JOSEPH, SOVEREIGN SURPRISES (7 OF 8)
by Steve Jones
Scripture: Genesis 48:1-34
This content is part of a series.
Joseph, Sovereign Surprises (7 of 8)
Series: Joseph, Sovereign God
Steve Jones
Genesis 48
SUMMARY: The account of Joseph in Genesis illustrates the doctrine of the sovereignty (control) of God. In this sermon we learn how to prepare ourselves for the surprises that God causes or allows into our lives.
INTRODUCTION: One-time heavyweight boxing champion and well-known philosopher Mike Tyson, once uttered this memorable quote: ''Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.''
What's he talking about? He's talking about surprises. You have this fight strategy you've thought out and it's your path to victory and everything's going perfect until you get hit. Surprise! The other guy has a plan of his own!
Life is full of surprises, too, and they're not always pleasant. We all have the life we planned to live, the life we thought we would live, and then there's the life we actually live. Seldom are they the same life.
Most of you have experienced your own version of that punch in the mouth.
Is there a way to prepare for these kinds of shocking, jarring, unexpected changes? Maybe there is. Not in all ways, but in certain, important ways, maybe there is. Let's talk about it.
I. ACCEPT THE SOVEREIGN UNPREDICTABILITY OF GOD
In Genesis 48:1-14 Joseph's father Jacob was elderly and getting ill so Joseph brought his two sons to Jacob for ''the blessing.'' He lined them up so that the oldest, Manasseh would be under Jacob's right hand and the youngest, Ephraim, would be under Jacob's left hand. But look what happened in verse 14.
''But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and CROSSING HIS ARMS, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.''
The typical custom in Joseph's day was for the patriarch of the family to pass along a blessing to the children and/or grandchildren. The OLDEST son was supposed to receive a DOUBLE portion of the inh ...
Series: Joseph, Sovereign God
Steve Jones
Genesis 48
SUMMARY: The account of Joseph in Genesis illustrates the doctrine of the sovereignty (control) of God. In this sermon we learn how to prepare ourselves for the surprises that God causes or allows into our lives.
INTRODUCTION: One-time heavyweight boxing champion and well-known philosopher Mike Tyson, once uttered this memorable quote: ''Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.''
What's he talking about? He's talking about surprises. You have this fight strategy you've thought out and it's your path to victory and everything's going perfect until you get hit. Surprise! The other guy has a plan of his own!
Life is full of surprises, too, and they're not always pleasant. We all have the life we planned to live, the life we thought we would live, and then there's the life we actually live. Seldom are they the same life.
Most of you have experienced your own version of that punch in the mouth.
Is there a way to prepare for these kinds of shocking, jarring, unexpected changes? Maybe there is. Not in all ways, but in certain, important ways, maybe there is. Let's talk about it.
I. ACCEPT THE SOVEREIGN UNPREDICTABILITY OF GOD
In Genesis 48:1-14 Joseph's father Jacob was elderly and getting ill so Joseph brought his two sons to Jacob for ''the blessing.'' He lined them up so that the oldest, Manasseh would be under Jacob's right hand and the youngest, Ephraim, would be under Jacob's left hand. But look what happened in verse 14.
''But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and CROSSING HIS ARMS, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.''
The typical custom in Joseph's day was for the patriarch of the family to pass along a blessing to the children and/or grandchildren. The OLDEST son was supposed to receive a DOUBLE portion of the inh ...
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