People of the Word
Joseph Tests His Brothers
July 7, 2024
GENESIS 42-43
Review
• Motivated by jealousy, Joseph’s brothers had thrown him into a pit, sold him into slavery, and lied about the event to their father.
Joseph secretly tested his brothers to see if they had changed.
• Joseph tests his brothers: Will they again abandon a
• Joseph tests his father: Will he continue to show
• Do I have unresolved sin in my life?
Joseph’s ten brothers demonstrated true contrition and maturing character.
• A lot can change over twenty-two years!
• The text is abundantly clear: the brothers’ actions against Joseph
• Even Jacob demonstrated a limited, but growing, capacity to show
• Concurrent with the maturing character of Jacob and his ten sons, Joseph’s prophetic dreams were fulfilled (Genesis 43:28).
How do I process and deal with unresolved sin?
• Ask the Holy Spirit for help (John 16:7-11; Romans 8:26).
• Bear burdens with one another (Colossians 3:12-13).
• Confess and repent before God and others (James 5:15-16).
• Ask the Holy Spirit for more fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).