Sovereign, Wise, and Faithful
Three Keynotes of God’s Character
Aaron Lee | October 26, 2025 | FCBCW Children’s Worship | Genesis 40-41
Introduction
Is God in control? Does God know what he’s doing? Is he good?
We’re going to see three keynotes, or central themes, of God’s character – revealed through three characters in our passage today.
Context
When we last left Joseph, he was put into prison unfairly. Things keep getting worse for Joseph. Does God know what he’s doing? What is God doing? I thought he was good?
Sermon Preview
We’re going to see three keynotes, or central themes, of God’s character – revealed through three characters in our passage today.
1. The Cupbearer who Delayed: God is Sovereign
23 Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him… 41 After two whole years.. 9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today. 10 When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, 11 we dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own interpretation. 12 A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream. 13 And as he interpreted to us, so it came about. I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged.” (Genesis 40-41:13)
God is sovereign. He rules over everything and causes everything to happen.
Application
So, will you admit that God is in control? Especially when it seems like God is not doing anything.
2. The King who Dreamed: Pharaoh: God is Wise
14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. 15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” 16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” … 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” … So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:14-45)
God is wise. He knows all things and how to make everything happen perfectly according to his plans.
Application
So, will you believe that God’s ways are best? Especially when you are not happy with what God is doing.
3. The Christ-type who Delivered: Faithful
46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt… Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house.” 52 The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” … 56 So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth. (Genesis 41:46-57)
God is faithful. He is true to his word, keeps his promises, and protects his people.
Application
So, will you confess that God is good no matter what?.
Gospel
This story points to Jesus:
This God – his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)
Conclusion
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Big Idea
God’s word and his plans are perfect. If you trust in him, he will be a refuge for you.
Closing Prayer
Notes
Adapted from More Than a Story by Sally Michael