Sermon #50 Miscellaneous Sermons:
Title: Joseph’s
Bones
Text: Hebrews 11:22
Subject: The steadfastness of faith
Date: Tuesday Evening - , 2001
Tape #
Introduction:
At the early age of seventeen Joseph was carried away into a
foreign, heathen country. There he remained for many years surrounded by
idolaters. It is probable that during all that time he never came into contact
with a single child of God. Moreover, in those days there was no Bible to read,
for none of God’s Word had been committed to writing. Yet amid strong
temptations and various trials he remained true to the Lord. Thirteen years of
prison did not embitter him; being made lord over
It would appear remarkable to many that the Holy Spirit has
selected this particular act of faith to illustrate the faithfulness of this
man Joseph. It is surprising to the natural reason that the inspired Apostle
makes no mention of Joseph’s faithfulness in declaring what God had made known
to him, his charity, his wisdom and prudence, his fear of God, his compassion,
his overcoming evil with good, his reverence and obedience to his father;
instead, the whole of his memorable life is past over, and we are introduced to
the final scene of his pilgrimage. But this seeming difficulty is easily
removed if we bear in mind the purpose of this chapter. It was Paul’s purpose
to encourage the fearful and wavering Hebrews, by setting before them striking
examples of the efficacy and sufficiency of faith to carry its favored
possessor safely through every difficulty, and ultimately conduct him into the
promised inheritance.
A question which is of deepest interest to all is, “Do we have a
faith which will support us amid the frailties of age and the pains of decaying
nature? We all profess faith now: the hour which will try whether we possess it
or not is fast approaching. The reality and strength of our faith must at some
time - God only knows how soon - be put to a severe trial. How many who thought
that they had faith in health, find that they have none in sickness. How many
who thought their faith was strong, have found that it was not even as “a grain of mustard seed”. Let us now,
by seeking clear, distinct views of Christian truth and its evidences, lay up a
good foundation for the time to come, that we may lay hold on eternal life.
Proposition:
Nothing but the faith of
Christ can enable
rationally thinking man to enter with composure and delight into
the unseen world. It is the faith which is wrought in man by Christ, and that
alone, which can enable the expiring mortal to rejoice in the dissolution of “the earthly house of this tabernacle”, and
to say, “O death, where is thy sting? O
grave, where is thy victory?”
Divisions:
1.
The power of his faith.
2.
The performances of his faith.
3.
The profession of his faith.
4.
The pattern for our faith.
I. The power of his faith.
A. He had power over worldly
prosperity.
1. God does call some men to high positions (1 Cor. 18).
2. Joseph’s faith was severely tried.
a. His position (He was a
high official among idolaters).
b. His prosperity
(1). Riches of
themselves do not injure.
(2). Faith must be
active moderating the affections of the rich (Phil.
(3). Faith must set
greater store by the things of heaven than by every earthly charm.
c. His prudence.
B. By faith Joseph had
power to triumph over death.
1. Death is a great tester
of man’s sincerity. It shakes down bowing walls and tottering fences.
2. The brightest instance of faith in this grand old man was at
his death.
a. In his death he remembered God’s covenant.
b. His heart was totally baptized with the thoughts of heaven.
c. He did not dwell upon the past, but hoped for the future
(Heb. 11:1).
d. He rested on God’s testimony.
C. By faith Joseph
triumphed over all improbabilities.
1.
2. When they came to slavery, how could they leave? Faith does
not reason, but believe.
II. The performance of his faith.
A. He refused to be an
Egyptian
NOTE: “In Sakhara, hard by the
pyramid of Pharaoh Apahis, stands at this day the tomb of a prince, whose name
and titles are in hieroglyphic writing. The name is “”Eitsuph”, and from among
his many titles we choose one, “Director of the King’s Graineries”. 2 Cor.
6:14; Jos. 4:4.
B. Faith constrained him to
have fellowship with the people of God.
1. A true Christian may be
known by his love for
2. At the very time of his death
Joseph’s heart was engaged with the future happiness of
a. How beautifully this unselfish faith was pictured in the
dying daughter-in-law of Eli (1 Sam.
b. Much more was this unselfish love demonstrated by our Savior
(John 13:1).
NOTE: May God
enable us by faith to lay hold of his promises for God’s people today (Isa.
59:19).
C. Joseph’s faith gave
him an eye to the spirituality of the covenant. His hope His hope was not in
the earthly
D. Joseph’s faith gave
him a willingness to wait God’s time for the promised blessing. (Here is
Christianity - Resignation).
NOTE: Joseph’s
bones were not buried until Joshua had conquered and divided the land.
III. The profession of his faith. His death bed was active.
A. He made an open avowal
of his confidence in God’s promise. Faith cannot be dumb!
B. He would encourage the
faith of others.
1. We should desire men’s salvation.
2. We should encourage faith in others at all times.
IV. The pattern for our faith.
Here we have an example for
our faith to act upon when we come to the time of death.
A. Let us in the hour of
death take comfort in the covenant as Joseph did.
B. We can be comforted
knowing that Christ will yet visit his people.
Conclusion:
We cannot hope to die triumphantly unless we live obediently.