How To Overcome Temptation
Brian R. Kenyon

Even after one obeys the Gospel and has every past sin forgiven (Acts 2:38; 16:22), sin and the temptation to sin is still a problem (1 Jn. 1:8-10). We must realize that being tempted is not sin; Jesus Himself was tempted (Mt. 4:1-11; Heb. 4:15). Only when we succumb to temptation do we sin. From the Book of James, we see at least two categories of temptations: (1) those trials that come upon us over which we have no control, except in our response to them (Jas. 1:2-4); and (2) those that come as a result of our own lusts (Jas. 1:12-15). In the case of Joseph, it seems that both aspects are involved. Thus, the example of Joseph is worthy of our study. His reaction to Potiphar's wife gives us the following four points on how we can overcome temptation.

Recognize Sin for What It Is — SIN!

No matter how flattering the temptation to sin might be (cf. Pr. 7:4-5, 21), sin is still sin! Joseph was a very handsome man inwardly and outwardly (Gen. 39:6). Thus, Potiphar's wife "cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me" (Gen. 39:7). The vocabulary suggests that she had set her sights upon him for some time. The temptation to "Lie with me" is obviously a reference to sexual intercourse. This trial fits the first category listed above because Joseph had no control over her actions. It would also, at least minimally, fit into the second category because once she made the offer, lust could easily have set in and come to the fruition of sin. The "average guy" today would likely be thrilled to be approached by a woman who wanted to have sex with him, but Joseph was not your "average guy"-"he refused" (Gen. 39:8a)!

Joseph gave Potiphar's wife three reasons why he could not commit this sin with her. First, he could not break the trust that Potiphar had placed in him-"he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I" (Gen. 39:8b-9a). Second, Joseph knew that she was off limits to him because "thou art his wife" (Gen. 39:9b). How did Joseph know that he could not have another man's wife? This happened a long time before the Law of Moses was given. The answer is simple: from the beginning God has always intended that there be one man and one wife for life (Gen. 2:18-28 cf. Gen. 20:1-7). Third, and most importantly, Joseph answered, "how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9c). "Great wickedness" underscores how dreadful sin is, not only to ourselves, but also to God. Sin separates us from God (Isa. 59:1-2); it causes us to be lost (Eph. 2:1-4); and it severs fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:6). Joseph realized that sin is ultimately against God (Ps. 51:3-4; Acts 5:4). If we remember the disastrous consequences that sin carries against us, and more tragically, against God, it will help us to overcome the temptation to sin!

Be Willing to Take Drastic Measures to Avoid Sin

The temptation to sin is persistent as evidenced by Potiphar's wife's relentless pursuit of Joseph. She tempted Joseph "day by day" and Joseph, just as consistently, "hearkened not unto her" (Gen. 39:10). Eventually, however, "it came to pass...that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within" (Gen. 39:11). It may very well be that Potiphar's wife arranged for there to be no men in the house at this time, but whatever the case, temptation seized the opportunity: "she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me" (Gen. 39:12a). Unlike Delilah, whose constant tempting finally broke Samson (Judg. 16:16), Potiphar's wife was getting nowhere with Joseph so she tried "bushwhack" him into sinning with her. It did not work-Joseph "left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out" (Gen. 39:12b). Joseph realized that the situation called for drastic measures. He did not merely go into the next room, but he literally went "to the street." He ran away from that situation not caring what he left behind (unlike Lot's wife, Gen. 19:26). Like Joseph, we must be willing to take drastic measures to avoid sinning. Running from the situation may seem cowardly to the world, but in reality it took tremendous courage and risk. This is exactly what we must do in some situations to overcome temptation and avoid sinning.

Be Willing to Suffer for Righteousness' Sake

With Joseph's garment in her hand, Potiphar's wife claims Joseph tried to rape her. By crying out, she was declaring her innocence (cf. Deut. 22:22-29). She lied to her servants and to her husband about what happened. She accused Joseph in order to avert suspicion and to get revenge for his refusal of her. As a result, Joseph was cast into "the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound" (Gen. 39:20). Even though the "king's prison" was a very lenient sentence, Joseph in no way deserved this. Such may be the lot, however, with those who make up their minds to serve God. The earthly consequences of taking drastic measures to avoid sin did not matter to Joseph-his mind was already made to serve God, no matter what! We must realize that faithfulness to God will result in persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). However, Jesus pronounces tremendous blessings on those who suffer for righteousness' sake (Mt. 5:10-12). Suffering persecution for Christ's sake actually glorifies God (1 Pet. 4:14-16). We must be willing to suffer for God in order to overcome temptation.

Know That God Will See Us Through

"But the LORD was with Joseph" is a common refrain in this chapter (Gen. 39:21 cf. 39:2-3, 23). God will never leave those who are faithful to Him (Heb. 13:5). Joseph was humiliated, perhaps even more so than when he was sold as a slave by his brothers, but not too much so for God to see him through. The Lord "shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison" (Gen. 39:21b). Joseph served God in prison just as he had done on the outside. Joseph's integrity was constant at every level. As a result, God allowed him greater position until he was behind only Pharaoh in command over all of Egypt! The servant who is faithful in a little receives much more (Mt. 25:14-30). This shows that God will see us through no matter how bad circumstances may seem (cf. Rom. 8:28). Knowing this fact will help us overcome the temptation to sin. Let us learn from this instance in Joseph's life how we can overcome temptation in ours!