It is week 6 of our series, Here We Go Again, and today, we are looking at a moment in a man named Joseph's life when he stood firm and honored God in the face of temptation to lust. As we learn from him, we will discuss how to fight against temptation, including the temptation of lust, in a way that honors God and brings glory to Him.
What are the options of how to respond when faced with temptation?
1. Read Genesis 39:1-6a. Describe Joseph’s circumstances at the beginning of this chapter.
Genesis 39:1-6a
When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. 3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. 5 From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat!
2. Read Genesis 39:6b-18. What stands out to you about Joseph’s response in the face of temptation to lust?
Genesis 39:6b-18
Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, 7 and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. 8 But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. 9 No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” 10 She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. 11 One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. 12 She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. 13 When she saw that she was holding his cloak and he had fled, 14 she called out to her servants. Soon all the men came running. “Look!” she said. “My husband has brought this Hebrew slave here to make fools of us! He came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. 15 When he heard me scream, he ran outside and got away, but he left his cloak behind with me.” 16 She kept the cloak with her until her husband came home. 17 Then she told him her story. “That Hebrew slave you’ve brought into our house tried to come in and fool around with me,” she said. 18 “But when I screamed, he ran outside, leaving his cloak with me!”
3. Read Romans 6:20-23. Describe the impact of sin according to this passage of Scripture.
Romans 6:20-23
20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
4. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. What is God’s will for us, and what can we do to live according to His will?
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 6 Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
1. In your own words, define the word “holy.”
2. How does sin, including the sin of lust, keep us from living the holy lives that God has called us to?
3. What is a practical step you can take to fight against the sin, including the sin of lust, in your life?
Commit to praying for each other as you fight against temptation in your life. Divide into groups of two or three and share prayer requests. Specifically, share areas where you are being tempted. Commit to praying for each other as you fight against temptation over the next month.
When we face temptations in our lives, such as lust, we often feel stuck, even helpless, to that temptation. Therefore, we give in to sin time after time. Although this sin brings about shame and regret, we stay stuck in the sin cycle. Praise God that we are not alone! Scripture teaches us that we can take steps to fight against temptation so that we can respond to temptation in a way that honors God and say “no” to sin. Let’s turn to Scripture to learn three things we can do when we face temptation and how to fight against temptation when it comes.
Whether we want to admit it or not, all sin carries consequences. These consequences leave us filled with regret, wishing we could go back and say "no" to the temptation we faced and ultimately gave in to. When we face temptation, it is important to consider the cost of committing the sin we are tempted by. As we consider the cost, we will more quickly and confidently say "no" to temptations when they come.
1. Read Galatians 6:7-10.
Galatians 6:7-10
7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
2. What does this passage of Scripture teach us about sin and its impact?
3. Compare and contrast those who live according to their sinful nature versus those who live according to the Spirit.
4. How are we called to live in this passage of Scripture in light of sin’s consequences?
Temptation often catches us off guard and unprepared. Because we are not prepared, we are ill-equipped to fight against temptations when they come. If we do prepare, however, we can better fight against the temptations that arise.
1. Read 1 Peter 5:8.
1 Peter 5:8
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
2. In your own words, summarize the command in this passage of Scripture.
3. What do we learn about the enemy in this passage of Scripture?
4. What is the implied impact of being on guard and prepared for the attacks of the enemy, namely temptations?
When we are tempted, often the wisest thing we can do is run far from it. When we run, we remove ourselves from the situation we are tempted by.
1. Read 2 Timothy 2:22.
2 Timothy 2:22
22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts
2. What are we called to run from in this passage of Scripture?
3. What are we called to run after in this passage of Scripture?
4. How would obeying this passage of Scripture help you in the fight against temptation?
After reading the Scripture passages together, reflect. What is one step you can implement in your life to fight against temptation starting today? Share that with your group. When everyone is finished, pray together. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you seek to fight against temptation and live in a way that honors Him.
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