Tabor Baptist Church

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