Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.
Text: Genesis 41:56–42:3
Title: Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out
Introduction: No man seeks to be filled until he is first aware of his hunger. And, the deeper his hunger, the more diligently he seeks to be satisfied.
There are 13 recorded famines in the Bible. Without a doubt, God was about to use the withholding of natural resources to bring about a spiritual feast.
In Egypt, if the Nile failed, Egypt failed. For seven years, all of Egypt rejoiced that the Nile had been full. They had never experienced such bounty. The twenty-percent levy on grain, imposed by Joseph, was nothing at all to an Egypt so filled with grain. What was twenty-percent when so much remained?
But now, the years of famine had begun. Now, the Nile failed to rise. The life giving, nutrient rich flood that had come so powerfully for the previous seven years now was painfully absent. Year after year, those who gave the report of the Nile offered no good news. It would be another year of famine.
God was using famine to deepen, not only an awareness of physical need, but of spiritual need as well.
I. Denial & Deception—vs. 11
II. Remembering & Remorse
Conclusion: Some have suggested that Joseph was cruel to his brothers because he did not reveal himself to them immediately upon their arrival. However, Joseph in his great wisdom, was doing something of far greater importance. He was accomplishing something of far greater value—more valuable than reunion—he wanted restoration.
God, in His power, could remove the famine in your life. He could again cause the Nile to flow. But He is working something of far greater worth. He longs to be more than just your supplier, but to be recognized as your Saviour. He’s waiting for more than remorse, He is waiting for true repentance.
We often say that reputation is what others think us to be, but character is what God knows us to be. What does God know you to be that is seen by no one else? Before He judges you, He offers you this opportunity to judge yourself.
1 Corinthians 11:31–32
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we
should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are
chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.