It Starts Small

We know that Joseph was not sinless but if you read through his story, there is not one sin recorded. The biblical account of his life never mentions that he did anything wrong. Joseph is a godly man that pleased God in his behavior. The key to Joseph’s righteousness is the fact that the Lord was with Joseph.

Joseph teaches us that when we rely on the presence and power of God in our lives, we can overcome evil temptation. A person who is pursuing righteousness loves God and pursues a life that does not displease God no matter the circumstances. This was the character of Joseph.

We learn in today’s scripture that Joseph was in his master’s house and his master’s wife desired to have a sexual relationship with Joseph. She was very bold about her desire because she personally asked Joseph to have sex with her (genesis 39:7). AT first Joseph refused and reminded her that she was his master’s wife and he did not have permission.

This did not stop this evil woman’s attempts. Joseph’s final response was to tell her that to have sex with her would be great wickedness against God. This was Joseph’s main motivation. This act of adultery would not only violate his master’s trust but deeply offend God. I believe this is the heart of overcoming any evil temptation. When we can understand how it affects God and the people around us, it prevents us from hurting both God and others.

Sinning against others is a manifestation of Hate. There is no such thing as love in sin. Joseph loved God and his master and as a result refused to sin against them. When we can understand the consequences of sin, the consequences alone should motivate us to flee from it as Joseph did.

Joseph teaches us that the love of God, HIs presence and power in our lives, will see a way through, away from, and fleeing all temptation because the consequences are too great: sin separates us from the love, grace, and mercy of God.

Today, let us evaluate in our heart what our attitude is towards sin. Do we truly hate sin as God does? It does not mean we become perfect, but do you have a greater reverence for God than you have an inkling to sin?

Our main verse in 1 Timothy 6:11 says Flee from youthful lusts… Joseph at this point is showing a greater maturity in his faith, he fled from the temptation.

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