WINNING YOUR BATTLE WITH TEMPTATION PART (4)

Genesis 39:20-23

III. V. 20-23 THE TRIUMPH JOSEPH EXPERIENCED

(Ill. I will be brief here, but I want you to know that Joseph benefitted from his stand against temptation and sin. Let me point out three ways in which this is true.)

1. V. 21, 23 He Triumphed in His Relationship with The Savior – Notice how the Bible says that the Lord continues to be with Joseph and to bless his life. Those who stay true to the Lord can be assured of His smile upon them and upon all they do. Those who stray from the path of righteousness will find themselves alienated from God and from His blessings in their lives. This is worth far more than any pleasure sin might offer! (This was Paul’s fear – 1 Cor. 9:27)
2. V. 20-23 He Triumphed in His Relationship with His Own Self – Joseph’s integrity was intact. His reputation in Potiphar’s house had been undermined, but his character remained intact! He had successfully weathered the storm of temptation and he had retained the ability to look into the mirror without guilt! Friends, that is worth more than anything sin can offer you!
3. V. 22-23 He Triumphed in His Relationship with Sovereignty – It may look like all Joseph got for his refusal of this woman was trouble. After all, he was thrown into prison. However, because he stayed true to the Lord, he was still in the center of God’s will for his life, even though it may not have appeared so on the surface. Before many years could pass, Joseph would be raised up by the power of God and would sit as second in command to Pharaoh. The best you can do is stay close to God, live holy and trust Him to bring His best into your life in His time. Getting God’s best is always worth more than what sin can give!

Men who trap animals in Africa for zoos in America say that one of the hardest animals to catch is the ring-tailed monkey. For the Zulus of that continent, however, it’s simple. They’ve been catching this agile little animal with ease for years. The method the Zulus use is based on knowledge of the animal. Their trap is nothing more than a melon growing on a vine. The seeds of this melon are a favorite of the monkey. Knowing this, the Zulus simply cut a hole in the melon, just large enough for the monkey to insert his hand to reach the seeds inside. The monkey will stick his hand in, grab as many seeds as he can, then start to withdraw it. This he cannot do. His fist is now larger than the hole. The monkey will pull and tug, screech and fight the melon for hours. But he can’t get free of the trap unless he gives up the seeds, which he refuses to do. Meanwhile, the Zulus sneak up and nab him. 

     Friend, you are smarter than a monkey! Satan wants to trap you and he wants to destroy your life! Don’t let that happen! If you are saved today and you battle with temptation, know that there is help for you in the Lord. Get to Him and get away from the evil! If you are lost, don’t let Satan destroy your life! He will tell you that you don’t need Jesus or the church to make it to Heaven. Don’t listen to Him! If you need the Lord today, whether it be for salvation, forgiveness, help to fight temptation or to thank Him for a victory over sin in your life, get to God right now. Let go of the sin and the thought of the thrill temptation is promising you and get to God today, while there is time!