Run from Sexual Temptation

Run away. Don’t walk around, side-step or hang about sexual temptation. Get moving! Keep Reading...

Genesis 39:12 - She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

It was in a time of great blessing from the Lord that Joseph felt the greatest pressure to sin sexually. Genesis 39:5 The enemy is strategic. He tempts us often when our guard is down.

We can learn from Joseph's perspective and practice in this tempting situation. First, he knew that choosing sexual sin would be rebelling against God, not just his earthly master. Genesis 39:9 His perspective was clear. When we leave God out of the equation, we find more excuses to sin. The fear of the Lord, instead, needs to be our motivation for holiness.

Also, Joseph refused even to be with his master's wife. Genesis 39:10 He didn’t just run away from her that one time. He chose to stay away from her. When she ultimately caught him, he ran. A major reason that we give in to sexual temptation is that we linger around it. We put ourselves within eyesight of the temptation. And then we say that the "sexual pressure" is too strong and act as if the devil made us do it.

How determined are you to break free from sexual sin? To what lengths would you go to "run away" from the temptation? Joseph refused to even be near the source of possible immorality. How would that apply in your life? Are there certain mobile phone apps or websites that you should eliminate? Certain people that you should stop hanging around with?

The point is not just avoiding sin. It is pleasing Jesus. In order to please Jesus, how far would you separate yourself from sexual sin? It is never too extreme to please Jesus at all costs.