THEME: THE SUCCESSFUL MAN (Gen 39:2-3)
Introduction:
The last two studies have given us a foundation to the discussion on “The Successful Man”. We were taken through who is a Successful Man from the World view and God’s standard. Success comes as we persevering in life. Success that last is the one that is built on the Rock. Matt 7:24-27. “If only in this world we have hope” 1 Cor 15:19. God has a plan for you Jer 29:11.
I. The Dreamer:
Joseph dreamt of greatness.
a. The brothers’ sheaves bowed down to his sheaf. Gen 37:7.
Their interpretation is that Joseph will reign or have dominion over them.
b. The 2nd dream Gen 37:9
“The sun, the moon and the 11 starts bowed down to his me”
Your journey to success begins with your dream and how it is managed.
Dream big and have a vision of what you want to be.
Ps 55:6-8 – 6 “Who will give me wings,” I ask — “wings like a dove?” Get me out of here on dove wings; 7 I want some peace and quiet. I want a walk in the country, 8 I want a cabin in the woods. I’m desperate for a change from rage and stormy weather.
With whom do you share your dream? Matt 10:16 “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves”
Gen 13:14-17 What can you see? How far can your sight go? Gen 15:4-5
Is 54:2-3 Enlarge your place of dwelling. Act in faith. Take some bold steps. “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone” – Matt 14:29
II. Some lessons from the life of Joseph
A. He was not lazy Prov 6:6-11
Prov 18:9 “a lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things”
Rom 12:11 “Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically”.
A lazy man will not take risk – Prov 26:13
A lazy man lacks understanding – Prov 24:30
A lazy man will not plow because of winter, will beg during harvest and have nothing – Prov 20:4
A lazy man will become a slave. Prov 12:24
Whatever your hands find to do, do it very well. Ecl 9:10; Rom 12:7 “if your gift is serving others, serve them very well”.
B He was diligent – Prov 22:29
Joseph was diligent and with the right attitude and positive disposition turned a seemly hopeless situation around and took advantage of the situation.
Be diligent at your work.
- The hand of a diligent man maketh rich (brings wealth). Prov 10:4
- The soul of the diligent shall be made fat Prov 13:4 “his desires are fully satisfied”
Seek to excel in whatever you do.
He was hardworking
C. When you work hard you become a leader – Prov 12:24
1 Thess 4:11-12 “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others”. NLT
D. He had faith in God
He told Pharaoh’s Chief Butler Gen 40:14 “But remember me when it is well with you”. Even when the butler forgot, Joseph must have kept his faith in God.
E. He was committed and dedicated (Gen 39:21-23.)
F. He was faithful
This prompted Potiphar to promote and make him be the overseer of all that he had except his wife. Gen 39:6
The keeper of the prisoner committed into Joseph’s hand all the prisoners in the prison. Gen 39:22
G. He had passion & determination
- Gen 39:9 “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God”
- Dan 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies..”
Joseph was not drifted away from his goal and desire.
- In Potiphar’s house, he succeeded
- In the Prison yard, he was a successful man
- When he became the Prime Minister in Egypt he was a successful man.
III. The secret to success:
- Acknowledge God as the source of your success and develop a closer relationship with Him. Deut. 8:18
- Take delight in the word of God – Ps 1:1-3;
- Be led of the Holy Spirit – Rom 8:14
- Obedience to God and the Holy Spirit – Joshua 1:7-8
- Manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 14:13; Jam 1:5-6; Eph 4:7-13.
Conclusion:
Success is not a function of your location, position or class.
It responds to:
- the presence of God with man and
- a man that follows divine instruction. Gen 26:1-3, 12-14.
TEACHER: REV. YINKA ABODUNRIN
