Topical Bible: Temptation: Joseph

◄ Temptation: Joseph ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The narrative of Joseph, found primarily in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound example of temptation and the steadfastness required to overcome it. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the patriarchal history of Israel. His life is marked by a series of trials and triumphs, with temptation playing a significant role in his journey.

Background

Joseph's account begins in Genesis 37, where he is introduced as a favored son of Jacob, which incites jealousy among his brothers. This favoritism is symbolized by the "richly ornamented robe" (Genesis 37:3) given to him by his father. His brothers' envy leads them to sell Joseph into slavery, and he is taken to Egypt, setting the stage for his encounter with temptation.

Temptation in Potiphar's House

Joseph's most notable encounter with temptation occurs in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Genesis 39 details Joseph's rise to a position of trust and authority within Potiphar's household. "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man" (Genesis 39:2), and Potiphar entrusted him with everything he owned.

However, Joseph's integrity is tested when Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce him. She repeatedly urges him to "lie with me" (Genesis 39:7), but Joseph steadfastly refuses. His response is rooted in his loyalty to both Potiphar and God: "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Joseph's refusal highlights his commitment to righteousness and his awareness of the moral implications of yielding to temptation.

False Accusation and Imprisonment

Despite his resistance, Joseph's integrity leads to false accusations. Potiphar's wife, scorned by Joseph's rejection, accuses him of attempting to assault her. As a result, Joseph is unjustly imprisoned. "When his master heard the account his wife told him, saying, 'This is how your slave treated me,' he burned with anger" (Genesis 39:19). Joseph's imprisonment, however, becomes another testament to his unwavering faith, as "the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him" (Genesis 39:21).

Significance and Lessons

Joseph's experience with temptation serves as a powerful example of moral fortitude and reliance on God. His account illustrates the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of persistent temptation and the potential consequences of both resisting and succumbing to sin. Joseph's ability to withstand temptation is attributed to his deep faith and understanding of God's presence in his life.

The account of Joseph's temptation also underscores the theme of divine providence. Despite the immediate negative consequences of his refusal, Joseph's faithfulness ultimately leads to his elevation to a position of power in Egypt, where he is instrumental in preserving his family and the future nation of Israel during a time of famine.

In summary, Joseph's encounter with temptation in Potiphar's house is a pivotal moment in his life, demonstrating the virtues of integrity, faith, and the strength to resist sin. His account continues to inspire believers to trust in God's plan and to uphold righteousness, even when faced with significant trials.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 39:7
And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... Because God gives him assistance. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because
God gives him aid. The strength of a Christian is divine strength. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Of the Clause: "Lead us not into Temptation. "
... Abraham was tempted, Joseph was tempted, but neither of them was led into temptation
for neither of them yielded his consent to the tempter. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxiii of the clause .htm

Jesus Christ was not a Mere Man, Begotten from Joseph in the ...
... again, those who assert that He was simply a mere man, begotten by Joseph, remaining
in ... 3. For as He became man in order to undergo temptation, so also was He ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xix jesus christ was not.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... Joseph was being prepared for the administration of a kingdom by his oversight ... To
resist temptation, to do modestly and sedulously whatever work comes to our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

Joseph
... husband and wife is a sacred thing, to be broken at no temptation, but in ... then, remember,
are the very family feelings which come out in the story of Joseph. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vii joseph.htm

Explanation of the Lord's Question About his Mother and his ...
... who were admiring His doctrine said that His supposed father, Joseph the carpenter ...
instances silent when anything was done against Him by way of temptation. ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter vii explanation of the lords.htm

And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil
... And we should never have known of the splendor of Joseph's self-control, prepared
as he was ... In the words Bring us not into Temptation Luke seems to me to have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xix and bring us.htm

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... The time of Christ's temptation is here most diligently to be noted. ... The same we
find in Jacob, Joseph, David, and most evidently in Christ Jesus. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm

Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... touching on the preliminaries of John's mission, the baptism and temptation, and
hurrying ... in the reverse order to Matthew, going upwards from Joseph instead of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.htm

Index to Preachers and Sermons
... Before Pilate"Pilate Before Christ Temptation By James Stalker Temptation, The First,
of Christ By John Knox Testimonies The Wonderful By Joseph A Seiss ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/index to preachers and sermons.htm