Purity, Prison, and Providence

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Purity, Prison, and Providence

Genesis 39

Speaker: Pastor
Series:

Overcoming Temptation: Lessons from Joseph’s Unwavering Faith

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right, only to face unexpected challenges or temptations? You’re not alone. Even the most godly people in the Bible faced temptation. Today, let’s explore a powerful story from Genesis that teaches us valuable lessons about purity, perseverance, and God’s providence.

The Reality of Temptation

As we dive into Genesis 39, we encounter Joseph, a man of unwavering faith. His story reminds us of an important truth: godly people can be tempted. It’s crucial to understand this because many of us have misconceptions about temptation. 

“Throughout the years, I have talked to people where they will say, ‘Well, if my spouse really loves Jesus, then they would not be tempted to do this.’ And folks, that’s not true.”

The reality is, your spirituality doesn’t determine whether you’ll be tempted. Even Jesus, filled with the Spirit in the wilderness, was tempted. What matters is how we respond to temptation.

The Persistence of Temptation

Not only can godly people face temptation, but they will face temptation. In Joseph’s case, temptation came through Potiphar’s wife, who persistently tried to seduce him. The Bible tells us in Genesis 39:10, “And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.”

This persistence of temptation teaches us several important lessons:

  1. Temptation can strike at work: “Do you realize that 40 to 60% of affairs occur as a result of a workplace relationship?”
  2. Temptation is appealing and desirable: Satan often attacks through the eye gate, just as he did with Eve, Achan, and David.
  3. Temptation is persistent: It doesn’t give up easily and may come “day after day after day.”
  4. Temptation can strike when we’re most vulnerable: Joseph was away from home, rejected by his family, and approached by a beautiful, important woman.

Overcoming Temptation

Despite these challenges, Joseph’s story shows us that temptation can be overcome. Here’s how:

  1. Remember the trust others have placed in you: Joseph said, “He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife” (Genesis 39:9).
  2. Keep your focus on God: Joseph understood that giving in to temptation would be a sin against God, not just against others.
  3. Look for the way of escape: “Be decisive, being decisive helps you overcome temptation. He refused, he harkened not, he left his garment, he lost his coat, but he kept his care.”
  4. Flee from temptation: “Don’t lollygag when sin comes in, or temptation comes into the room. Get out of there.”

The Cost of Righteousness

It’s important to note that doing the right thing doesn’t always lead to immediate rewards. Joseph suffered false accusations and imprisonment despite his righteousness. As believers, we may face similar challenges:

“All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

However, we can be assured of God’s presence even in difficult times. Just as the Lord was with Joseph in prison, He is with us in our trials.

Life Application: Turning Our Eyes Upon Jesus

As we face trials in our own lives, let’s remember the powerful message from the hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”:

  1. When faced with temptation, turn your focus to Christ: “He is greater than any sin that we could ever want.”
  2. Spend time with the Lord: “Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying? Are you meditating on the scriptures? That’s where the good stuff is.”
  3. Trust in God’s faithfulness: “His word shall not fail us, he promised.”
  4. Remember Jesus’ example: Like Joseph, Jesus faced trials and remained sinless. He suffered unjustly for our sake, providing salvation to all who believe.

As we go through this week, let’s commit to examining our hearts, drawing closer to God, and trusting in His power to help us overcome temptation. Remember, with God’s presence and strength, we can stand firm in the face of any challenge.

We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!

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