
Big Idea: The consequences of sin can weigh us down or pave the way for repentance and forgiveness, leading to true transformation.
Intro: In chapter 37, we leave Joseph’s brothers needing confrontation. They needed to be confronted with their guilt. They required an awakening of conscience. They needed to mourn. They needed to genuinely repent. They required the restoration of their family. The brothers desperately needed the transforming power of grace, though they did not know it.
1. The consequences of sin (42:1-38)
- a. Joseph’s concealed identity (42:1-17)
- b. The brothers’ guilty conscience (42:17-23)
- Guilt: admission of guilt, acceptance of responsibility for their sins.
- Fear: Godly fear, realizing God was afflicting them, focused their souls on forgiveness and help.
- Sorrow: Godly grief and sorrow pave the way for repentance.
- c. Joseph Tests his brothers (42:24-38)
Sometimes, God’s plan may be
Godly
2. The confrontation of sin (43:1-34)
- a. Joseph tested his brothers by keeping Simeon and demanding Benjamin’s presence. (43:1-23)
- b. “May El Shaddai grant you mercy” (43:14)
- c. Joseph grows in favor and compassion towards his brothers (43:24-34)
God’s tests are designed to
It is essential that we see that God has been caring for us
3. The resulting transformation (44:1-34)
- a. Joseph tests his brothers again (44:1-12)
- b. Judah’s selfless offer to take Benjamin’s place as a slave. (13-33)
c. Judah’s transformation thought process (37:25-28; 44:34)
25 Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. 28 Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt. —Genesis 37:25-28
d. Transformation is a gospel work (2 Cor 5:17; Rom 12:1-2)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. —2 Corinthians 5:17
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. —Romans 12:1-2
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
Share personal experiences where the consequences of sin paved the way for repentance and transformation in your life. How has guilt, fear, and sorrow been used of God in your life?
How can we follow Joseph’s example and grow in favor and compassion towards those who may have wronged us?
In what practical ways can grace and mercy empower transformation in our lives and relationships?