Joseph

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. "The Bible Teacher's Guide ... will help any teacher study and get a better background for his/her Bible lessons. In addition, it will give direction and scope to teaching of the Word of God. Praise God for this contemporary introduction to the Word of God." -Dr. Elmer Towns, Co-founder of Liberty University