The Way of Escape Genesis 39 The Favor of God and Man Before Temptation Comes When Temptation Comes What If I Give Into Temptation? Why Bother to be Good? 1

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 The Favor of God and Man Prospered by God God tells us He was with Joseph – v.2. Joseph’s master saw that God was with him – v.3. Joseph’s master saw that God had given him success – v.3. Joseph’s master gave him charge over all – v.5. In prison, the Lord was with Joseph – v.20-21. The warden gave over all to Joseph – v.23. 2

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 The Favor of God and Man Favored by Potiphar Joseph is prosperous when a menial slave. Joseph is moved to Potiphar’s house. Potiphar notices that God was with Joseph. Potiphar promotes Joseph to be his personal attendant. Potiphar’s estate prospers under Joseph. Potiphar turns over all to Joseph. 3

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 The Favor of God and Man Hard and faithful service Joseph sought to please God and His blessings first. Joseph did this over a long period of time. Joseph worked hard to honor God first and then his master. Joseph never allowed his circumstances to change any of these personal axioms. 4

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 Before Temptation Comes Joseph had prepared for temptation by Recognizing sin as sin – v.9 Realizing that sin hurts others – v.8-9 Joseph had a moral debt to Potiphar. Potiphar had not given his wife to Joseph. Potiphar’s wife had a moral obligation. Understanding that sin is an offense to God – v.9 5

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 Before Temptation Comes Joseph put these things into practice. He let his position be known. He kept busy. He ran from sin when it became necessary. 6

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 When Temptation Comes Common temptations The world system The flesh The devil 7

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 When Temptation Comes This was a strong temptation because It was natural. It came to him when he was away from home. It came from an important woman. It came after an important promotion. It came repeatedly. It seized the perfect opportunity. 8

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 What If I Give Into Temptation? Let Psalm 51 be your guide to repentance. Confess your sin – v.1-5. On the basis of God’s mercy Confession of the particular sin Be cleansed from sin through faith in an atoning sacrifice – v.7. Become a renewed creation, supernaturally – v.10-12. Communicate praise to God through a broken spirit – v.17. 9

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 Why Bother to be Good? What Joseph must have felt Injustice from his human master Injustice from God What Joseph knew to be true Suffering proved that he was God’s man. Suffering was being used by God to mold his character. Persecution allows the believer to show the supernatural strength of his master. 10

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 Why Bother to be Good? Be sure that when you are persecuted, it is for righteousness’ sake and not for being a nuisance, a fanatic, nor a wrongdoer! 11

The Way of Escape Genesis 39 Application What are you doing to prepare against the temptation that will come? How do you handle your sin when you give into temptation? Can you see the sovereignty of God in your suffering? 12