Suggested Bible Reading: Genesis 39-42
Devotional Thought:
Joseph is a good example of a believer who trusted God and made the best of his difficult circumstances. He never read what Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylon (Jer. 29:7) or what Peter wrote to the scattered Christians throughout the Roman Empire (1 Peter 2:13-20), but he certainly put those instructions into practice. It is certainly understandable that Joseph would rather have been at home, but he made the best of his circumstances in Egypt, and God blessed him for his contentment. Proverbs 22:29 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” The blessing of the Lord was very evident to the staff and servants in Potiphar’s household, and they knew that Joseph was the cause. “The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake” (Gen. 39:5), just as we learned a few lessons ago that God had blessed Laban’s house because of Jacob (30:27, 30). Potiphar gradually turned more and more responsibility over to Joseph until Joseph was actually managing the entire household, except for the food Potiphar ate. We want to look at How Does a Man of Integrity Deal With Temptation? (Gen 39:1-20) Joseph teaches us many principles about temptation and how to live victorious. First, Joseph teaches us how to properly deal with success. (vs. 1-6) Joseph faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities, featured secret of his resource, and created a favorable reputation. Secondly, Joseph teaches us how to properly deal with solicitation. (vs. 7-12) He attacks the sinfulness of the proposal, appeals to the trust of his superior, and admitted the authority of his Sovereign. Joseph was determined to counter the solicitation. Joseph had already determined to be pure, he drew lines to be protected, and he was dedicated to exercising prudence. Thirdly, Joseph teaches us how to properly deal with slander. (vs. 13-18) Joseph doesn’t defend himself; he lets his character do it. Joseph doesn’t denounce the woman; he lets her conscience do it. He doesn’t debate with his master; he is certain that truth will be revealed.
For the second time in his life, Joseph lost a garment (Gen. 39:12; 37:23); but as the Puritan preacher said, “Joseph lost his coat but he kept his character.”
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be a man like Joseph. A man of true character.
• Lord, thank you for testing my character in order to reveal to me the areas that need attention and work.
• Lord, thank you for the grace you promise and the way of escape for every temptation.