2247-Practicing-the-Presence-of-God-PTR.pdf

of the Sermon:**

In this sermon, Adrian Rogers explores the life of Joseph as a model for “practicing the presence of God.” He begins by highlighting the tragedy of living without truly experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers. Joseph, despite coming from a dysfunctional family and facing betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment, consistently lived with the awareness that “the Lord was with him.” Rogers draws out four principles from Joseph’s story: expressing our God-given difference, exploring our God-given dreams, enduring God-given difficulties, and enlisting our God-given dynamic—the presence of God Himself. The sermon challenges listeners to embrace their distinctiveness in Christ, seek God’s dreams rather than their own ambitions, trust God’s sovereignty in hardship, and depend on the reality of God’s presence as the true source of prosperity and purpose.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Embrace Your God-Given Distinction: Joseph’s coat of many colors was more than a garment; it was a symbol of his unique calling and identity. As believers, we are called to live out our spiritual nobility, refusing to be pressed into the world’s mold. True spiritual distinction often provokes misunderstanding or even hostility, but it is essential for those who would walk closely with God. Our difference is not for pride, but for purpose—so that God’s character can be seen in us.
• 2. Seek God’s Dreams, Not Your Own Ambitions: Joseph’s dreams were not self-generated fantasies, but God-given visions that shaped his destiny. The process of discerning God’s will involves surrender—presenting ourselves fully to Him—and transformation, allowing Christ’s life within us to come to the surface. God’s dreams may not come with a roadmap, but as we walk in obedience, His will becomes clearer, like the dawn growing into full day. We must be careful to distinguish between our own desires and God’s voice, soaking our dreams in prayer and reflection.
• 3. Endure Hardship with the Confidence of God’s Sovereignty: Joseph’s journey was marked by betrayal, injustice, and suffering, yet none of these events were outside God’s control. The presence of difficulty does not mean the absence of God; rather, it is often the crucible where God’s purposes are refined. Even when dreams seem shattered, God is still at work, overruling evil intentions for ultimate good. Faith in God’s sovereignty enables us to persevere when circumstances are inexplicable or painful.
• 4. Live in the Reality of God’s Presence: The refrain “the Lord was with Joseph” is the defining feature of his life. God’s presence is not merely a theological truth, but a dynamic reality that empowers, sustains, and distinguishes His people. This presence is not limited by place or circumstance—God is with us in the pit, the prison, the palace, and even in our pain. The true mark of a believer’s life is that there are things about us that cannot be explained apart from God being with us.
• 5. Prosperity is Found in the Progressive Realization of God’s Will: Biblical prosperity is not measured by material success, but by the unfolding of God’s purpose in our lives. As we express our distinction, pursue God’s dreams, endure difficulties, and depend on His presence, we experience the kind of prosperity Joseph knew—a life that fulfills God’s intentions. This journey requires continual surrender, trust, and attentiveness to God’s leading, but it results in a life that is truly abundant and eternally significant.

1. What made Joseph stand out from his brothers, and how did they respond to his difference?
2. What were the two dreams Joseph had, and how did his family react to them?
3. In Genesis 39, what repeated phrase describes Joseph’s relationship with God during his time in Potiphar’s house and in prison?
4. When Joseph’s brothers feared his revenge after their father died (Genesis 50), what did Joseph say about their actions and God’s purpose?

1. Why do you think Joseph’s “coat of many colors” was such a big deal to his brothers, and what did it represent about his identity?
2. The sermon says Joseph’s dreams were “God-given” and not just his own ambitions. How can someone tell the difference between a dream from God and a personal desire?
3. Joseph faced betrayal, false accusation, and imprisonment. How does his story challenge the idea that God’s presence means an easy life?
4. The phrase “the Lord was with Joseph” is repeated several times. What does it mean for God to be “with” someone, especially in hard times?

1. Joseph’s distinction made him a target for misunderstanding and even hatred. Is there a way you feel “different” because of your faith? How do you handle it when others don’t understand or accept your distinctiveness?
2. The sermon challenges us to seek God’s dreams, not just our own ambitions. Is there an area of your life where you need to surrender your plans and ask God for His direction? What would it look like to “soak your dreams in prayer” this week?
3. Joseph endured a lot of hardship, but he trusted that God was still in control. Think of a difficulty you’re facing right now. How might God be working through it, even if you can’t see the outcome yet?
4. The presence of God was Joseph’s “dynamic”—the real source of his strength and success. Are there things in your life that can only be explained by God being with you? If not, what would need to change for that to be true?
5. Biblical prosperity is described as “the progressive realization of God’s will.” How does this definition challenge the way you think about success? Are there areas where you’ve been measuring prosperity by the world’s standards instead of God’s?
6. Joseph forgave his brothers and saw God’s hand even in their betrayal. Is there someone you need to forgive, trusting that God can bring good even out of hurtful situations?
7. The sermon says, “The true mark of a believer’s life is that there are things about us that cannot be explained apart from God being with us.” What is one step you can take this week to live more aware of God’s presence in your daily life?