Genesis 46-49

Gen 46:1-6 “Out of the Box”

INTRODUCTION: New things are difficult for us. Quite possibly the first words ever spoken were, “but we have always done it this way!” Yet God calls us from time to time to step out of the box. Paul, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, and so many more. Some are called to great task while others only seemingly small one. But each of us like Jacob here in this passage, are called to step out of the box.

1. LIFE IN THE BOX

A. THE ONLY LIFE HE HAS KNOWN

B. ALL OF GOD’S PROMISES ARE CONNECTED TO THE LAND

C. HE IS OLD AND SURE NOT TO RETURN

D. RACHEL IS BURIED HERE

E. OUR BOX

a. FAMILY

b. JOB

c. COMMUNITY

d. RECREATION

e. COMFORT AND SECURITY

f. WHAT WE KNOW

2. CHALLENGED BY GOD

A. NOT TO BE AFRAID

B. GO TO EGYPT

C. I WILL MAKE YOU GREAT

D. I WILL BRING YOU BACK

E. JOSEPH WILL CLOSE YOUR EYES

F. OUR CHALLENGE

a. LEAVE OUR COMFORT ZONE

b. GO TO A NEW PLACE

c. GO TO A NEW JOB

d. TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT JESUS

e. WALK ACROSS THE ROOM AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF

3. STEPS OF FAITH

A. JOSEPH WENT TO EGYPT

B. TOOK HIS FAMILY

C. TOOK HIS FLOCKS

D. TOOK ALL HE OWNED

E. HELD NOTING BACK

F. GOD CHALLENGES US TO TAKE STEPS OF FAITH

G. STEPS TURN INTO A WALK

H. A WALK THAT TURNS INTO A LIFE

Conclusion: has god been laying out a challenge to you? Has god been speaking to your heart? Perhaps you have dismissed it. Maybe you have been afraid of where it would lead you? It’s time in faith to take a step.