QUOTES FOR EFB 18, 2026

 

JOSEPH AND THE KING

 

22 Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten years 23 and saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees.

 

     So after Joseph had reassured his brothers about his forgiveness he lived in Egypt for the rest of his life.  Now Joseph was 56, when he buried his father and showed this incredible act of forgiveness and loves.  So he lives another 54 years in Egypt.  He lived there with all his father’s family.  His duty was to care for and protect his family.  He would have been the Prime Minister as long as the king lived for he was trusted.  Joseph was also honored in Egypt because of his saving the country from a severe famine.  Joseph had the privilege of seeing the third generation of his family, his great grandchildren.  Some of our seniors here have that privilege.  Should Jesus tarry and it being the Lord’s will I look forward to that privilege.  The children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at Joseph’s feet.  The reason Makir is mentioned because he becomes the most important tribe of Manasseh. Placing children on one’s knees is akin to adopting them. This cements the connection between Joseph and Makir. Furthermore, these generations speak to Joseph being blessed with long life.  This is the privilege of being a follower of the Lord.  Longevity is a combination of good genes, good living, godly heritage, diet, exercise and choosing never to get old.  Look at me, I will be 39 again next birthday.  Joseph never returns to Canaan during his life time.  Joseph was the means for his family to get to Egypt.  It was here that Israel would become a great people and eventually need an Exodus and a Moses.  There is a divine plan in all of our lives.  God uses circumstances, people and situations to get us where we need to be.  We need to be open, sensitive and obedient to him to live in the middle of God’s will.

 

24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” 25 And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”

 

But his life doesn’t last forever. Eventually, he’s on his deathbed, and he tells his brothers that he is about to die. There is no indication whether any of these brothers have already passed on.   This would have been the remaining family.  Joseph also look at all his family as a brotherhood of godly people in a foreign land.  Joseph again reassures them of divine protection and aid.  Joseph had been their benefactor, protector and friend for over 50 years.  He had been a go between them and the Egyptians.  With Joseph passing there was a lot of uncertainty.  Joseph had been a human representation of God and a link with the patriarchs.  Joseph had given them favor with a foreign people and now they were not sure what was going to happen next.  This always happens when a loved one is about to pass away.  We know that things will never be the same.   He reassures them God was behind all this and He will be there with them.  We have the promise today of Matt 28:20 that the Lord will never leave or forsake them.  Jesus gave this same reassurance in the upper room to his disciples.  Remember Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and forever.  What God did yesterday, he will do today and tomorrow.  God’s help, protection, guidance and love are consistent.  They would not be alone.  Remember the promises are yes and amen.  Good lesson for them and us.

     Joseph then gives them a prophetic promise. God will take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is not the land that God has, on oath, promised to give them. They are in Egypt, not the Promised Land.  This land they are living in a temporary place.

     Remember Egypt is where they dwell but it is not their home.  A good lesson for us.  Like Israel we have a home.  We live in this world but are not of it.  Like Israel we are looking for a city whose maker and builder is God.  The brothers and their family had gotten use to Egypt.  They had made a life in Egypt.  They saw that Egypt was a place of plenty and security with Joseph.  Egypt had become familiar.  I have discovered that people will often stay even in a place that can be toxic because it is familiar.  It is what happening right now in Canada.  Certain parts of this country keep this federal government because it is the devil they know.  Joseph reminds them of God’s oath.  Even at the end Joseph is bringing God into their remembrance.  Egypt can get into us.  That is why we need constant reminders for God.  They had been in Egypt for almost 70 years to this point.  The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had only known life in Egypt under Joseph.  They needed to be reminded they were the people of God.  That is why we need to remind our families today.  Jesus told us He goes to prepare a place for us.  Remember any moment Jesus could come back.  That is why we must live ready.  You are not settlers here Joseph was telling them and us.

     Joseph then makes them swear an oath to take his bones back to Canaan.  Even though Joseph had left Canaan at the age of 17, it never left him.  Canaan was his identity, his happy childhood, the place where he was connected too.  To the Jew Canaan will always be the land of promise.  It is their identity, and it is the place that was promised to them.  Joseph wanted his bones to be buried there.  Talk about Claresholm.  Joseph was a patriarch the promise of firstborn had been given to him.  He was the head of the family here and so he is giving his final instruction.

 

26 So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.

 

     Joseph lives to be a 110 and they embalm him and he was place in a coffin in Egypt.  Joseph was a high ranking official so he would have all the pomp and ceremony someone of his stature would have deserved.  Notice though there is no mention of mourning or even an extensive funeral.  Moses closes off Genesis with a simple statement.  This last chapter sets up the stage for the next chapter in Israel and that is the Exodus where Joseph bones would be carried back to Canaan and placed in burial place in Shechem.  Joseph’s tomb is there right now. 

 

Now I want to spend just a couple of moments talking about the lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life.

 

1.       No matter who you are you are not immune from bad things happening in your life.  Joseph was a prince in Canaan.

2.      Even bad things have a purpose.  Joseph through slavery, prison learned to trust God in a bad place.

3.      You can flourish and be successful even in ungodly and difficult places.  Bloom where you are planted.  Joseph flourished in Potiphar’s house and in prison.

4.      God is with you no matter where you go.  God was with Joseph and help him prosper.

5.      Even bad things can be stepping stones when we have a godly view, right attitudes and see them as they are.

6.      Be faithful where you are until promotion comes.

7.      Life can change in a moment.  Joseph went from prison to Prime Minister in a day.

8.      God will use the talents you have to work his will.  Joseph was wise, able to interpret dreams.

9.      Walk in forgiveness.  Remember you are not the judge.  Forgive immediately and reassure others you have.  Joseph did.  He forgave all who hurt him.

10.   Remember God has a bigger plan in mind for you when you trust Him. 

 

 

 

 

JOSEPH IN EGYPT

 

22 Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten years 23 and saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees.

 

     So after Joseph had reassured his brothers about his forgiveness he lived in Egypt for the rest of his life.  Now Joseph was 56, when he buried his father and showed this incredible act of forgiveness and loves.  So he lives another 54 years in Egypt.  He lived there with all his father’s family.  His duty was to care for and protect his family.  He would have been the Prime Minister as long as the king lived for he was trusted.  Joseph was also honored in Egypt because of his saving the country from a severe famine.  Joseph had the privilege of seeing the third generation of his family, his great grandchildren.  Some of our seniors here have that privilege.  Should Jesus tarry and it being the Lord’s will I look forward to that privilege.  The children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at Joseph’s feet.  The reason Makir is mentioned because he becomes the most important tribe of Manasseh. Placing children on one’s knees is akin to adopting them. This cements the connection between Joseph and Makir. Furthermore, these generations speak to Joseph being blessed with long life.  This is the privilege of being a follower of the Lord.  Longevity is a combination of good genes, good living, godly heritage, diet, exercise and choosing never to get old.  Look at me, I will be 39 again next birthday.  Joseph never returns to Canaan during his life time.  Joseph was the means for his family to get to Egypt.  It was here that Israel would become a great people and eventually need an Exodus and a Moses.  There is a divine plan in all of our lives.  God uses circumstances, people and situations to get us where we need to be.  We need to be open, sensitive and obedient to him to live in the middle of God’s will.

 

24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” 25 And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”

 

But his life doesn’t last forever. Eventually, he’s on his deathbed, and he tells his brothers that he is about to die. There is no indication whether any of these brothers have already passed on.   This would have been the remaining family.  Joseph also look at all his family as a brotherhood of godly people in a foreign land.  Joseph again reassures them of divine protection and aid.  Joseph had been their benefactor, protector and friend for over 50 years.  He had been a go between them and the Egyptians.  With Joseph passing there was a lot of uncertainty.  Joseph had been a human representation of God and a link with the patriarchs.  Joseph had given them favor with a foreign people and now they were not sure what was going to happen next.  This always happens when a loved one is about to pass away.  We know that things will never be the same.   He reassures them God was behind all this and He will be there with them.  We have the promise today of Matt 28:20 that the Lord will never leave or forsake them.  Jesus gave this same reassurance in the upper room to his disciples.  Remember Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and forever.  What God did yesterday, he will do today and tomorrow.  God’s help, protection, guidance and love are consistent.  They would not be alone.  Remember the promises are yes and amen.  Good lesson for them and us.

     Joseph then gives them a prophetic promise. God will take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is not the land that God has, on oath, promised to give them. They are in Egypt, not the Promised Land.  This land they are living in a temporary place.

     Remember Egypt is where they dwell but it is not their home.  A good lesson for us.  Like Israel we have a home.  We live in this world but are not of it.  Like Israel we are looking for a city whose maker and builder is God.  The brothers and their family had gotten use to Egypt.  They had made a life in Egypt.  They saw that Egypt was a place of plenty and security with Joseph.  Egypt had become familiar.  I have discovered that people will often stay even in a place that can be toxic because it is familiar.  It is what happening right now in Canada.  Certain parts of this country keep this federal government because it is the devil they know.  Joseph reminds them of God’s oath.  Even at the end Joseph is bringing God into their remembrance.  Egypt can get into us.  That is why we need constant reminders for God.  They had been in Egypt for almost 70 years to this point.  The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had only known life in Egypt under Joseph.  They needed to be reminded they were the people of God.  That is why we need to remind our families today.  Jesus told us He goes to prepare a place for us.  Remember any moment Jesus could come back.  That is why we must live ready.  You are not settlers here Joseph was telling them and us.

     Joseph then makes them swear an oath to take his bones back to Canaan.  Even though Joseph had left Canaan at the age of 17, it never left him.  Canaan was his identity, his happy childhood, the place where he was connected too.  To the Jew Canaan will always be the land of promise.  It is their identity, and it is the place that was promised to them.  Joseph wanted his bones to be buried there.  Talk about Claresholm.  Joseph was a patriarch the promise of firstborn had been given to him.  He was the head of the family here and so he is giving his final instruction.

 

26 So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.

 

     Joseph lives to be a 110 and they embalm him and he was place in a coffin in Egypt.  Joseph was a high ranking official so he would have all the pomp and ceremony someone of his stature would have deserved.  Notice though there is no mention of mourning or even an extensive funeral.  Moses closes off Genesis with a simple statement.  This last chapter sets up the stage for the next chapter in Israel and that is the Exodus where Joseph bones would be carried back to Canaan and placed in burial place in Shechem.  Joseph’s tomb is there right now. 

 

Now I want to spend just a couple of moments talking about the lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life.

 

1.       No matter who you are you are not immune from bad things happening in your life.  Joseph was a prince in Canaan.

2.      Even bad things have a purpose.  Joseph through slavery, prison learned to trust God in a bad place.

3.      You can flourish and be successful even in ungodly and difficult places.  Bloom where you are planted.  Joseph flourished in Potiphar’s house and in prison.

4.      God is with you no matter where you go.  God was with Joseph and help him prosper.

5.      Even bad things can be stepping stones when we have a godly view, right attitudes and see them as they are.

6.      Be faithful where you are until promotion comes.

7.      Life can change in a moment.  Joseph went from prison to Prime Minister in a day.

8.      God will use the talents you have to work his will.  Joseph was wise, able to interpret dreams.

9.      Walk in forgiveness.  Remember you are not the judge.  Forgive immediately and reassure others you have.  Joseph did.  He forgave all who hurt him.

10.   Remember God has a bigger plan in mind for you when you trust Him. 

 

 

 

 

TEST ALL THINGS

 

21 Test all things

 

1.        To test all things according to the Bible, Compare teachings with Scripture (Acts 17:11). Demonstrate the ideal attitude of discernment.  Through diligent examination and comparison, discern truth from error and avoid being led astray.  Testing all teachings is not an act of skepticism, but a commitment to truth.

2.        All things must point to Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit will always point to Jesus.

3.         They must say that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, He was virgin born, is God and man.   He is our Healer, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and Soon Coming King.

4.        Must maintain that the Bible is literal, infallible and without error.

5.        Study to show yourself approved of God who rightly discerns the Bible.

 

Hold on to what is good.

 

1.        encourages believers to cling to what is good12345. It means to be diligent, take a firm grasp of that which is good, and embrace it with conviction and perseverance.

2.        The phrase “hold fast” implies gripping something firmly so that it is not lost or taken away. It is a determined, unwavering commitment.

3.        In Greek, the word for “hold fast” is katechō), meaning to seize, retain, or keep possession of something firmly.

4.        Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV)  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”   Meaning: Christians must cling to their faith with perseverance.

5.        Revelation 2:25 (NKJV) “But hold fast what you have till I come.”  Meaning: Jesus commands believers to remain steadfast until His return.

6.        1 Corinthians 15:2 (NKJV)  “By which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.”  Meaning: True faith requires continuing in God’s truth rather than abandoning it.

7.        Why “Holding Fast” Is Important.  The world constantly tempts believers to compromise.

False teachings and deception can lead people away from truth.  Holding fast to what is good protects against sin and error.

 

22  Reject every kind of evil.

 

1.        Rejecting evil is a fundamental tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the believer's commitment to turn away from sin and align with God's righteousness1. Followers of Christ are called to discern and shun evil in all its forms1. The Bible urges believers to hate what is evil and cling to what is good2

2.        In the original language, the word translated as “abhor” means “to find repugnant, hate, loathe, dislike, and have a horror of.”

3.        Flee from evil.  Do not entertain to even look at it.  You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  What has light had to do with darkness.  The word is the cleansing agent against the toxicity, stain, contamination, pollution of the world.  Use it everyday along with prayer.

BE AN EXAMPLE

 

 

16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

 

1.       Paul begins our message with quite the statement.  Imitate me or follow my example as I follow Christ.  Paul would make this statement twice in this book.  He says if you are looking for a role model, a mentor or example look at me.  Christ was his example. 

2.      He wanted them to follow his example.  A role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.  A role model has a passion and ability to Inspire. Role models show passion for their work and have the capacity to infect others with their passion.  Clear Set of Values. Role models live their values in the world.  Commitment to Community in our case the church.  Selflessness and Acceptance of Others.  We are called to love others.  Ability to Overcome Obstacles.  A never give up attitude.

3.      Paul was being a mentor.  An experienced and trusted adviser.  He was being guide, confidant

confidante, counselor, consultant, spiritual therapist, or leader. 

4.      Paul gives us a picture of what to imitate in vs 12 of this chapter.  We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it.  He also tells them in vs 10-11, they honor Christ, and they are willing to suffer on His behalf. 

5.      Paul wanted them to follow Jesus’ example and these qualities that Christ they are as follows

 

a.      Jesus showed grace and forgiveness.

b.      Empathy is a characteristic of Jesus.

c.      Wisdom was an attribute of Jesus.

d.      Obedience was a characteristic of Jesus.

e.      Jesus was a good listener.

f.       Truth is an attribute of Jesus.

g.      Humility was a character trait of Jesus.

h.      Unconditional love.

 

6.      Jesus’ greatest example we can get is that He was willing to do the will of His Father and we must do the same.  It is called obedience. He is our master not we His. 

 

17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

 

1.      Paul then reminds them that is why Timothy was sent.  Paul had this view of Timothy.  He looked at Him as a spiritual son.  He loves Timothy and Timothy was faithful in the Lord.  From this we can draw three applications to ourselves.  We are to view each other as family, we are to love, and we are to be faithful.  We do these three things, and we are imitating Jesus and Paul.

2.      Paul then closes this verse with three thoughts that we close with today.  As Timothy reminds the Corinthians and us, that our ways of life are on display. 

3.      Secondly our lives must be based in Jesus Christ.  He is our master, lord, savior, and God.  God is looking for obedience and faithfulness

4.      Lastly Paul life agrees with what He teaches everywhere and in every church.  Paul was very mindful and no matter where He was his was consistent.   James reminds us that if we have faith, it must be shown through action. 

5.      Hypocrisy creates the following problems.  A double life, live in fear of discovery, leads others astray, brings criticism and ultimately judgment from God. 

I CAN DO ALL THINGS

 

Be faithful

 

1 Cor 4:1-2

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.

 

1.      Paul starts off this chapter by reminding the Corinthians of three things.  He says first, when you think of us or have regards for us look at us this way.  He is setting their mental mood.  He is giving them a path to mentally follow.  When you see us, this is the way you should look at us, 

2.      We are servants of the Christ.  He is our master, leader, role model, mentor, and authority.  We are love slaves to Him.  We go, say, and do what He wants us to do.  Paul is saying that they are servant leaders.  A servant leader is as follows.  Listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building the family or community of God.

3.      Paul then outlines that he and His party have been entrusted with the mysteries of God.  Did you know that there are seven mysteries that Paul revealed or opened us for us his audience?

 

a.      The Mystery of the Incarnation (I Timothy 3:16)

b.      The Mystery of the Blindness of Israel (Romans 11:25-26)

c.      The Mystery of the Church (Ephesians 3:1-10)

d.      The Mystery of the Indwelling Christ (Colossians 1:25-28)

e.      The Mystery of the Headship of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32)

f.       The Mystery of the Translation of the Church (I Corinthians 15:50-58)

g.      The Mystery of Lawlessness (II Thessalonians 2:1-9)

 

4.      God has given and entrusted Paul to reveal and explain these mysteries. We are still learning the mysteries of God revealed to Paul. 

5.      God has such confidence in Paul’s ability to understand and explain these mysteries.  I trust that he can entrust us with truth and reveal it to our generation. 

 

2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

 

1.      God is only looking for one thing from us and that we are found faithful. 

2.      Skill and learning come along with the job.  I like how one person put it.  God take the unqualified and makes them qualified.  Gideon was not a mighty man of valor when he was called but he became one through obedience.  David started out as a shepherd and then grew into time as a king.  Joseph learned to be a Prime Minister during those years he was a slave and a prisoner. 

3.      Along the way you get the skill, education, and experience to become someone else