God Meant it for Good
About This Series:
The final chapters of Genesis tell one of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture—the story of Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongfully imprisoned, and forgotten by those he helped, Joseph’s life seemed marked by injustice and loss. Yet behind every twist and turn, God was at work, weaving together His sovereign plan for good.
In this teaching series, God Meant It for Good, you’ll walk through Genesis 37–50 and discover how Joseph’s life models forgiveness, faithfulness, and trust in God’s providence. Each lesson uncovers timeless principles about God’s presence in our suffering, His purpose in our waiting, and His power to bring redemption out of pain.
No matter what hardships you face, Joseph’s story reminds you that God is never absent, never indifferent, and never defeated. What others may intend for harm, God can use for His glory and your good.
Sermons In This Series
(Genesis 37) Teenage Dreamer
Teenage Dreamer: This sermon introduces the study of Joseph's life in Genesis 37, highlighting how God views the seemingly insignificant teenager as noteworthy despite his brothers' impressive lineage. It covers his dreams, reporting on his brothers, and being sold into captivity, noting we can learn from him how to live purely in an impure society.
(Genesis 38 - 39) Saying No When Others Say Yes
Saying No When Others Say Yes: Focusing on Genesis 39, this sermon explores Joseph's resistance to temptation in Potiphar's house, detailing his three core reasons for saying "no": preserving trust, character, and fellowship with God. It emphasizes that Joseph's ability to live purely and prosper in a pagan society was due to "The Lord was with Joseph," a theme repeated in the text.
(Genesis 40) Nobody Loves Me This I Know
Nobody Loves Me This I Know: This sermon follows Joseph into prison after being falsely accused, noting God remained with him and prospered him even there. It explores how God uses mistreatment, similar circumstances, and isolation to awaken guilty consciences, as seen with Joseph's brothers when they encounter him years later.
(Genesis 41) The Test of Prosperity
The Test of Prosperity: Moving to Genesis 41, this sermon examines Joseph's rise from prisoner to prime minister, viewing prosperity as a significant test of faith and character. It illustrates Joseph's humility and recognition of God's hand in his success, contrasting this with how prosperity can lead others to forget God and weaken their character.
(Genesis 42) The Prosecutor Within
The Prosecutor Within: Exploring Genesis 42, this sermon highlights the role of conscience and how God uses circumstances, like similar situations and isolation, to awaken it. It details the brothers' responses to their awakened consciences, including admitting guilt and beginning to understand God's hand in their distress.
(Genesis 42:29 - 43:34) The Jacob Temperament
The Jacob Temperament: This sermon examines Jacob's initial reaction to the demand for Benjamin, characterizing it as a temperament prone to self-pity and wrong conclusions based on circumstances before ultimately yielding to trust in God. It also observes how God's goodness and underlying love in discipline bring about repentance in Joseph's brothers.
(Genesis 44 - 45:15) What an Attitude
What An Attitude: Focusing on Genesis 44-45, this sermon details Joseph's final test for his brothers, designed to reveal their repentance and acknowledgment of God. It highlights Joseph's profound attitude of forgiveness, stemming from his understanding that God sovereignly used their evil intentions for good, serving as a model for handling deep hurt.
(Genesis 45:16 - 47:12) Together . . . At Last!
Together At Last: This sermon celebrates the reunion of Joseph with his family and their settlement in the fertile land of Goshen under Pharaoh's favor. It highlights Jacob's testimony before Pharaoh and parallels Joseph sending his brothers with the message of his status and invitation to come with Christ's message and invitation to the world.
(Genesis 46 - 50) Marks of True Greatness
Marks of True Greatness: Concluding the series, this sermon identifies marks of true greatness in Joseph's life, contrasting God's standard with the world's, including his wise use of authority, humility, honest administration, unselfish service, transparency, and forgiveness. It emphasizes Joseph's visionary death, rooted in confidence in God's faithfulness and promises, as a reflection of how he lived.