Joseph's trials strengthen his faith and obedience

The Old Testament portion Gen 37-40 reflects God's trials and favor and wisdom bestowed on Joseph. We discuss how Joseph's many trials strengthen his obedience and refine his faith, the process of sanctification. Gen 39:9 demonstrate that Joseph understands that God sees and knows all, and that any wickedness is a sin against God. In contrast, the New Testatment portion is Acts 7 Stephen's powerful recitation and testimony of God's promises, protection, and His covenant with Israel through the patriarchs, Moses, and the prophets which frequently was met with the Jewish people's resistance to the Holy Spirit and repeated disobedience. Amos 3:2 recounts that because israel is the favored (chosen) of God, therefore there is a greater accountability because "the higher the privilege, the graver the responsibility." We discuss how God provides our trials for our benefit, to "refine us in the tumbler". Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."