Genesis 46 - 47

Genesis 46:1-34 to Genesis 47:1-31

by Estelle Nazary

I. The Journey - verses 1-7

1. God revealed Himself by a twofold name.

a. "I am El, The Mighty God."

b. "I am the God of thy father."

2. Fourfold promise of what should happen in Egypt

a. "I will there make of thee a great nation."

b. "I will go down with thee."

c. "I will also surely bring thee up again."

d. "Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes."

II. The Family - verses 8-27

III. The Meeting - verses 28-30

1. The greatness of God's purpose.

2. The reality of God's guidance.

3. The wisdom of God's love.

IV. The Necessary Arrangement - verses 31-34

V. The Complete Provision - Verses 47:1-6

VI. The Notable Interview - verses 7-10

VII. The Special Care - verses 11-12

1. The simplicity of Divine providence.

2. The splendour of honest toil.

3. The sacredness of family life.

4. The significance of ordinary life.

VIII. The Plan.

IX. The Wisdom of the Plan.

X. The Results of the Plan.

1. Three essential qualities of true life.

a. His discretion.

b. His promptitude.

c. His thoroughness.

2. The source of these qualities.

XI. The Solemn Requirement. - verses 27-31

Truths:

1. God works through everyday happenings to accomplish His will.

2. Many of the daily happenings of our lives are not mere accidents or coincidences; they are a significant part of God's purposes being accomplished through us.

3. God provides the personal guidance which his people need.

4. Not every opportunity that comes along is God's will for us.

5. Meaningful times of worship in which we offer our lives to do His will can result in better understanding the best course of action.

6. God blesses those who honor their parents.

7. There is a growing trend in society today to forsake old people, treating them as useless objects. Such a practice is contrary to biblical principles.

8. The scripture presents old people as those who are wise and worthy of great honor.

9. God's abundant blessings upon Joseph demonstrate the rewards which can come to those who honor their parents.

10. God desires to guide His children through decision-making, spiritual struggles with enemies with sickness and sorrow.

11. God provides guidance through such spiritual exercises as Bible study, prayer, and worship.

12. Half-heartedness in any work is useless and hopeless, and can bring trouble in its train.

13. Our life may be shadowed by sorrow and suffering, but the cloud will always have a silver lining, since God will never leave nor forsake His own.

14. The guidance of God is as real, as certain, and as precious today as ever it has been, even in the time of Joseph and Jacob.