Resisting Temptation | Genesis 39

Summary

Trip Lee taught from Genesis 39, showing us that temptation is an invitation to go the wrong way, and in a world full of those invitations, faithfulness can feel difficult. Through Joseph’s story in Genesis 39, we see that the answer is not greater confidence in ourselves but confidence that God is with us. Before, during, and after temptation, God remains faithful. Because of Jesus, we can trust his goodness, resist sin, and return to him in repentance when we fail.

Key Takeaways

• Before temptation: Remember that God is with you. Joseph’s circumstances had changed dramatically, but the Lord was with him and working according to his purposes (Genesis 39:1-6). When we remember God’s presence and his track record of faithfulness, we can trust him even when obedience is hard (Romans 8:28).
• During temptation: Refuse, avoid, and flee. Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife, avoided being with her, and eventually ran from her (Genesis 39:7-12). Temptation may keep coming, but giving in is not inevitable. Bring your struggle into the light, avoid situations that invite compromise, and take sin seriously enough to flee (1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22).
• After temptation: Trust God with the consequences of obedience. Joseph did what was right and still ended up in prison, but the Lord was with him there too (Genesis 39:13-23). Faithfulness does not guarantee easy circumstances. What God wants for us is better than anything we can gain through compromise.
• God’s favor is received, not earned. We cannot perform well enough to earn God’s favor. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, took the consequences of our sin on himself, and rose from the grave. The gospel is not an invitation to impress Jesus but to receive his grace and follow him. When we give in to temptation, we can confess, repent, and return to the God who forgives and cleanses us (1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10).

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Think about God’s “track record” of faithfulness in your life. How could remembering his character change the way you respond to a temptation you regularly face?
• Joseph’s response to temptation escalated from refusing to avoiding to fleeing. Which of those steps do you most need to take this week? Is there a boundary you need to put in place or a situation you need to stop trusting yourself around?
• What temptation have you been keeping in the dark? Who could you invite into the fight with you this week?
• Have you ever experienced a cost or unwanted consequence because you chose obedience? What does Joseph’s story show you about what God’s presence does—and does not—promise?
• When you give in to temptation, are you more likely to hide from God in shame or return to him in confession and repentance? How does the gospel change the way you respond to your failure?