Joseph Overcame Temptation Gen. 39

How did Joseph resist the temptation when Potiphar’s wife, “looked with desire” at him?

Refused vs. 7“he refused.”  Oh how many problems we could avoid if we just resolved to refuse sin.  God has promised that “with the temptation will provide the way of escape also,” (1 Cor. 10:13) but we must refuse sin in order to find it.   

Reasoned vss. 8 “he refused and said…”  Those who sin often cannot give coherent explanation for their sin. Most sins are marked by lack of thought .  

Recognized Responsibilities And Trusts vss. 8,9“My master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife.” 

Remembered God  vs. 9Joseph said, “How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God?” 

Refused To Listen To Evil vs. 12“he did not listen to her to lie beside her.” Evil speaks incessantly.  It never stops.  But we don’t have to listen to it.  

Ran vs. 12 “She caught him by his garment saying, ‘Lie with me!…he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside.” 

Let us resolve to be in Joseph.  When sin approaches: refuse, reason, realize your responsibility, remember God, refuse to listen to evil entreaties, and finally run if necessary.  Resisting sin can be hard, but is very rewarding, work.