Handling Success

Introduction

Psalm 119:67

How to handle success.

1. Acknowledge the Lord's hand in it.

• Genesis 41:15-16

• Genesis 41:25

• Genesis 41:28

• Genesis 41:32

• Genesis 41:38

• Ecclesiastes 7:14

• Romans 12:3

• 1 Peter 4:10

• James 1:17

• Genesis 41:56-57

• Malachi 3:8-10

2. Point people to Him (evangelize).

• Genesis 41:51-52

• 1 Corinthians 10:31

Application

1. Acknowledge God’s hand in your life.

2. Point people to Jesus!

Handling success to God's Glory!

Warm Up

Can you remember a time when something went really well—maybe a win at work, school, or something personal? What did you do next?

Sermon Questions

Read Genesis 41:15–57 aloud. Encourage different readers for different sections to keep engagement high.

Key highlights:

v.15–16: Joseph refuses to take credit

v.25, 28, 32: Repeats that it is God who reveals and acts

v.38: Pharaoh notices God's Spirit in Joseph

v.51–52: Joseph names his sons with God in mind

v.56–57: God blesses Joseph’s leadership

Why do you think Joseph kept pointing Pharaoh to God instead of taking credit? How tempting would it have been to try to impress the king?

What does Joseph naming his sons Manasseh (“God made me forget”) and Ephraim (“God made me fruitful”) tell you about his heart attitude?

What are some modern ways we might acknowledge God in our own successes—whether big or small?

How can success be a tool to point people to Jesus rather than just build ourselves up?

Application

Read James 1:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

How can you give God credit for something He’s helped you succeed in?

How can you point someone to Jesus in the process—at school, work, or home?