HOW JOSEPH RESISTED TEMPTATION
Dan Richardson
Temptation is something we all have in common. Scripture admonishes young people to “flee youthful lusts…” (2 Timothy 2:22), but young and old alike need to consider the temptations they face. How we respond to it is extremely important to our welfare and happiness in life, but also eternally (1 Timothy 4:7-8). The story of Joseph relates how a young man resisted temptations and maintained his faithfulness to God.
Joseph had been sold by his brothers into slavery. He was taken to a foreign land and became a servant of Potiphar, an Egyptian. Regardless of his “bad deal” in life, Joseph did not blame God but continued to trust and serve Him.
When Potiphar’s wife “cast her eyes upon Joseph” and sought to seduce him to engage in sexual immorality, he steadfastly refused. There is a strength observed in Joseph that many neither understand nor desire to possess. Many would mock at Joseph’s moral strength and consider his behavior bizarre. Peter, an apostle of Christ, spoke of how many view righteousness: “…they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4). In the story of Joseph (Genesis 39:7-18), we find four factors which contributed to his strength in time of temptation.
He Remembered Others Trusted Him
“Behold, my master knoweth not what is with me in the house, and he hath put all that he hath into my hand” (Genesis 39:8). There is something powerful in the presence of temptation when we remember others have placed confidence in us. Perhaps it’s the memory of loving, concerned parents who have taught you the importance of behaving responsibly (Ephesians 6:4). Or, recalling how much your husband or wife loves you and the vows of faithfulness you pledged to each other (Ephesians 5:22-33). Maybe it’s a close friend, an esteemed teacher, or a respected employer who genuinely cares for you. Potiphar had entrusted much to the responsibility of Joseph. How could Joseph now betray that confidence? We would do well in times of temptation to consider how many others will be affected by our actions.
He Wanted to Please God
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39: 9) Something is counted as wickedness and sin because it is a transgression of God’s word (1 John 3:4). God has spoken clearly regarding the sin of sexual immorality and the virtue of moral purity (Genesis 26:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4). A knowledge of the Bible is of paramount value when enticed to sin: “Thy word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Even Jesus, when tempted by the devil, demonstrated the value of having knowledge of scripture to resist evil (Matthew 4:1-11). A consideration of these things should impress us with our great need to study the Bible.
However, there is a difference between knowledge and faith. Faith means “trust” — a trust which is based on what we learn in God’s word (Romans 10:17). There are many people who may “know” a particular action is wrong, but they may not have “faith” to dedicate themselves in service to God. Joseph’s faith was the reason he resisted temptation: “For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith (1 Jn. 5:4).
He Was Careful of His Environment
“And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her” (Genesis 39:10). The fact that Joseph was cautious to not put himself in the situation of being alone with her is significant. Her repeated efforts to seduce Joseph to sin were met by Joseph’s good judgment to avoid placing himself in a compromising situation where sin could easily occur.
A key element in one’s self-control and purity is seen here. Doing right is not only a matter of the strength of my will to refuse evil but having the good judgment to avoid the situation altogether when possible. If Joseph had allowed himself the opportunity, he might very well have taken it. Many like to place themselves in situations, as if to say, “I want to see how close I can come to evil without crossing the line.” An alcoholic once boasted to me about how he could attend the local tavern and visit all his buddies without taking a drink himself. I replied that he was setting himself up to be tempted, and he should avoid such an evil environment. Many likewise are doomed for failure because of the wicked environment they choose for themselves. The Bible warns: “But put ye own the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lust thereof” (Romans 13:14). Again, “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
He Ran Scared from Sin
Joseph, “fled, and got him out,” leaving his outer garment in her wicked grasp (Genesis 39:12). The nature of this temptation, because of the power of the sexual appetite, left Joseph with only one recourse – HE RAN! To have hesitated could have proved disastrous. The godly will find themselves in situations that will be frightening because of the temptations there and the knowledge of one’s own weaknesses: “When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite” (Proverbs 23:1-2).
As with Joseph, so must we heed God’s warning to “flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18), as well as fleeing a host of other things – “love of money” (2 Timothy 6:9-11), “youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22), etc.
From Search for Truth