SEE THAT YOU FALL NOT OUT BY THE WAY
Genesis 45:16-28.
By: Dr. Robert F. Toney
Introduction: Give setting of the story.
1. There is a challenge to my own heart here.
2. A charge to Officers and Teachers...The message is
3. Why were these men, Joseph's brothers not to fall out by the way?
I. BECAUSE OF THE MEN THEY WERE:
A. They were brothers to the 2nd. man in Egypt.
B. They were sons in the covenant line.
1. God's covenant with Abraham years ago must be brought through human instrumentality.
C. Jesus said: "Ye are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world."
{Do we help, or hinder His cause""}
* I ask the church, "what if each member lived just like I do? What kind of church would the church be"
*. Joseph's brothers were not to fall out and quarrel on the way back to Canaan
** Or they could not carry the message to their father as they were instructed.
*** Church members cannot fall out with each other and expect to get Gods work done and souls be saved.
II. BECAUSE OF THEIR MISSION, THEY WERE NOT TO FALL OUT BY THE WAY.
A. before this time their mission had been in 3 stages.
1. to keep their father's sheep
2. to go to Egypt to get corn, and
3. Now, to go for their Dad and families. Bring them to Joseph.
* They had something to tell their aged father, Jacob.
B. Christians {Baptist if you please} have the greatest Mission on the face of the earth.
C. B. Graham said" "Baptist have the greatest opportunity to evangelize the world of any denomination.
D. Our task is not easy.
1. Jacob said: "his days were few and evil."
2. there are many things to lead you astray from God, and to take you away from his service, to get you off your mission.
E. The Jews failed to carry out God's plan. His plan was for them to bless the world.
1. But they kept boasting of what they had and what they were, instead of sharing with the world.
2. The Bible says this: "To whom much is given, much is required."
III. BECAUSE OF THE MEANS AT THEIR DISPOSAL, THEY WERE NOT TO FALL OUT BY THE WAY.
A. Joseph had given them his family the very best in the land of Egypt to use in bringing their father back.
1. Wagons and provisions were provided. vs. 21 following
2. Think of all the things God has given us to use for His Glory.
* God must be saying, "See that you fall not out by the way, and use what I have given you wisely."
* * No generation has been given more than we have.
*** No greater opportunity need than we have.
IV. BECAUSE OF THE MESSAGE THEY HAD TO DELIVER, THIS WAS THE GREATEST OF ALL REASONS, THEY WERE NOT TO FALL OUT BY THE WAY. VS. 6-16
A. Think of how these men felt as they told Jacob about Joseph.
* They surely were excited and enthused about it. There was joy in their hearts.
** Jacob had waited for years for a message like this.
B. What did the message contain?
Joseph is alive! He is governor over Egypt.
[a] Joseph was the chief administrator of the country. 2nd. in power to Pharoah himself.
[b] The Egyptian office of Supt. of the granaries which were filled with grain, in addition to Joseph's duties as Prime Minister of Egypt.
1. Joseph was waiting for Jacob...Jesus is too. Mt.11:28ff
2. Joseph has prepared a place for you, Dad. John 14:1-3
3. Joseph is exalted, Jesus has been highly exalted and given a name above every name..."
4. Joseph forgives, us Dad! He is not mad at us but he says: "God brought this to pass to preserve life.
5. Joseph calls for you Dad, to come down and see him. What a great message they had of good news. Joseph is Alive!
Brethren: We have a great message: Jesus is alive!!
6. Let me encourage you men of God: Exalt the Savior. Edify the saints, Expound the Scriptures, Evangelize the sinners, You have the message...
7. Jacob said: My son is alive...I'll go see him before I die"
8. Tell your people: God's Son is alive. He lives. Tell them that He is waiting for them to come to Him for Eternal Life. Preach the word, preacher, Preach the Word. And God bless you.
AMEN!
