27 May 2007

Broad Street Church of Christ

Sermon Notes

27 May 2007

Link to Evening Worship

Broadstreet Church of Christ

1213 Broad Street Phenix City, Alabama

Schedule of Services
Sunday:

Bible Study
10:00 A.M.

Morning Worship
11:00 A.M.

Evening Worship
5:00 P.M.

Wednesday:
Bible Study
7:30 P.M.

All times
Eastern

Morning Worship

Be a Friend of God

James 2:17-24

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Gen 15:6 Rom 4:3 Gal 3:6 Isa 41:8

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Introduction:

a. Friendship is a special thing. Friends are dear to us.

b. Marks of friendship include (but not limited to):

1. Companionship (sharing, trusting, unity)

Psalm 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. John 13:18

Psalm 55:13

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

2. Communication (counsel, advice, openness)

Psalm 55:14

We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Exodus 33:11

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

3. Constancy (dependable, honest)

Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

c. While friendship with man is desirable, friendship with God is essential for our salvation

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Colossians 1:21,22

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

James 2:23,24

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Gen 15:6 Rom 4:3 Gal 3:6 Isa 41:8

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

d. We most would consider god to be their friend - Am I being God’s friend?

e. John 15:15 – Jesus portrayed apostles as His friends…A relationship that each Christian can enjoy & thrive in as his disciples

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

f. What causes us to be friends of God?

I. WE ARE FRIENDS WITH GOD WHEN WE REVERENCE HIM

Psalm 25:14

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

A. Stand in Awe of God (Wonder, amazement)

Hebrews 12:28,29

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

For our God is a consuming fire.

The honor & respect that comes from it

Psalm 22:23

Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

B. Dread (fear) Displeasing Him

Isaiah 8:13

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 1 Pet 3:15

Ecclesiasts 12:13,14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

God is the object of our focus, His pleasure the motive & goal of our lives

John 8:29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

(God’s companionship, fellowship)

II Corinthians 5:9

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

C. God Blesses Those Who Revere Him

Psalm 112:1

Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

1. Be pleased with us

Psalm 147:11

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Psalm 149:4

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

2. Show mercy to us

Psalm 103:11-13

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

3. Accept us

Acts 10:34,35

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

II. WE ARE GOD’S FRIENDS WHEN WE HAVE FAITH IN HIM:

A. Abraham Exemplifies this Element of Friendship with God

II Chronicles 20:7

Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

Isaiah 41:8

But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. James 2:23

James 2:21-23

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Gen 15:6 Rom 4:3 Gal 3:6 Isa 41:8

Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Rom 4:3 Gal 3:6 James 2:23

1. I John 3:23,24 – Like Abraham, we have friendship with God as we believe & obey Him.

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

2. Galatians 5:6,7 – What brings spiritual strength to our lives is faith working (obeying) through love.

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

B. Our Faith Enables Us to be Fruitful for God

I Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Iii. WE HAVE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD WHEN WE LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY

Proverbs 3:32

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

Acts 10:35

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

A. A Life that is Lived in God’s Truth

Deuteronomy 6:24,25

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

Luke 1:6

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

1. Ephesians 4:23,24 – Righteousness & holiness of truth.

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

2. Ephesians 6:14 – God’s protection against sin.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

3. Titus 2:11-13 – We live in righteousness looking for Christ’s return.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

4. Philippians 4:8,9 – Thereby, the God of peace shall be with us.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

III. WE ARE GOD’S FRIENDS WHEN WE OBEY JESUS

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

A. Out of a Complete Love for Jesus

Matthew 22:36,37

Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Deut 6:5, 10:12 Mark 12:30 Luke 10:27

B. We Love & Obey Him Because He has Told Us & Shown Us His Purposes, Works & Words

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

John 14:8-10

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

C. We Obey Him by Sacrificing Ourselves & Putting Him First

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Matthew 10:37-39

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Conclusion

a. Everyone here today wants to be friends with God.

b. This Bible truth will help you enter a friendship with God & there enjoy all of its rich blessings & eternal rewards.

c. Obey the gospel and become a friend of God.

Evening Worship

THE BONES OF JOSEPH

Genesis 50:22-26

And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Introduction:
a. People of faith continue to speak & influence us from beyond the grave

Hebrews 11:4

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

b. Joseph, a son of Israel, a remarkable man of faith.

I. THE BONES OF JOSEPH

Hebrews 11:22

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Genesis 50:25

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

Exodus 13:19

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

Joshua 24:32

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

A. Joseph had Faith in God’s Promise

Hebrews 11:22

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Genesis 50:24-26

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

1. God gave His word

Genesis 48:21

And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Genesis 46:3,4

And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

2. Jacob (Israel) gave land to Joseph

Genesis 48:21,22

And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

John 4:5,6

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

(Where Joseph was buried, Joshua 24:32, near Jacob’s well.)

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 11:16

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

B. Joseph’s Faith Urged Israel to have Patience & Endure -Genesis 50:25: “God will surely visit you.” :

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

1. Hundreds of years passed before fulfillment!

Exodus 12:40,41

Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

2. In the meantime, terrible burden of slavery

Exodus 1:11-14

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor:

And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.

3. Israel remembered God’s word (promises), & God remembered His promises to them

Exodus 2:23-25

And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

4. Hebrews 6:12: Through faith & patience, we inherit the promises:

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

a. The time of testing can be long; & the trials of our faith, harsh

I Peter 3:13-17

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; Isa 8:12

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Isa 8:13

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Galatians 5:7

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

b. We must remember God’s word & His promises to us

Titus 1:1-3

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

II Peter 1:2-4

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5. God’s promises to us include:

a. Savior & salvation

Acts 13:23

Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Acts 13:32,33

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Psa 2:7 Heb 1:5, 5:5

Acts 2:38,39

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

b. Eternal life,

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

I John 2:25

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

c. Not to forsake us

Hebrews 13:5,6

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Deut 31:6,8 Joshua 1:5

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Psa 118:6

d. All spiritual blessings

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

e. An inheritance (heaven)

Galatians 3:29

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 8:17

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

6. God always remembers us; we must endure

Hebrews 6:9-12

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 10:36-39

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hab 2:3

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hab 2:4

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

II. Faith Requires Obedience to be Complete

Exodus 13:19

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

a. Israel had to remember God’s promise & their oath to Joseph to take his bones with them out of Egypt

Genesis 50:25

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

b. Bones of Joseph carried victoriously through the Red Sea to the glory of Mt. Sinai. There at the shame of the golden calf & when Israel repeatedly tested God…wilderness wanderings…death of Aaron…victories east of Jordan…death of Moses…conquest of Canaan before being buried at Shechem

Joshua 24:32

Hebrews 8:10-12

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: Jer 31:33 Heb 10:16

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. Jer 31:34

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Jer 31:34 Heb 10:17

a. Not to turn back to things that can never save us

Galatians 4:8,9

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

b. Will not be made perfect (complete, whole) in faith by turning back to the flesh

Galatians 3:1-9

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Gen 15:6 Rom 4:3 James 2:23

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Gen 12:3 Acts 3:25

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Ephesians 4:20-24

But ye have not so learned Christ;

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

d. Obedient faith saves

James 2:17,18, 24

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Gen 15:6 Rom 4:3 Gal 3:6 Isa 41:8

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

e. Obedient Faith Assures our Hope

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

1. Bones of Joseph a memorial to the faithfulness of God.

2. Joseph was sure of God’s promises, & so he put Israel under oath

Exodus 13:19

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

3. Hope is desire plus expectation

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

a. Desire: “...set before us”

b. Expectation: God cannot lie, therefore, “lay hold of the hope…”

4. No disappointment in hope

Romans 5:3-5

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

a. Joseph did not despair in death – He lived & died in hope!

b. We must live in hope & die in faith - Hebrews 11:13, unashamed of God’s promises & of our expectant desire to receive them in Christ.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Conclusion

a. The dead bones of Joseph testify to a living faith in this man of faith.

b. Near where his bones had long since returned to the dust, Jesus spoke of living water that gives everlasting life

John 4:5, 12

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

c. The bones of Joseph teach us to have faith in the promises of God (who always fulfill His word), patience as God accomplishes His will in us

Philippians 2:12,13

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

obedience to do the will of God, & hope that anchors our soul

Hebrews 6:19

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;