The word “temptation” is found sixteen times in the King James Version of Scripture. Among its appearances are: 1) Instructions from Jesus to His apostles to pray that they not be led therein (Mt. 6:13; 26:41; Mk. 14:38; Lk. 11:4; 22:40, 46); 2) Reference to that through which the Lord went (Lk. 4:13); 3) Reference to the commonality of it (1 Cor. 10:13); 4) The dangers of such inherent with riches (1 Tim. 6:9). Another occurrence of interest is found in James 1:12. Here the text states: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

The life of Joseph vividly illustrates the proper responses to temptation. Few individuals in Scripture rise to the lofty heights of decency and faithfulness, as does this great man of God. The account of his being sold into slavery by his own brothers is well known among Bible readers (Gen. 37). His time in the house of Potiphar was characterized by moral uprightness on his part, but by temptations and lies about him on the part of Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39). How is it that Joseph yielded not to temptation in a circumstance in which so many might have?

Joseph yielded not to temptation because:

  1. He said “No,” and really meant it (Gen. 39:8, 10).
    1. “No” for many is the hardest word in the English language to say.
      1. Not difficult to spell
      2. Not hard to pronounce
      3. But, for far too many, difficult to say
    2. Like Joseph, others said it, and really meant it.
      1. Vashti (Esther 1:12)
      2. 3 Hebrew Youths (Dan. 3:18)
      3. Daniel (Dan. 6:10, 11)
      4. Jesus (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10)
    3. Joseph, as these others, was not a “situationist.”
  2. He would not betray the confidence others had in him (Gen. 39:9).
    1. God had great confidence in Abraham (Gen. 18:19).
    2. God had great confidence in Job (Job 1).
    3. Can God and others have confidence in you?
      1. Elders? Preachers? Deacons?
      2. Spouses?
      3. Parents?
      4. Teens?
  3. He knew some things just simply did not belong to him (Gen. 39:8, 9).
    1. Another’s marital companion is not yours (Prov. 6:29; Mt. 19:9).
    2. Someone’s future companion is not yours (“fornication”).
    3. One is a thief who takes that which is not his/hers, regardless of what it is.
  4. He knew that even though a sin might not be against another, it is always against God (Gen. 39:9b).
    1. Had he committed such an act, would he have sinned against Potiphar? Yes!
    2. Had he committed such an act, would he have sinned against Mrs. Potiphar? Yes!
    3. Had he committed such an act, would he have sinned against himself? Yes!
    4. However, the greatest sin would have been against God!
    5. In the face of temptation, ask yourself about “the third party” involved (God!)
  5. He knew that immorality is sin (Gen. 39:9).
    1. We live in an age in which many give such matters little, if any, thought.
    2. Ps. 51:4
    3. 2 Sam. 12:9, 10
    4. 1 Cor. 6:18
    5. It was/is not a matter of “made a mistake;” not merely “got into trouble.” No! It is SIN!
  6. He knew he could not flirt with evil and win (Gen. 39:8, 10, 12).
    1. 1 Cor. 6:18a
    2. 2 Tim. 2:22
  7. He was keenly aware of the seductive nature of Mrs. Potiphar.
    1. Her eyes (Gen. 39:7b)
    2. Her speech (Gen. 39:7c)
    3. Her hands (Gen. 39:12a)
    4. Note what she could have said, and what he could have reasoned:
      1. “Everyone does it.”
      2. “No one will ever know.”
      3. “Don’t you want to be a man?”
      4. “Do you think God or others really care for you?”
      5. “You are here in Egypt, so do things the Egyptian way.”
    5. Note Proverbs 5.
  8. He realized his greatest assets could be the occasion for his greatest                                              temptations.
    1. “Goodly” and “well favored” (Gen. 39:6)
      1. “Fair of form” (well-built; athletic)
      2. “Fair of favor” (perhaps a reference to physical appearance as well)
    2. One’s talents and abilities can lead to great temptation; beware of what you desire and approve.
    3. Pride of appearance can also lead to unholy display of the same (immodesty).
  9. He never lost sight of the fact that God was with him, whenever, wherever, and with whomever (Gen. 39:21a).