Life: Overcome temptation

• The Bible Studies for Life lesson for Oct. 26 focuses on Genesis 39:3-12.

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• The Bible Studies for Life lesson for Oct. 26 focuses on Genesis 39:3-12.

Introduction

Temptation has a remarkably unusual handling in the Bible. The tempter is met first in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). Curiously, however, the term “tempter” does not show up until Matthew 4:3, early in the ministry of Jesus. Ever since the Garden of Eden, temptation has been constant in human life. Surprisingly, the Bible has less to say about temptation than we expect.

The Bible’s premier verse on temptation is 1 Corinthians 10:13, which teaches the Lord prescribes the limits and load of temptation for each person and requires a way of escape for each temptation.

Temptation

The words for “tempt” occur 36 times in the Old Testament and 47 times in the New Testament. Not all instances of the underlying words are rendered as “tempt.” The word is translated as “test” in passages where the Lord is the subject of the action. This indicates the Lord’s use of temptation for his higher purpose of cultivating the character of his people.

A great example is found in Judges 2:22, where the Lord declares he will allow the Israelites to live in a land occupied by Canaanites, whose worldly lifestyles will provide temptation for religious compromise and departure from the covenant with God. God still uses this strategy to strengthen his people’s character.

Joseph’s story in Genesis 39:3-12 features temptation. Two results of this story must be carefully sorted out. The first, or worldly, result was greater privation for Joseph—he ended up in prison. The world punishes those who do not yield to its temptation. But the text carefully notes the Lord’s blessed presence with Joseph in verses 2, 3, 21 and 23. Those who successfully resist temptation will find the Lord actively prospering their lives. This is the timely message of Genesis 39.

A third important point regarding God’s use of testing or temptation has roots in this week’s text. Early in life, or in one’s walk of commitment with the Lord, God will test one’s resolve to be committed to him. Here, Joseph is young, embarking on adult life, and has a series of choices to serve the Lord by the way he conducts his life. One important instance of God’s testing of Joseph is connected to the offer of Potiphar’s wife. Another story of God testing commitment is found in Matthew 4:1-11, where Jesus is tempted to abuse his status as the Son of God instead of remaining obedient to God.


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The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him (Genesis 39:3-6)

This portion of Joseph’s story emphasizes the Lord’s prospering of Joseph’s life. Sometimes people focus too narrowly on their external circumstances. Joseph could have done that. He had been betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, purchased an unknown number of times before he came into Potiphar’s household. There he progressed in his duties and responsibilities until he became the top servant in Potiphar’s house. Suffering betrayal and experiencing undesirable circumstances breaks the spirits of many people.

Others will cheat the lesson and say Joseph pulled himself together and prospered through self-determination. Actually, the passage states the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord prospered Joseph. God was not answering the injustice Joseph experienced. He prospered Joseph because Joseph lived out his commitment to God.

Joseph’s life bears out the truth expressed in Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Joseph’s story shows the Lord was highly pleased with Joseph. Verses 3-4 state the Lord attended Joseph in such a way that all who were connected with Joseph were residually blessed.

A point of application for the believer is to examine one’s life for evidence of the Lord’s attendant blessing. This is the sentiment of Haggai 1:5-6. Whereas the prophet’s words are confrontational and negative, showing the Lord’s displeasure in the lives of his audience, Joseph’s life shows the positive side of Haggai’s point: God abundantly blesses the lives of his committed and practicing followers.

Overcoming temptation begins by having standards and convictions already in place (Genesis 39:7-10)

Living by conviction based upon the righteous standard provided by a covenant commitment with God makes all the difference in confronting temptation in one’s life. Joseph had faced many other temptations, unknown to us, prior to this occasion. His success in those instances prepared him for this situation.

The key to Joseph’s successful resistance to Potiphar’s wife is seen in his words regarding his loyalty to his master. Joseph knew how to serve and honor his earthly master because he was already busy about serving and honoring his heavenly master. God was Joseph’s true master. Furthermore, the satisfaction of God’s requirements serves the best interests of people in one’s life.

When temptation comes, run! (Genesis 39:11-12)

1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands, “Avoid every kind of evil.” Joseph did all he could to avoid the seductions of Potiphar’s wife. He repeatedly refused her request. He made sure others were present when he was near her. But when she saw an opportunity to press her appeal, Joseph took the best course of action available—he fled the scene.

When facing temptation, all believers should be as Joseph was—determined to resist temptation at all costs. Joseph would pay for resisting temptation, but the cost will not be near what it would be if he succumbed to it. To Joseph’s credit, he resisted temptation and continued to experience the attending presence of his Lord in his life.


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