Lessons from Joseph: Beware of Envy

Genesis 37

Tonight we want to look again at the life of Joseph and learn a lesson. Paul explained in reference to events of the Old Testament that God wants us to learn from those events.

(1 Cor 10:11) Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

The lesson for this evening is one on the dangers of envy. Envy is defined as painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another along with the desire to possess that same advantage. It is illustrated by the following story: A man took his brand new Cadillac back to the dealer because he noticed a distinctive rattle in the door. Upon investigation the mechanic found a bolt inside the door with a note attached to it. The note read: 'It serves you right. You are too rich!' The Pharisees hated Jesus' popularity with the people. It was envy that caused them to falsely charge Him and bring Him before Pilate.

(Mat 27:18) For he [Pilate] knew that for envy they had delivered him.

I. The Breeding Ground for Envy

II. The Results of Envy.

III. How to Prevent Envy.

A sure way to love a person is to pray for them. There is no reason for us to fall into this trap of the enemy. Let's learn this lesson from Joseph's life.