1. The Bible contains many illustrations of the principle revealed in Romans 8:28. 2. Genesis shows how all things worked together for good in Joseph's life. 3. In this lesson we are covering the information presented in 41:1-32. 4. As we study these verses we must keep certain things in mind. a. At a young age, Joseph had experience with dreams. 1) (37:5-7) He dreamed about the sheaves of his brothers bowing before his sheaf. 2) (37:9) He dreamed about the sun, the moon, and 11 stars bowing before him. b. Joseph's brothers sold him as a slave, and he ended up in Egypt. c. Potiphar bought Joseph and eventually made Joseph overseer of his possessions. d. After Potiphar's wife accused Joseph of trying to molest her, Joseph was put into prison "where the king's prisoners were bound" (39:20). e. Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners. f. (ch.40) Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker. 1) Joseph showed that the butler would be restored to his position. 2) (vs.14-15) Joseph made a request of the butler. 3) Joseph also showed that the baker would lose his life. 4) The dreams of both men came true. 5) Unfortunately, the butler forgot Joseph (vs.23). 5. (41:1-32) Joseph was given an opportunity to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Discussion: I. (vs.1-8) PHARAOH HAD 2 DREAMS
A. (vs.1a) Two years after the events recorded in ch.40, Pharaoh dreamed. B. (vs.1b) In his dream, Pharaoh stood by the river. 1. This would probably have been the Nile River. 2. Egypt depended heavily upon the Nile River for its wellbeing. C. (vs.2-4) Pharaoh's first dream was about 7 fat cows and 7 lean cows. D. (vs.5-7) Pharaoh's second dream was about 7 good ears of grain and 7 lean ears. E. (vs.8) Pharaoh's dreams bothered him, and no one could interpret them. II. (vs.9-13) PHARAOH'S CHIEF BUTLER FINALLY REMEMBERED JOSEPH
A. The butler related how he and the baker had dreamed in prison after they offended Pharaoh. B. The butler showed how Joseph had interpreted their dreams. C. The butler also showed how Joseph's interpretations came to pass. III. (vs.14-16) JOSEPH WAS BROUGHT FROM PRISON TO APPEAR BEFORE PHARAOH
A. (vs.14) Joseph shaved and changed his clothes. B. (vs.15) Pharaoh explained the situation to Joseph. C. (vs.16) Joseph gave God credit for revealing the interpretations of dreams. IV. (vs.17-24) PHARAOH RELATED HIS DREAMS TO JOSEPH V. (vs.25-32) JOSEPH GAVE THE INTERPRETATIONS
A. (vs.25) Joseph first said that both dreams had to do with something God was about to accomplish. B. (vs.26-27) Joseph explained the symbolism of the cows and ears of grain. 1. Each represented a period of 7 years. 2. The fat cows and good ears represented 7 years of plenty. 3. The lean cows and thin ears represented 7 years of famine. C. (vs.28-31) Joseph explained what was about to happen. D. (vs.32) Joseph showed that there could be no doubt about what God was going to do. Conclusion:
1. Once again we see Joseph in the right place at the right time. 2. We also see Joseph taking advantage of another opportunity that was placed before him.
