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Sexual Purity Course Lesson 5
Scripture: Read Genesis 39.
Joseph's temptation is filled with instruction on the topic of sexual purity. It illustrates how intense and continual sexual temptation can be. It reveals how a person can successfully resist this temptation. It also gives a real life example of the cost of faithfulness.
Joseph did what should always be done in the face of temptation to fleshly sin: he fled from it. He left his cloak behind and ran from the home. There was no easy way, you see. He had tried to reason with the woman, to no avail. He had tried to avoid her; that had failed. He was in a situation where it was all or nothing, and Joseph gave it all, thereby choosing the path that lead to prison, rather than the path that led to sin (James Boice, Genesis, Volume 3, page 918).
Study:
1. List some things from the story that show that this was a strong temptation.
2. Read verses 8-12 again carefully. Explain how Joseph resisted this temptation. List as many things as you can.
3. Explain how Joseph's relationship with God guided his decision about refusing to lie with Potiphar's wife.
What did Joseph's commitment to sexual purity cost him? What were the consequences? Write out the good and the bad (Psalm 105:16-22). 4. Was it worth it? Why?
Application:
1. Commit Joseph's word to memory, "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9b). Write it down and meditate upon it when you get a few moments throughout the week.
2. Use your list from #2 above. What principles can you take from Joseph's resistance and apply to your life? Write it out in personal terms.
3. At times it can feel like sexual temptation is overwhelming. It can feel like you have no choice but to give in. This is a lie. Answer that lie. If you feel like you have to sin, how should you respond? Write out your answer.
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