Joseph: 17-30 - Joseph Faces Temptation Head-On! - Devo for 10/04/08

Reading
Genesis 39:6-23

Thought
It is amazing that each time we read through this passage, we learn something new. Joseph refused to sin with Potiphar's wife. Joseph kept his purity. How? Why? What was in Joseph's thinking and lifestyle that kept him pure? Can we stay just as pure in the wicked world we live in? Joseph faced intense temptation. When was the last time you faced such intense temptation? Keep in mind, temptation is not sin, but yielding to the temptation is sin.

Questions
1. Joseph faced constant temptation. What three words in Genesis 39:10 show us that this temptation kept coming back on a daily basis?

Joseph knew he would have to fight temptation when he went to work! He had to be prepared ahead of time to say, "No!" Remember, Joseph could have done what most do today and make all kinds of excuses why it would be okay to sin. Like...

"No one will ever know. She wouldn't dare tell and jeopardize her position."
"Everyone else in my position would do it, so why shouldn't I?"
"Just one time to get her off my back; one time is no big deal."
"I'll get special privileges and extra pay by giving in."
"Wait a minute! I'm her slave. She owns me. I don't have a choice."
"I might lose my job - maybe my head - if I say no!"

Without typing it, what is your favorite excuse when you face temptation? No one can make us sin. When anyone sins, the CHOOSE to sin. Not even the devil can MAKE us sin!