The Working of Sovereign Grace
This is an exposition of Genesis 41:15-44:17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, April 17, 2016.
Intro:
Have you noticed that no one has to be convinced or coerced into telling good news? In fact people argue over who gets to tell what. A baby is born – “Let me tell them.” “No you told the last ones – it’s my turn.” A guy gets a new car – he’s telling everyone all about it. Even perfect strangers! People with good news can be annoying. You find yourself thinking, “I know this means a lot to you – but I’m really not interested.” At the same time it is great to rejoice with those who rejoice. There is great joy in celebrating good news with others. That is especially true when we celebrate the “good news” of salvation in the Lord Jesus. As we recount our stories of how we came to faith and God’s work of grace in us. From time to time it is good for us to stop and remember and to rejoice in and celebrate the work of God in our midst. I like the translation of Psalm 107:1-3 in the New Living Translation
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies. For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.”
Have you been saved? Speak out! The KJV is “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Peter tells us to “be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you.” I’m wonder if a few of you would like the opportunity this evening to briefly share your story? The story of how God’s grace came to you and granted you life eternal and life abundant.
Would you share your testimony? Just stand up where you are and give a brief word.
Isn’t this great? Doesn’t it encourage your heart as you are reminded of the work of God in the hearts of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Doesn’t it cause you to look back and relive your own experience? From time to time we need to share with each other God’s working in us. When we think of salvation we are drawn naturally to the pages of the New Testament. For it is there we find the Gospel account of the life and ministry of Jesus. There we find the explicit teaching of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. We think of the book of Acts and its numerous accounts of conversions. But we must recognize that such stories are not the sole possession of the New Testament. The same God was at work in the pages of the Old Testament taking those dead in trespass and sin and awakening them to the truth. A great example is found again in the story of Joseph.
Text: Genesis 42:1-44:34
I want you to listen to this story. Rather than reading along – listen. Consider what is happening. Consider the emotions involved. Consider the drama of the passage. Experience this passage then we’ll come back and talk about it.
This is a fascinating passage to me.
Some 22 years have passed since Joseph had been betrayed by his brothers.
He has experienced incredible ups and downs.
He was a slave who rose to a place of prominence within the house of Potiphar.
Then he is falsely accused and imprisoned.
He is blessed of God in prison and once again is elevation.
He is used of God to interpret dreams for two former government officials.
Then he is “forgotten” for two years.
Then in one day he goes from prison to the palace and is made Prime Minister.
He is married to the daughter of a prominent member of Egyptian society.
He is the father of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Now as a result of a great famine – his brothers are brought before him and bow at his feet.
Why doesn’t Joseph reveal himself?
Why not make himself known and punish these guys?
Why not say, “Ha I told you so!”
Wouldn’t you rub their noses in it? I’m afraid that would have been my reaction.
Joseph doesn’t do that.
But neither does he reveal himself and offer love and grace and forgiveness.
Why not?
What’s going on?
God is at work in all of this.
God is working at His pace, according to His schedule in the lives of Joseph’s brothers.
Look carefully and you will find a valuable lesson about the working of God’s grace.
Thesis: Salvation is the result of the working of God’s sovereign grace.
As we survey these three chapters I want us to note three key elements from the story. Elements that reflect the work of God in the lives of these 10 brothers.
- The working of God’s grace awakens a sense of genuine need. (42:1-23)
- The working of God’s grace opens blind eyes to the reality of the presence of God. (42:24-35)
- The working of God’s grace lovingly brings us to the end of ourselves. (43:15-44:16)
Conclusion:
This is the working of God’s grace. It is glorious and wonderful. It is beyond finding out. First there is an awakening of need. Then an awareness of the reality of God and finally a reaching the end of our rope – coming to the end of ourselves. Salvation is the work of God. It is the mighty working of his grace.
Where are you in the process?