Learn Kids 7.2

Bible Story: Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

Genesis 39:1–23

Introduction: What Is Temptation?

Have you ever been tempted to:

Take an extra piece of candy?

Watch a video you knew wasn’t right?

Take something that didn’t belong to you?

Those are all examples of temptation! What are some other temptations people face? (Allow kids to respond.)

We all face choices like these. Today, let’s learn from Joseph’s story how to say “no” to temptation. Open your Bible to Genesis 39:1–23 or use a Bible app. 📖 (Read the passage aloud to the group.)

Teaching Time

You Will Need:

Teaching Point Slides 1–3

A cell phone with a map app

A school textbook or homework worksheet

Could You Imagine Being Joseph?

Joseph had a chance to do something wrong. He was tempted—but he wanted to honor God! Because he made the right choice, he was thrown into prison. Wait, what? That doesn’t seem fair! But even then, God was with Joseph.

That’s why our Faith Fact is so important. 📢 Say it together: “God helps me make good choices!” 📢 Say it again, louder: “God helps me make good choices!”

Now let’s learn three things about handling temptation.

1. Everyone Is Tempted to Make Bad Choices

📸 Show Teaching Point 1 Slide

We’re all different—different likes, looks, and personalities. But some things are true for everyone:

Everyone needs air to breathe.

Everyone needs food and water.

And… everyone gets tempted.

Even Jesus was tempted! So you're not alone.

Bible Verse: 📖 Hebrews 4:15 (NLT) “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”

When we know temptation is coming, we can get ready now to make the right choice. And how do we get ready?

Faith Fact reminder: 🗣️ God helps me make good choices!

2. God Helps Us Make Good Choices

📸 Show Teaching Point 2 Slide

Sometimes when we give in to temptation, we feel like we couldn’t help it. But that’s not true—God gives us a way out!

Imagine you're hiking alone and get lost. Scary, right? But if you brought your phone with a map or GPS, it could guide you back.

God’s Word is like that map!

Bible Verse: 📖 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

God guides us with:

His Word (the Bible)

The Holy Spirit

Wise people like parents and leaders

When you're tempted, just ask God for help—He’s ready!

3. Keep Making Good Choices, Even If There Are Bad Consequences

📸 Show Teaching Point 3 Slide

Does making good choices mean everything will go perfectly? (Group response.) No way!

Joseph made the right choice—and still went to prison. That doesn’t seem fair, but God was with him, even in prison.

Let’s talk about this example:

📚 Hold up a homework worksheet. Have you ever been tempted to skip your homework? (Group response.)

Doing your homework might not be fun, but it’s the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing doesn’t feel good—but it is good.

Not every choice is simple. That’s why we need God’s help.

Bible Verse: 📖 James 1:12 (NLT) “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

You can ask God:

Through prayer

By reading the Bible

By talking to trusted adults

Like Joseph, we should always do what’s right—no matter what. 🗣️ God helps me make good choices!