The Lord was working while Joseph waited in prison. Since God’s providence is always active, yet unseen, we must trust his word rather than our circumstances and take advantage of every opportunity to minister his truth.

Jesus gave up the full glory of heaven while on earth before returning to the Father. Since Jesus has again been glorified with the glory he possessed in eternity past, we ought to believe in him and worship him all the more for his humility and condescension.

Joseph succeeded amid slavery, accusation, and imprisonment because God was with him. Since God’s plan is worked out in our lives through suffering and difficulty, we must develop godly character, respond with determined obedience, and rely on his constant presence.

Judah risked losing his family to the Canaanites but was preserved by Tamar’s deception. Since the Lord has revealed his will through his covenant, we must trust him to keep his promises, refuse the temptations of fear and pragmatism, and rely on his grace alone.

Paul’s plans to come to Rome were fueled by his desire for mutual encouragement. Since genuine faith encourages those who are committed to gospel ministry, we should seek out Christian fellowship and opportunities to live out our faith for mutual strength.

Jacob’s sons learned the art of deception, but God graciously prevailed in Joseph’s life. Since we are ultimately responsible for our loves and the actions those loves produce, we must turn from sin and seek mercy from the Lord to live with integrity.

Jacob’s sons display their true natures, but God superintends to set his plan in motion. Since the Lord rules over our circumstances and uses even sinful actions to bring about his purposes, we should humbly obey his will, trusting in his revelation not our wisdom.

God’s covenant must be fulfilled through Jacob in spite of appearances to the contrary. Since the Lord’s promises are secured by a covenant oath, he is bound to keep them, so we can trust him even when circumstances would lead us to doubt their fulfillment.