Lesson 2 Purposes for Slavery to Sin: That We Might Experience Grace
Question 7
The brothers of Joseph did evil, multiplying sin upon sin against Joseph, selling him into slavery to a foreign land. And yet God meant to give them grace through it by raising Joseph up to a position of authority where He could then supply all their needs. Can you imagine the brothers standing there in front of Joseph, terrified by his very presence, unable to speak a word to him because of their fear? I mean, he had the power to kill them.
Imagine the brothers hearing these words of grace:
“Come near to me.” Even when they had pushed Joseph away, he drew them near to himself.
“It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” The brother’s original intent was to kill Joseph (Genesis 37:18), yet he rose to a prominent position in Egypt to save their lives.
“by a great deliverance.” The brothers delivered Joseph into slavery, but he would deliver them from starvation and certain death.
Genesis 50:20-21 ESV As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (21) So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Question 7. How does this story of Joseph and his brothers illustrate the truth that “where sin increased grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20)?
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Eric writes, "How can I record everything? They did so much wrong that I believe many of us would say, "His brothers do not deserve mercy. Joseph has every right to 'lord it over them.' How dare they!" And now that my flesh has had its 8 seconds in the limelight, the grace I've received kicks in and I see how their sins brought about an end result of grace. Love trumps. Love wins out. Love covers a multitude of sins. This is the type of men God is calling us men to be. Sin wanted to deplete us and keep us from the Light. And God allowed that for a time and half a times (I just had to go biblical!!). But then God, who is in total control said "Enough" and brought out. And the thing about it is, the years of bondage has caused His grace to shine even brighter in my heart. His grace is that much sweeter! This is overwhelming. I am overwhelmed."