Fleeing sin (Genesis 39)

1. The temptation: And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” (vs 7)
   
2. The refusal: But he refused (vs 8)
   
3. The reasons:
   
   
   
   1. Disappoint his master: he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife (vss. 8-9)
      
   2. Disapproval of God: How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (vs 9)
      
   
   
4. Persistence: So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her (vs. 10) (she persistently tried to seduce him ... he persistently refused!)
   
5. The trap: when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” (vss 11-12)
   
6. The escape: he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside (vs. 12)
   

New Testament perspective:

1. 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness"
   
2. James 4:7, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
   
3. 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
   
4. 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution"
   

Comments: Seldom a month passes without news of some pastoral indiscretion. Christians are called to live a distinctive lifestyle that brings honor to our Savior . Sexual sin damages marriages, children, churches, and communities. We need to follow the pattern of Joseph who fled sin to honor his God!

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1. Quiet, non-productive day at work!
   
2. Rachel home with the stomach flu. Kathee and I hoping to avoid!
   
3. News that a friend of ours (Marilyn W.) has ovarian cancer. She is a Pastor's wife.
   
4. Kathee received a large holiday gift basket from her big boss at the house today
   
5. The QA group had a holiday party at work today and I poached three cookies from them.
   
6. Kathee and I read Genesis 39 & 40 tonight