THEME: THE SUCCESSFUL MAN ( Gen 39:2-3)
Introduction:
The main character on the theme “The Successful Man” is Joseph a slave boy in a strange land that rose to be the Prime Minister in Egypt.
He was a slave in Potiphar’s house and yet described to be successful. That success is not measured by human parameters – houses, money, fame, network, economic power, political power, military power, etc. But there is this phrase that was added to his success, “the Lord was with him”.
That is very instructive. That was the game changer in the life of Joseph even though he was framed or set up for a crime he did not commit, sent to jail, forgotten by someone he trusted will help take him out of jail. But God was with him. In all of the experiences that Joseph went through somethings distinguished him.
He was a good worker, exhibited good attitude, and exceptional in all he did though a slave till he became a Prime Minister. All these he displayed because the Lord was with him.
We can deduce the following attributes in the life of Joseph that we can imbibe into our lives as well.
To be a successful man:
A. You must be a good worker
- God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day. At the end of each day’s work he declared “it was good”. The Good New Translation said “He was pleased with what He saw”. His work brought Him joy and satisfaction. That is what success is. That is fulfillment.
- When God made Adam, He put him in the garden of Eden “to tend and watch over it” Gen 2:15 and gave him the responsibility of giving names to all the beast of the field and the birds in the air – Gen 2:19-20. He was successful in it “whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name”.
- Jesus worked – John 5:17 “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” John 9:4 “I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day…”
Eccl 9:10 “Work hard at whatever you do, because there will be no action, no thought, no knowledge, no wisdom in the world of the dead — and that is where you are going”. GNT
There is no food for him that will not work – 2 The 3:10
There is no greatness (success) without work.
B. The work must be of good quality and standard. That quality of work:
- Gives you an edge over others
- Announces you. “And his master saw that the Lord was with him and …… made all he did to prosper in his hand”. Gen39:3
- Will open doors for you for greater opportunity
- Will give you referrals Gen 41:12 “Now there was a young Hebrew man with us ….and he interpreted our dreams…”. Gen 41:15 “…it was said of you that you can understand a dream and to interpret it”
C. Must develop a right attitude and habit
Jacob had a habit – he did more than was expected. He worked hard even after several pay cuts. Some of the benefits of diligence at work will include the following:
- God is pleased
- Earns recognition and promotion (advancement)
- Enhances reputation
- Builds others confidence in you
- Gives you more experience and knowledge
- Develops your spiritual maturity.
D. Must make most of opportunities – Gen 41:14
I. When Pharaoh sent for Joseph he prepared himself
He shaved himself and changed his cloths.
Do not fail to make all necessary preparation as will be required of you. There is a requirement that you must possess to stand before the king. Prov 22:29
II. Know God deeply
It was not the knowledge of dream that made Joseph to be able to interpret it but the knowledge of God.
Dan 11:32 “the people that know their God shall be strong and do exploit”.
Conclusion:
Because you know God you will not know failure. That you have not made it in first, second or third attempts does not mean you have failed. You will rise again and stand firm because the Almighty God is living in you. Praise the Lord.
TEACHER: REV. YINKA ABODUNRIN
