Study 9: JOSEPH, Honors God With His Body – CHARACTER STUDY SERIES

Study 9: JOSEPH, Honors God With His Body

"And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" - Genesis 25:22-23

There comes a time in our Christian lives that certain negatives things happen to us despite our personal consecration and dedication to God. In most of the time we question why God allows such terrible things to happen to us. We find ourselves faced with the temptation of either to deny our faith, or throw away our consecration.

Even though Joseph was sold into slavery, the Bible says "And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured." - Genesis 39:2-6

This is really wonderful. While in slavery in Egypt, God prospered Joseph. This shows that no matter what our circumstances may be; God can still prosper us. Think of the harsh economy of the country, God is able to prosper us within. AMEN.

Far away in Egypt, as a rich young man, no longer under the righteous supervision of Jacob and perhaps also of his mother Rebekah. He could have engaged himself in all kinds of worldly pleasures, like the prodigal son, and defiled himself with all manner of youthful lust in the name of enjoying his life. This was not the case with Joseph.

It has been observed generally that women are usually attracted to wealthy and successful men, whether in religious or secular life. The reason is for material gain. In some cases could be purely youthful lust as in the case of Potiphar's wife. You as a believer could be faced with the same temptation. Joseph was the only believer in the whole nation of Egypt without any kindred to restrain him but he was sustained by the grace of God. The same grace of God can sustain you even in a foreign land.

The Bible says: "And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her." - Genesis 39:10. The record is that day by day he was stubbornly tempted by this strange woman, but he would not yield. You should also resist steadfastly in faith.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

If the Devil can be stubborn in tempting or disturbing our lives, we also should be-stubborn in resisting him.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 (Matthew 4:7-11)

Do you know that if Joseph had yielded to Potiphar's wife, he could have had double favor, that of Potiphar and also of his wife. But would he have continued to receive the favor of God? Of course not, so Joseph decided to stay on the Lord's side.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1

But at last Joseph was thrown in jail for righteousness sake. Yes you also could be faced with such a situation. Jesus said: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." - Matthew 5:10-12

Memory Verse: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." -Romans 6:12-13

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