Sometimes when we read the ancient stories about Bible characters (especially in the Old Testament) it is easy to forget that they were real people just like us. They are not heroes of faith because they were perfect human beings – But because they chose to follow God even while facing incredible pressure to do otherwise.
Joseph's life provides us with a beautiful example of a person who totally commits to living a godly life regardless of the circumstances encountered. Joseph exhibits the character of God through his faithfulness, integrity, purity, and mercy, even while he is forced to endure intense pressure and difficulty. In our everyday lives, we need to implement the principles modeled by this wonderful man of God as we remember that our choices have consequences too.
I. A PERSON WITH CHARACTER WILL BE BLESSED
§ Gen 39:4-6 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. 5. 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. 6. 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.
He blesses those who bless his own (Gen 12:3).
II. A PERSON WITH CHARACTER WILL BE TESTED
§ Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8. 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;
Here we are introduced to Joseph's next problem - Potiphar's wife.
She lusts after Joseph and begs him to sleep with her.
He could have used loneliness, bitterness or self-pity as an excuse for giving in to her. Since he was totally alone in a foreign land, no one would ever have known.
Instead, it is clear that the Lord was able to bless and prosper Joseph in all that he did because his heart and attitude was right. Everyone around Joseph shared in the blessings because he feared and obeyed God. Joseph's Godly behavior during his trials teaches us many things about how to live out our faith while under pressure.
Genesis 39:9 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?
§ Joseph gives two powerful reasons for his noncompliance with the wishes of his mistress:
o 1. Gratitude to his master, to whom he owed all that he had.
o 2. His fear of God, in whose sight it would be a heinous offence, and who would not fail to punish him for it.
A. PROBLEM #1 – HE TRIED TO REASON WITH HIS SEDUCER
§ Genesis 39:8 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; 9. 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?
· This is always a mistake because the Bible teaches us that we must flee from sinful temptations.
2 Tim 2:22-23 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
· We are weakened whenever we stay and try to use intellectual arguments to justify our position. Joseph's words did not work and Potiphar's wife continued her attack and attempted to wear down his defenses by "speaking to him day by day."
· Joseph fled and got him out. To know when to fight and when to flee are of great importance in the Christian life. Some temptations must be manfully met, resisted, and thus overcome; from others we must flee.
B. PROBLEM #2 – HE PUT HIMSELF IN PROXIMITY OF TEMPTATION
§ Genesis 39:11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
· Finally, Potiphar's wife waited for the moment when all of the other men were out of the house and then made one last desperate attempt to bring Joseph down by seizing him by his clothes and commanding him to sleep with her.
· Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
· Joseph had only seconds to decide if he would maintain his integrity, righteousness and purity or trade them for a few moments of pleasure. Joseph's choice in this moment of testing and temptation would effect his future and the future of Israel forever. But he chose to flee, "got himself out of there"
III. CHARACTER WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY
§ Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
We know that in the end Joseph the Hebrew slave rose from the dungeon to the second highest position in the massive Egyptian empire which meant he had enormous power and riches. He was second only to Pharoah so God did reward Joseph generously for his righteousness.
But we cannot ignore the price Joseph paid before reaping his reward: He was mistreated, abused, hated, betrayed, enslaved, tempted, tested, lied about, unjustly imprisoned, and forgotten (though not by God) in a dungeon for many years.
However, if we trust the Lord while we experience them, we will exchange our sometimes shallow faith for compassion, character, wisdom, patience, and a deep faith in Jesus that cannot be shaken.
IV. A PERSON WITH CHARACTER WILL COME OUT WITH A GOOD NAME
§ Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
The (KJV) also translates “good name” into "fame," "famous," "named," "renown," and "report."
A good name (a combination of reputation and character) certainly should outweigh riches, prominence, position, and status.
CONCLUSION
In the ancient Greek writings, strange creatures called sirens appeared to sailors. They inhibited coral-encrusted Islands or rocky straits that were particularly hazardous to the ships. Sirens are usually depicted with the faces of women, the bodies of birds, and the voices of angels. Their songs were lovely, but ever so fatal. Their melodious voices and near-angelic appearance caused the sailors to veer from the safe, deepwater channels and journey close to the dangerous Islands. Just when it looked like their ships would escape harm, the razor sharp shoals shredded the vessels and the sailor’s lives would be lost. There are similar voices calling out to us today. The Apostle Paul said that there are so “So many kinds of voices in the world” (I Corinthians 14:10) Like those mariners of yesteryear, you must too learn to refuse the sirens’ song.
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