Joseph: Trusting in God’s Sovereignty and Goodness
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Two of the greatest truths that Scripture teaches are that God is both sovereign—in control of all events—and good—righteous and benevolent in his character and all he does. This means that even though bad things happen and evil people and forces exist, God’s good plan will prevail in the end. In fact, Scripture says God accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph 1:11), and that he works all things for the good of those who love the Lord (Rom 8:28). God oversees and overrules random events, routine circumstances, good works, and even evil to ultimately accomplish what is good, which includes blessing his people and glorifying his name. This is clearly seen in the story of Joseph. Born into a polygamous and divided family, his older brothers hated Joseph and sold him into slavery. While a slave in Egypt, he was falsely accused of sexually assaulting his master’s wife and consequently thrown into prison. After interpreting Pharaoh’s prophetic dreams and providing wise counsel concerning them, Joseph was promoted from a prisoner to Egypt’s governor in a single day. As governor, God used him to save Egypt, the infant nation of Israel, and other nations during a seven-year worldwide famine. Though evil happened to Joseph, God used it to train Joseph, bless him and others, and glorify God’s name. God’s plan is to do the same through us (Eph 2:10, cf. Jer 29:11). However, to not short-circuit or delay God’s plan, we must trust and remain faithful to him throughout the process. Are you trusting him—regardless of your current circumstances, any evil deeds you’ve committed, or evil deeds that have been done to you? Reflecting on God’s sovereignty and goodness in Joseph’s story will help you trust and obey God more (cf. Heb 12:1). Let’s study these truths together with the Bible Teacher’s Guide.
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- Reflects on God’s sovereignty and goodness in Joseph’s story.
- Shows how God used him to save Egypt.
- Explains God’s plan is to do the same through us.
- Title: Joseph: Trusting in God's Sovereignty and Goodness
- Author: Gregory Brown
- Series: Bible Teacher's Guide
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Pages: 198
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Resource ID: LLS:JSPHTRSTNGGDNSS
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-08T19:45:06Z
Gregory Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong Global University, teaching pastor at Handong International Congregation, and as a Navy Reserve chaplain.
Greg married his lovely wife, Tara Jayne, in 2006, and they have two daughters, Saiyah Grace and Hannah Saje. He enjoys going on dates with his wife, playing with his daughters, reading, writing, studying in coffee shops, working out, and following the NBA and UFC. His pursuit in life, simply stated, is “to know God and to be found faithful by Him.”