IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL 30/9/2013
TOPIC: FAITHFUL IN SPITE OF TEMPTATIONS
A. The Context – Joseph was a good looking young man, v. 6. Not that I would know, but beauty must bring with it its own set of problems.
As Joseph ministered in Potiphar’s house, he caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. She began to flirt with him, v. 7. After a short time, she became downright brazen in her approach, asking Joseph to “lie” with her. He refused her advances, but she persisted, v. 10. Then, on a certain day, she was in the house alone and when Joseph came in she grabbed him by his outer garments and said “Lie with me”, v. 11-12. Joseph left his garment in her hand and ran away. In this “trial by fire” remained absolutely faithful to the Lord.
B. There are several features of this temptation that would have made it very attractive to any young man.
· It was a temptation to fulfill a natural and legitimate need – The offer from Potiphar’s wife was for sex, pure and simple. God made us sexual creatures and many people believe they have the right to satisfy their sexual desires in any fashion they choose.
God has a different opinion. Any sexual expression that takes place outside the boundaries of the marriage relationship is either fornication or adultery. Either one is a sin against God, your spouse, your future spouse, or yourself, Ill. V. 9; 1 Cor. 6:18-20. Joseph’s response to Potiphar’s wife was a response we should all adopt when it comes to dealing with sexual sin, v. 12; 2 Tim. 2:22.
· Joseph was a long way from home in a strange land – Some people might have adopted the motto: “When in Rome, do as the Romans”. A lot of people live like that. A salesman will do things on the road that he will not do at home. A young person will do things at a party they will not do at home. Joseph did not care where he was, he was determined to do the right thing.
He refused to violate the trust of his master, v. 9, and of his God, v. 9. His family would have never known. Potiphar might have never known. But, Joseph knew that God in Heaven would know. And, that knowledge was enough to keep him pure. Ill. Pro. 15:3; Heb. 4:13.
· Mrs. Potiphar was surely a beautiful woman – Egyptian women were renowned in that day for their physical beauty. Surely she would have appealed to the male in Joseph. Nowhere in this text does it say that he was repulsed by her appearance. Nowhere does it suggest that she was an unattractive woman. Had he given into her advances, there can be little doubt that it would have been an enjoyable experience.
However, Joseph was interested in more than simply gratifying his flesh. He was determined to be faithful to God regardless of the personal cost. It was a decision he made long before he arrived in Egypt, and it was a decision he was determined to stand by.
Joseph had some conviction and he had drawn himself some boundaries. As I mentioned the other day, we need to do the same thing. Then, when times of temptation come our way, there is no choice in the matter; we have already decided what we will do!
· It came on the heels of a big promotion – A lot of people would assume that they had arrived. After all, Joseph had the Midas touch. He had the favor of Potiphar. He was the king of the roost at the big house. He did as he pleased. Some people might have concluded, “I can do no wrong. I might as well enjoy the fruits of my labors.” But, not Joseph!
It would do us well to remember that we are never more vulnerable to temptation than when we have just enjoyed a great victory. When we have been part of a great victory, we seem to feel like we can do anything. In those moments, temptation and failure are more real than ever, 1 Cor. 10:12.
· It came at the perfect time and opportunity – Potiphar’s wife caught Joseph when there was no physical reason why they should not and could not commit adultery. The only thing that stopped them was Joseph’s integrity. He stood his ground, determined to do what was right regardless of the cost.
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