When was the last time that you struggled with jealousy or envy? Envy is like a disease that destroys the body and relationships. (Proverbs 14:30) Envy is sorrow at someone else's good. We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) Envy does the opposite. Do you covet someone else's abilities, skills, or good looks? Do you envy the affection or respect that they receive that you don’t? This can lead to anger that damages relationships. We have seen a lot of envy in the book of Genesis. Cain, Jacob, Rachel, and Joseph’s brothers have all displayed envy that destroyed family relationships.
God promised Jacob in Genesis 35 that a people, a company of nations, would come from him. They would be a unified, harmonious whole of nations. This would not be easy. Before reconciliation happens, repentance needs to happen. In Chapter 41, we were left with the question, “had Joseph’s brothers truly changed?” Joseph had given them a test.
Sermon Outline
1. Scene One: Returning to Egypt Vs. 1-14
2. Scene Two: A Feast with a Ruler Vs. 15-34
