How Joseph Resisted Temptation

by Greg Gwin

When he was seduced by Popiphar’s wife, Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, resisted, although he was obviously tempted (Genesis 39:6-14). He stands as a worthy model to us as we try to resist temptation. Joseph was able to keep from sinning 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 and 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?'"

Joseph 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.

"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."

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 the seduction before him.

"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."

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.

As we face temptation day by day, let's remember the example of Joseph--and imitate it!

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