This daily devotional is a reflection on the story of Joseph as he faced temptation and how he chose to remain truthful. Through this, we will seek to learn how remaining faithful in temptation help the believer grow. Let us cultivate a deeper commitment to honesty and uprightness in our own lives, and trust in God’s guidance and protection as we navigate the temptations and trials of this world.
» Sunday, 5th February 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | Joseph’s Example of Remaining Faithful in Temptation
Yesterday’s daily devotional was on the topic of “defeating the powers of darkness” and today’s is about Joseph’s example of remaining faithful in temptation.
Anchor verse of the day
7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
Genesis 39:7-9
Our anchor passage of Genesis 39:7-9 offers a lesson on staying true to one’s values and avoiding temptation, even in the face of great pressure. Join us as we delve deeper into this passage and discover how we can strive to be like Joseph, staying true to our values and putting our trust in God.
Themes in Genesis 39:7-9
- Temptation: The passage describes Joseph’s temptation to sin through the advances of Mrs. Portiphar.
- Faithfulness: Joseph is seen as a faithful one committed to God even in the face of temptation.
- Righteousness: It emphasizes Joseph’s commitment to righteousness and avoiding sin.
- Consequence: It highlights the potential consequences of yielding to temptation and the need of staying true to one’s values and beliefs.
- Trust in God: The passage suggests that Joseph relied on his trust in God to resist temptation and maintain his integrity.
Background to Genesis 39:7-9’s remaining faithful in temptation
It is the story of Joseph and his time as a slave in Egypt. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt where he was resold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and he was successful in everything.
However, Portiphar’s wife became infatuated with him and tried to seduce him, which he refused and told her that he could not sin against God by having an affair with her. This passage is a continuation of that story and describes the result of Joseph’s refusal to sin.
Similar verses
Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
Proverbs 31:3 (NKJV)
This verse speaks to men being cautious and mindful in relationships and dealings with women and avoiding behavior that can lead to downfall and destruction.
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV)
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding sexual immorality and encourages us to flee it, as it is a sin against one’s own body.
Reflection
Believers, especially men, are encouraged to live their lives in accordance with the example set by Joseph. See, Joseph refused to give in to temptation and sin, even when faced with great pressure from Potiphar’s wife. This serves as a reminder for Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with temptation and difficulty.
Just as Joseph relied on his faith in God to resist sin and temptation, all Christians should also rely on their faith to guide their actions and decisions. This means that we should strive to live a life of integrity, avoid sin, and choose instead to do what is right and good, even when it is difficult.
In addition, we are to have self-control and the power of setting boundaries. Just as Joseph refused to allow himself to be drawn into sin, we should also learn to set healthy boundaries in our own lives, by avoiding situations and relationships that may lead us into temptation.
Ultimately, the story is an encouragement to us, a reminder that with God’s help, we too can overcome temptation and sin and live a life that brings glory to God.
Message to women, especially the married ones, about how they’re to live their lives as married Christian women.
See, Mrs. Portiphar, although married, had wanted to give herself cheaply to the boy Joseph. Social media has made us now understand that many women do that, by hiding behind technology and soliciting unholy relationships behind their husbands.
Ladies, as Christians and married women, it’s essential to live a life that honors God and reflects His love, truth, and purity. Here are some key principles to keep in mind as you navigate your role as a wife:
- Seek to love and serve your husband, putting his needs above your own and showing him respect and honor.
- Maintain a strong relationship with God, spending time in prayer and studying the Bible, so you can be filled with His love and wisdom.
- Practice self-control, avoiding temptation, and making choices that are in line with God’s will for your life.
- Live a life of purity, avoid sexual immorality, and preserve the sacred covenant of marriage.
- Seek to be a positive influence in the world, sharing the love of Christ with those around you and being a light in a dark world.
- Remember, as a Christian woman, you have been chosen by God and called to a higher purpose. You are His beloved, and He has great plans for you. Trust in Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Effects of sexual immorality on the Christian
Sexual immorality can have various negative effects on a Christian’s life and spiritual well-being. Some of these effects include:
- Separation from God: Sin, including sexual immorality, separates us from a holy and pure God.
- Guilt and shame: Engaging in sexual immorality often leads to feelings of guilt and shame. This can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem and mental health.
- Broken relationships: Sexual immorality can damage or destroy relationships with friends, family, and even spouses, beyond repair.
- Damaged witness: Sexual immorality can negatively impact your witness and testimony, damaging your ability to effectively share the gospel with others.
- Spiritual and physical consequences: Sexual immorality, apart from leaving us vulnerable to spiritual attacks, can result in untoward consequences, such as increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases, or unwanted pregnancies.
- Hinders growth in holiness: Sexual immorality goes against God’s design and purpose for sexuality, hindering a Christian’s growth in holiness and obedience to God.
- Erodes values and moral standards: Sexual immorality can erode a Christian’s values and moral standards, leading to a slippery slope into other forms of sin and moral compromise.
Prayer about remaining faithful in temptation (Genesis 39:7-9)
Dear Lord,
We come to you today with grateful hearts, seeking your guidance and protection in our lives. Just as Joseph faced temptation and chose to remain faithful to you, we solemnly ask for the strength to do the same. Help us to stay true to our commitment to follow your commands and live a life of holiness, truthfulness, and purity.
We know that the enemy is constantly trying to lead us astray and tempt us with the things of this world, but we trust in your love and protection. We know that when we remain steadfast in our faith, we will be victorious in the face of temptation.
As we reflect on Joseph’s story, we are reminded of your faithfulness and grace. We are grateful for the way you worked in his life and for the lessons we can learn from him. We ask that you would give us the wisdom and discernment to recognize temptation when it comes and the courage to stand firm in our faith.
We pray that you help us to grow in our relationship with you, so that we can live lives that honor you and bring glory to your holy name.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus, we pray.
Amen.
.
