Joseph’s life contains some important lessons that are not only applicable and instructive for young people, but also for all people of our time. Joseph was an overcomer, and the Lord expects the same of us. We see this clearly when we read the many promises given to an overcomer in Revelation 2 and 3.
The first thing that strikes us about Joseph is his attitude towards sin. Even as a boy, he must have had a connection with the Lord that his brothers did not have, for as he worked with them, his abhorrence of sin was evident. Genesis 37:2 reads: “And Joseph brought a bad report of [his brothers]to their father.” Instead of keeping quiet about their sin so as not to arouse their hostility towards him, he preferred to stand up for his convictions.
If we love righteousness and hate unrighteousness, God has His blessing in store for us. God is holy, and His attitude towards sin never changes. The more we get to know Him, the more we will share His attitude. Two things show us how God blessed Joseph’s life. First, Scripture repeatedly says: “And God was with him.” Then, the dreams the Lord gave him with their two meanings must have had a lasting influence on him – even during the dark years that lay ahead.
If we love righteousness and hate unrighteousness, we will also be exposed to the hatred of the lawless. Joseph was hated because of his good conduct. The beautiful coat was merely an excuse to show hatred. Anyone who detests sin and raises his voice against it inevitably ignites an argument.
Next, we see what trials and temptations an overcomer has to struggle with. Nowhere in Scripture do we read that a true follower of the Lord will escape temptation. Paul tells us: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Peter says that God has a purpose in allowing temptations and persecutions to come our way: “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).
Joseph’s trials and temptations were not long in coming either, nor did they lose their intensity over time. We read how his brothers hated him, how their hatred escalated into violence, almost to the point of murder. Joseph may have acted unwisely by telling them his meaningful dreams, for since then their hatred towards him had intensified. But he had done them no harm.
Another trial soon followed. His brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites (Genesis 39:1). He became a slave. Now he was not only separated from people he loved, but he was also robbed of his freedom. A foreign country, foreign people, a foreign language, and the complete absence of the knowledge of God – Joseph now found himself in this environment. “But God was with him!” What a glimmer of hope in these dark hours!
Then we see how Joseph was tested in prosperity. Prosperity can be a blessing, but it also brings dangers with it. Because of his good and faithful conduct, God blessed Joseph in Potiphar’s house. If Joseph had to be a slave, then he wanted to be a good one. He could not change his circumstances, but he wanted to use them for God’s glory. What a big step towards victory! First favor, then promotion, then he was given a position of responsibility, and soon Joseph came into contact with the highest circles of society. As is the case today, prosperity and advancement open the door to unexpected and overwhelming temptation for some.
His master’s wife tempted Joseph to immorality by deception. We need to understand this situation correctly, as we often put ourselves in unnecessary danger, and then fall into temptation. But this happened while Joseph was going about his regular duties, through no fault of his own. But although Joseph was repeatedly enticed, he overcame the temptations. When the temptress grabbed his coat, he left it in her hands and fled.
That was not the end of Joseph’s temptations. Because Potiphar’s wife did not succeed in seducing him, she turned the story around and had Joseph sent to prison. Joseph was counted among the transgressors. He was now in prison for the sake of righteousness. Perhaps he asked himself: “Is it even worth standing up for what is right?” He could not see what lay ahead of him. If it had been possible, it would certainly have made his stay in prison easier. But the future looked dark. As far as he knew, though he had escaped with his life, it was only to spend it in prison. But again we read: “And God was with Joseph.” Instead of becoming embittered, Joseph grew inwardly. During this time, he was being shown certain lessons, and he became a blessing to others.
Finally, we want to talk about the promotion of the overcomer. This time is of great importance. It is preceded by great adversity, just as the darkest hour comes just before dawn, when all hope seems to fade. Many overcomers have experienced this wonderful exaltation in the presence of the Lord – after the darkest hour of suffering and temptation. Their crown has come directly after the cross.
Let us take a look at the extent of Joseph’s promotion – from the prison cell to the vice president’s chair. God did something wonderful here and used simple means. Joseph’s two dreams were part of the reason he got into all this trouble, and now God again used two dreams of Pharaoh to get Joseph out of prison.
Joseph was the right man for this new, responsible position. He had learned the duties of administration well with Potiphar, as well as in prison. He rivaled the aristocrats. In his new position, Joseph became a blessing for everyone in Egypt and for his own father’s household. But this sudden rise meant not only responsibility but also great honor. His position came very close to that of Pharaoh’s himself.
This reminds us of an even greater honor that awaits all overcomers. It is described to us in Revelation 3:21: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
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