Escaping Temptation (Genesis 39:1-23)

Introduction

Military life in general, and deployments in particular, creates an environment in which opportunities to do wrong are numerous. Before coming here, I had several different people, some Christian, some not, who warned me that there is a lot of temptation and trouble that people get into in Guam. Hopefully, you haven’t fallen into that in your time here.

One of the unique aspects of military life is that we travel away from many of the people and social structures that limit the amount of trouble we can get into. Back home, you might worry about what your spouse or parents might think. Back home, you may attend church more regularly or have school and sports schedules. These structures limit your time and ability to do questionable things.

But out in the field, you don’t have those things, and it might be easy to think that we can do whatever we want without consequence. After all, who will know?

Transition: This kind of thinking is deceitful and dangerous.

I. Some General Principles about Temptation

A. Temptation often comes when things are going well (vv. 1-6)

He became a successful man (2)

God was with him and caused all that he did to succeed (3)

He found favor in [Potiphar’s] sight and he was put in charge (4)

The blessing of the LORD was on all that Potiphar had because of Joseph (5)

He was handsome (6)

John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace, warned us to be careful when things are going well:

300 Quotations for Preachers Be on Your Guard after Great Successes

There are critical times of danger. After great services, honours, and consolations, we should stand upon our guard. Noah, Lot, David, Solomon, fell in these circumstances. Satan is a robber: A robber will not attack a man in going to the bank, but in returning with his pocket full of money.

B. Temptation can be powerful (vv. 7, 10-12)

1. Because it threatens us with a good time (v. 7) - “Lie with me”

2. Because it comes after us repeatedly (v. 10) - “She spoke to Joseph day after day”

3. Because it attacks us when we are alone (vv. 11-12) - “None of the men of the house was there”

II. Some Strategies for Resisting Temptation

A. We must remember that the Lord is with us at all times (vv. 2, 3, 21, 23).

Note: The text tells us that the “LORD was with Joseph” 4 times.

1 John 4:4 “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

B. We must remember that truth must govern our desires (vv. 8-9)

He had a proper view of his responsibility (v. 8)

He had a proper view of marriage (v. 9a) - “you are his wife”

He had a proper view of morality (v. 9b) - “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

C. We must remember that running is a viable option (v. 12)

This approach is encouraged several times in Scripture.

1 Corinthians 10:12–13 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:14 “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

1 Timothy 6:11 “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.”

2 Timothy 2:22 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

D. We must remember that doing right can bring judgment from the world (vv. 13-20)

E. We must remember that doing right brings blessing from the Lord (vv. 21-23)

Conclusion