HOW TO OVERCOME TEMPTATIONS

The story of Joseph, particularly in Genesis 39:1-20, serves as a profound example of overcoming temptations through faith, integrity, and reliance on God. Joseph’s journey, marked by trials and tribulations, demonstrates the unwavering presence of God and the power of steadfast faith. Let’s delve into the story and draw lessons from Joseph’s experience.

Joseph’s Journey in Egypt

Joseph was brought to Egypt and purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Despite the circumstances of being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph’s unwavering faith in God remained evident. The scripture tells us that through all his troubles, God was with Joseph.

God’s Presence with Joseph

Potiphar observed that the Lord was with Joseph, seeing that everything Joseph did prospered. This wasn’t merely about Joseph’s skills but about the divine favor that rested upon him. The Lord’s blessing extended to Potiphar’s household because of Joseph, indicating the profound impact of a righteous individual even in the most challenging circumstances.

Prosperity through Joseph

The blessings that Potiphar experienced were directly linked to Joseph being in charge. This illustrates a significant point: the presence of a godly person can bring blessings and prosperity to those around them. Potiphar’s decision to entrust Joseph with the management of his household resulted in substantial benefits, showcasing the importance of recognizing and valuing integrity and faithfulness.

Lessons to Learn

The story of Joseph provides several crucial lessons applicable to our lives, particularly in the context of overcoming temptation and maintaining faithfulness.

1. Joseph as a Servant

Joseph’s servitude is a key aspect of his character. Whether he was in Potiphar’s house, in the dungeon, or in Pharaoh’s palace, Joseph remained a diligent and faithful servant. This reflects the teachings of Jesus in Luke 22:24-27, where He emphasizes the importance of serving others. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of servanthood, and we are called to follow in His footsteps. Being a servant, even in difficult situations, is a path to overcoming temptation and remaining faithful to God’s calling.

2. Staying True to Faith in a Worldly Environment

Joseph’s unwavering faith, even in the worldly and often corrupt environment of Egypt, is a powerful lesson. In Egypt, Joseph stood as a light, a beacon of righteousness in a place filled with temptation and moral compromise. His ability to resist the advances of Potiphar’s wife and maintain his integrity, even at the cost of his freedom, is a testament to his faith. For us, this means that we can remain true to our faith and principles, no matter the external pressures or temptations we face.

3. The Impact of Proper Positioning

Potiphar prospered when he recognized Joseph’s capabilities and put him in the right position. This teaches us about the importance of recognizing and utilizing the gifts and talents of those around us. When we acknowledge and support the abilities of others, we create an environment where everyone can thrive. In a workplace or any organization, placing the right people in the right roles can lead to collective success and prosperity.

Joseph’s Temptation

In Genesis 39:7-20, we see that Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. Joseph was handsome and well-built, much like other notable men in the Bible such as King Saul (1 Samuel 9:2), David (1 Samuel 16:18), and Absalom (2 Samuel 14:25). Despite his physical appearance and the persistent advances of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph remained steadfast.

Joseph’s Response to Temptation

1. Consideration for Others

Joseph’s first response to Potiphar’s wife’s advances was to consider the impact on others. He said, “My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife” (Genesis 39:9). Joseph recognized the trust that Potiphar had placed in him and did not want to betray that trust. Vernon McGee aptly stated, “God has given marriage to all mankind. When a person begins to despise the marriage vows, he is beginning to despise God. A man who will break his marriage vows will generally break any vow he has made to God.”

2. Recognition of Sin

Joseph acknowledged the act as a “wicked thing” and a “sin against God” (Genesis 39:9). He did not try to justify or excuse the temptation but called it what it was. His primary concern was not just the sin itself, but the offense it would be to God. This highlights the importance of viewing our actions through the lens of our relationship with God.

3. Persistent Refusal

Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph day after day, but he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her (Genesis 39:10). Joseph understood that avoiding temptation sometimes means avoiding the situation altogether. He chose to take the long way home, avoiding her presence. This principle is echoed in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, which advises us to “avoid every kind of evil,” and in 1 Corinthians 6:18, which urges us to “flee from sexual immorality.”

Practical Steps to Overcome Temptation

Joseph’s actions give us practical steps to overcome temptation:

1. Avoid Situations of Temptation: Joseph’s refusal to be with Potiphar’s wife shows the wisdom in avoiding situations where we might be tempted. As 1 Thessalonians 5:22 advises, “Avoid every kind of evil.”

2. Recognize Temptation as Sin: Joseph did not rationalize his potential actions. Instead, he called them what they were: sin. This aligns with the teaching in 1 John 2:16-17 about the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.”

3. Seek God’s Help: 1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures us that “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Applying These Lessons

These lessons from Joseph’s story are not confined to ancient times; they are highly relevant to our contemporary lives. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we can apply these principles to overcome temptation and stay true to our faith.

1. Embrace Servanthood: Like Joseph, we should strive to serve others with humility and dedication, following the example set by Jesus.

2. Maintain Integrity: No matter the temptations or challenges, staying true to our faith and values is crucial. Our integrity can serve as a light in a world that often encourages compromise.

3. Recognize and Empower: Identifying and utilizing the strengths of those around us can lead to mutual prosperity and success. By supporting others, we create a positive and flourishing environment.

Conclusion

The story of Joseph in Genesis 39:1-20 offers timeless wisdom on overcoming temptation and remaining faithful. Through his unwavering servitude, steadfast faith, and the positive impact he had on those around him, Joseph exemplifies how we can navigate challenges and temptations in our own lives. By embracing these lessons, we can draw closer to God and experience His blessings, just as Joseph did.

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