his goodness and morality (Genesis 39:20).
 C. In prison Joseph was brave, even proving his leadership in a hostile environment.
  1. Joseph was a model prisoner (Genesis 39:21-23).
  2. Joseph interprets dreams of two fellow prisoners (Genesis 40).
  3. Joseph is forgotten for two full years (Genesis 41:1).
  4. Joseph is now needed by the king for dream  interpretation (Genesis 41:1-36).

II. JOSEPH'S VALIANCY LED TO HIS RISE TO HONOR, RESPECT, POWER AND INFLUENCE  (Genesis 41:37-67).

 A. Pharaoh became aware of Joseph's worth.
 B. Pharaoh appoints him over all the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:41).

III. JOSEPH'S CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS.
 
 A. Joseph was fearless to live righteously regardless of the situation in which he found himself.  
  The following examples remind us of Christ.
  1. Forgiving his brothers' failure to respond when he besought them in anguish of his 
   soul (Genesis 42:21).
  2. Forgiving their lies which caused his father years of grief (Genesis 37:31-35).
  3. Conducting himself in a manner that his master saw the Lord was with him and made    all that he did to prosper (Genesis 39:3).
  4. Spurning the lustful advances of an evil woman (Genesis 39:10).
  5. Being cast in prison for righteousness (Genesis 39:19,20).
  6. Interpreting, by God's power, fellow prisoners' dreams (Genesis 40:1-23).
  7. Becoming "prime minister" of Egypt, managing the affairs of seven years of plenty and seven years of famine, thus being God's instrument to save Israel (Genesis 45:7,8).
 B. Let us imitate this valiant man's Christ-like characteristics in every circumstance of life!

IV. JOSEPH'S GIFT OF HOPE IN HIS FAREWELL AND DEATH.
 
 A. Joseph was brave and able to say, "I am dying; but God will surely visit you and bring you out 
  of this land to the land of which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" (Genesis 50:24).
 B. Joseph died being 110.  He was embalmed and put in a coffin which was not buried but 
  remained a constant reminder that they would leave Egypt and take that coffin with them, giving   them hope of deliverance (Genesis 50:26; Exodus 13:19).
 

CONCLUSION:

If we will follow Joseph's valiant example of righteous living and constant faith in our God who is able, we too will be delivered from sin and ushered into our everlasting habitation.

   Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
   The clouds ye so much dread 
   Are big with mercy and shall break 
   In blessing on your head.

      From the hymn, "God Moves In A
      Mysterious Way" by William Cowper

        Mary Pigue Jones
        3128 Hall Circle
        Duluth, GA 30136