God's Providence Through Family Conflict

Text:  Genesis 37

Favoritism Leads to Jealous Resentment (Gen. 37:1-11)

• Jacob’s favoritism paved the way for sibling rivalry.
• Joseph’s dream caused division among his brothers.

Resentment Leads to Hateful Betrayal (Gen. 37:12-36)

• Joseph’s brothers plot to betray him by selling him into slavery.
• Joseph’s brothers deceive their father by telling him that Joseph was killed.
• Jacob is crushed with inconsolable grief over the loss of his son. 

TRACING GOD’S HAND OF PROVIDENCE

• The story of Joseph points us to God’s providence over all circumstances (Gen. 39:2-3, 21, 23: “The Lord was with Joseph)”
• The story of Joseph proves that God is at work for His glory and our good (Gen. 50:20: “God meant it for good”).
• The story of Joseph points us to Jesus, who suffered and died under the predetermined, redemptive plan of God (Acts 2:22-24)

Main Idea: God is sovereignly at work through our sinful actions and family conflict to accomplish His redemptive purposes.