Kingdom Covenant Part 9

At Keys Vineyard Church, we present a series called ‘Kingdom Covenant,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

Last week, in our series ‘Kingdom Covenant’ we examined Jacob and his wrestling match with God by the Jabbok River. This week, the focus shifts to Joseph’s life and times.

Joseph’s story in the Book of Genesis is a powerful example of staying true to your principles, even when faced with difficult situations. His life starts with dreams that show he will be important someday, which makes his brothers very jealous. They sell him into slavery, but despite this betrayal, Joseph remains faithful and honest.

Genesis 37:19–27 (NIV)
19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. 20“Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” 21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. 22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing—24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. 25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

In Egypt, Joseph is bought by Potiphar, a high-ranking official. Joseph works hard and earns Potiphar’s trust, eventually being put in charge of his household. However, his integrity is seriously tested when Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce him. Joseph refuses her repeatedly, saying, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). He stays true to his values and faith in God.

Genesis 39:6–10 (NIV)
6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

This decision costs Joseph significantly. Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses him, and he is thrown into prison. Even in prison, Joseph’s honesty and hard work stand out. The prison warden trusts him and puts him in charge of other prisoners. Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, eventually leads to his release and rise to power as Pharaoh’s second-in-command.

Throughout all these challenges, Joseph never loses his integrity. His commitment to doing the right thing, no matter what happens, is a strong example of moral strength. Joseph’s life shows that true integrity is not based on our situation but on a deep commitment to doing what is right in God’s eyes. His story encourages believers to stay faithful and uphold their principles, trusting that God sees their integrity and will honor it in time.

We will be discussing this and other topics this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, so please join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.