Overcoming Temptation

Overcoming Temptation
She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled …—Genesis 39: 12
We each face daily temptations—temptations to lie, cheat, and steal. Joseph faced powerful temptation, yet he resisted. What were the keys to his success?
First, Joseph knew that someone trusted him implicitly. He did not want to violate the trust Potiphar had placed in him.
Secondly, Joseph knew he was different from the rest of the world. Because God had called him as a chosen race, Joseph said the obvious: “How can I…?”
Thirdly, Joseph knew the temptation was wicked. One of our problems today is our lax attitude towards sin. We have learned to be very tolerant towards sin.
Finally, Joseph knew that if he succumbed, the sin would ultimately be against God, not against Potiphar. And then Joseph took the wisest possible action—he ran. If all else fails, run. Paul told Timothy, “Flee from youthful lusts.” Stay away from places where you know that you are weak and where you will be tempted to fall.
**We can live a pure life. We can overcome temptation. God has given us all the rules we need to live in victory.
Like Joseph, recognize four important points: (1) People have put their trust in you. (2) You’re special because you’re a child of God and you can’t do what other people can do. (3) Temptation is wicked, and when you give in, you’re sinning against God Himself. (4) If everything else fails—run. Flee to Jesus.
Father, may we resolve to live a righteous, holy life. Help us, Lord, to resist the temptations placed in our pathway day after day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
YBIC, Dan Shock CBMC of Tampa Bay
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