How Joseph Resisted Temptation
Joseph stands as a worthy role model on how to resist temptation. We have in mind the episode when he was seduced by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:6-14). It is obvious that Joseph was susceptible to the temptation, but he kept himself from sin. He did so by:
- Resisting the temptation from the very beginning.
"Joseph was handsome in form and appearance ... (and) his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." But he refused …” - He remembered his loyalty to his master,and did not want to wrong him. But, most of all, he remembered his commitment to God, and did not want to sin against Him.
… “(Joseph) said 'my master does not know what is with me in the house and he has committed all that he has to my hand … How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?'" - As the temptations continued, Joseph didn't listen to the one who was tempting him, even though she was surely offering several ‘arguments’ to justify this action. It is clear that he did his best to avoid the one who was placing this seduction before him.
"So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her." - When there was no other alternative, Joseph simply RAN from the temptation. There is no shame in fleeing from situations that may lead us to sin (1 Cor. 6:18, 2 Tim. 2:22).
"Joseph went into the house to do his work … she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside."
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