Joseph - Mighty in Temptation

Joseph - Mighty in Temptation

Genesis 37:3-28; 39:1-20; 40:1-23

(Sermon preached by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills 1976)

Introduction: Things common to all of us in life -

1. Everyone is born and dies

2. All must breathe, receive nourishment, and sleep

3. Temptation is common to all.

Thomas Edison, when asked how he handled his temptations, replied, "I never have any; I don't have time." he was speaking of his ignorance, not only about life but himself. All men experience temptation.

The life and experiences of Joseph can teach us much about the universal fact of temptation. Joseph, the most Christ-like man in the Old Testament - almost nothing is said negatively about him! Tributes to his character and conduct become more significant when we learn how greatly tempted he was. Thus we consider Joseph mighty in temptations. As we do, we learn some lessons about temptation.

I. The reality of temptation

Joseph tempted in several ways:

1. Tempted to become BITTER TOWARD OTHERS (his brothers) Genesis 37:29-28

Sold into slavery - deprived of his liberty

2. Tempted to COMMIT IMMORALITY - Genesis 39:6b-8a. (opportunity to strike back) Opportunity for personal advancement; there was in the temptation immunity to exposure, for who could she tell? Joseph had a ready-made alibi - If he became guilt laden, he could always say, "she started it, not I" Reality was marked all over the temptation.

3. Tempted to DESPAIR - Stood for right (cast into prison) Genesis 39:19-20 Forgotten by man, befriended in prison for 2 years - Genesis 40:14,15, 23.

TEMPTATION IS REAL in our lives - all tempted - not by God. James 1:13-14

REALITY OF TEMPTATION IS VARIED

One aspect of Temptation - invitations to commit an immoral act. There are other aspects -

* to fail in realm of emotions (bitterness)

* to fail in realm of spirit (despair)

* To yield in any of these, the consequences are serious.

TEMPTATION, THOUGH REAL, IS NOT SIN.

Temptation you cannot escape

Yielding to Temptation becomes Sin

Some feel guilty without cause. Our Lord was tempted, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

II. The Repetition of Temptation

Joseph repeatedly tempted to do wrong - 2 ways

1. Variety of temptation - to become bitter toward brothers, desire of a conniving woman, mistreated by those for whom he had stood rightly - to despair.

2. The repetition of temptation can be seen in Joseph's experience with Potiphor's wife - continued to tempt - Genesis 39:10-12

Temptation is a repeated experience of life.

Jesus tempted - Matthew 4:1-11

People desired to make him King

Obstinacy of Peter - Matthew 16:23

In the Garden - take the other road - easier way - Devil does not give up easily - He is a poor loser - He persists in his efforts - Temptation comes to us repeatedly.

Because they continue to come, one needs to keep his guard up. The Bible tells those victorious for a time; relaxed and failed.

Simon Peter - Matthew 26:30-33

Peter warned about failure - urged to watch and pray, but went to sleep - Matthew 26:38, 40-41, 43, 45

Temptations are repeated - So Christian needs to be on guard constantly.

III. The Resources of Temptations

Joseph had a number of resources when tested:

1. Influence of his home - Proverbs 22:6

2. A sense of direction in life - Genesis 37:5-7 When testing came he could not forget his destiny.

3. Sense of Commitment to God - Genesis 39:9b

Some resources available to us when testing time comes - To be honest - yielding seems right and best thing to do, BUT.......

There are resources -

1. There is the assurance that God makes a way out - I Corinthians 10:13

2. The help of Christ Himself (Hebrews 2:18) - He was tempted - has help (power) over you.

3. Satan himself can be defeated - James 4:7

Devil is a coward - call his bluff and he will run.

Conclusion:

Temptations are common to all - no matter who we are, how devoted to God we may be - he will be tempted.

Two suggestions -

1. When tempted, never say God tempted you.

2. You cannot win in temptation without God's help.

With the Lord and His help, you are 1/2 of a team that cannot be defeated.

The Hymn writer said it this way:

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

I invite you to do that now!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus - accept Him as your Saviour, Allow Him to become Lord and Master - Will you do so now?