Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Joseph

◄ Godly Fear: Joseph ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and godly fear. His life, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, serves as a profound example of how reverence for God can guide one's actions and decisions, even in the face of adversity.

Early Life and Trials

Joseph's account begins in Genesis 37, where he is introduced as the favored son of Jacob, which incites jealousy among his brothers. This familial tension culminates in Joseph being sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. Despite these harsh circumstances, Joseph's fear of God remains steadfast. His integrity and trust in God are evident when he is purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Genesis 39:2-3 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did."

Temptation and Integrity

Joseph's godly fear is further tested when Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce him. Joseph's response is a testament to his reverence for God and commitment to righteousness. In Genesis 39:9 , Joseph declares, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" His refusal to succumb to temptation, even at the cost of his own freedom, highlights his deep respect for God's commandments and his desire to live a life pleasing to the Lord.

Imprisonment and Faithfulness

Falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is imprisoned. Yet, even in confinement, his godly fear does not waver. Genesis 39:21 notes, "But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." Joseph's continued faithfulness and reliance on God during this period demonstrate his unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and justice.

Elevation and Wisdom

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, eventually leads to his rise to power in Egypt. When called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph attributes his ability to God, saying in Genesis 41:16 , "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." His humility and acknowledgment of God's hand in his life reflect his deep-seated godly fear.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Joseph's fear of God is also evident in his dealings with his brothers, who come to Egypt seeking food during a famine. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph forgives them, recognizing God's providential plan. In Genesis 50:20 , he reassures his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Joseph's ability to see God's purpose in his suffering and to extend grace to those who wronged him underscores his profound reverence for God.

Legacy of Godly Fear

Joseph's life is a powerful illustration of godly fear in action. His account encourages believers to maintain their faith and integrity, regardless of circumstances, trusting in God's ultimate plan and purpose. Through trials, temptations, and triumphs, Joseph's unwavering fear of God serves as an enduring example of how to live a life that honors the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 39:9
There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back any thing from me but you, because you are his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 42:18
And Joseph said to them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Turning-Points
... Of watchfulness, lest sin overtake us unawares; and of godly fear, that we may have
strength to say with Joseph, 'How can I do this great wickedness, and sin ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
... What was it but "godly fear" which caused the Lord Jesus to be "subject"
unto Mary and Joseph in the days of His childhood? Was ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter ten our attitude toward.htm

Counter-Statements of Theodoret.
... And the Evangelist says, "When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph...she was ...
was able to save Him from death, and was heard for His godly fear, though He ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/counter-statements of theodoret.htm

Introduction
... the appraisal which is Calvin's due than that of the learned Joseph Scaliger, "Solus ...
we shall find the Institutes to be suffused with the warmth of godly fear. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/introduction.htm

The First Commandment
... [7] To have God to be a God to us, is to love him. In the godly fear and love kiss
each other. ... Joseph's imprisonment was a means for his advancement. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

Meditations for Household Piety.
... and prosper the labour and handiwork of such godly servants; for ... all the charge of
the prisoners into Joseph's hand. ... and family in the service and fear of God ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm

The General Epistle of Jude
... Jude was a son of St. Joseph. ... It is plain that the false teachers were guilty of
gross and unnatural vice, that they were greedy, and destitute of godly fear. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxiv the general epistle.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Joseph Belcher. ... For there is no duty performed by us that can by any means
be accepted of God, if it be not seasoned with godly fear. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... not thy throbbing heart stop here to ease itself, and, like Joseph, "seek for a ... sin,
which would deprive thy soul of these immortal joys; godly fear, lest thou ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... thoughts, and says, "Get thee hence, Satan." When Joseph's mistress tempted ... 1). None
but the godly are capable ... You fear you are not God's child because you are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm