The Life of Joseph - Genesis 39:1-23 - Resisting Temptation There isn’t anyone alive or who ever lived, including Jesus, who wasn’t Tempted! Temptation is NOT a sin… it’s what we do when tempted… that can result in sin. The choices/decisions we make when Tempted either lead us closer to Jesus in obedience or farther from him in disobedience. James 1:12-16 - 12 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. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Genesis 39:1-20 – Resisting Temptation - When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Joseph was an old country boy… sheep herder… Now he’s taken to Egypt, (the New York City or Los Angeles of the world. ) Think about all that Joseph has to deal with and endure. * He’s a slave. Bought and sold like a piece of property. * Has to overcome the language barrier and learn their language. * He’s in culture shock! Huge cultural and spiritual barriers. * He has to adjust to the food. * Time? We don’t know if this takes place in 5 months or 5 years. What does Joseph do? He calls an attorney in downtown Egypt and wants to set up a meeting to get him out of this mess. NO! He learns the language… He learns the culture, the customs… He’s adjusts to the food… He’s an obedient slave to Potiphar. He’s not focused on the injustice, and righting the wrong… doesn’t use his Faith in God and/or his Beliefs to refuse to serve or to manipulate Potiphar. He simply honors God where he’s at… he humbles himself, obeys, works hard, serves. Genesis 39:2 - 2 The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Joseph isn’t working for Potiphar, he’s not a slave to Potiphar, Joseph is a Slave to the Lord! THAT changes everything! Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Sometimes God allows us to be put in places & positions we don’t understand, or comprehend. (It’s for HIS purposes and plans) Simply Trust and Obey! Joseph succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian Master. Most folks want to prosper, succeed, be blessed by God… but a lot of folks will NOT humble themselves, be obedient, work hard, (every effort) and serve where God has placed them. “Bloom where God has planted you!” Stop fighting, resisting, rebelling… Be humble, be obedient, work hard, & serve! Jeremiah 17:7-8 - “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Genesis 39:3 - 3 Potiphar noticed this (Joseph was blessed) and realized that the LORD was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. Potiphar saw that Joseph was different. The Bible says, Potiphar saw the LORD in him!
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