Facing Temptation
Introduction
There is a big difference between temptation and sin
We are often tempted – examples
Potiphar’s wife was desiring Joseph
He was handsome, probably 17 years old
She had evil, lustful desires towards him
Joseph himself did not give into temptation or his sexual desires
He resisted in words and kept away from her (v10)
Temptation and sin are not the same thing
Jesus Christ resisted temptations
We can resist by the grace of God
Overview:
The Attack
The Response
The Outcome
The Attack
Joseph had been doing very well
He was diligent and hard working
He spoke about his faith
Potiphar handed over his whole estate to Joseph
Potiphar trusted him
God was blessing Joseph
This does not mean he was immune from temptation or falling into sin
He was not immune from satan’s attacks
The temptation:
Very powerful, flattering, potential for personal gain
Bold and brazen – nothing subtle
Constant (v10) – day by day
Suddenly alone in the house with Potiphar’s wife (v11)
She grabs him
But he runs away without his clothes
By God’s grace he did the right thing and fled
Joseph is a ‘type’ of Christ
We are reminded of the temptations faced by Jesus (in the wilderness)
Application:
Present success as a Christian does not make us immune to attacks
We must daily watch and pray
It may be the same temptations that come to us
Temptations are common to man
We can overcome / God will make a way of escape
The Response
He is firm at each stage – he does not play with temptation
He considers the kindness of his master
He remembers Potiphar is in a covenant relationship with her husband
He says it is great iniquity against God (v9)
If we could only see the weight and gravity of sin … that crucified Jesus at the cross
Application:
Sin is not a little thing
Sin is not just the deed but the thought within
Sin is what God sees
Pray against temptation
Be vigilant
Remove yourself from the situation – sometimes just to flee
Remember your sins will find you out – God sees
The Outcome
God honours those who honour Him (1 Sam 2:30)
How do we explain this miscarriage of justice?
Potiphar’s wife makes a false claim
Racism – a Hebrew
Class prejudice – a servant
Potiphar listens to his wife – we are not told why
He finds the easy route to throw Joseph into prison
The Psalm speaks of Joseph being in the stocks
But given favour later
Why did Potiphar’s wife get away with it? – she did not have a good conscience
Joseph knew favour in prison (in adversity) – as he had in Potiphar’s house (in blessing)
God had purposes for him
God would raise him up to the right hand of Pharaoh
Things will not always go well for us
We may face times of difficulty and injustice
If we honour God, He will honour us
Closing Remarks
Stand in the armour of God
If we fall, there is forgiveness through repentance