Joseph in Potiphar's House

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Joseph in Potiphar's House

Date: Jul. 4, 2015

Passage

Genesis 39:1-12 (ESV)

1 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” 10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.

11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 39:2a

The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

First, the Lord was with Joseph (1-6). While Judah and sons were described as wicked, Joseph was prosperous, even as a slave in Egypt. Why? It was because the Lord was with him. Joseph did not sulk and complain. He was an ideal slave worker: hard-working, trustworthy, caring and responsible. The Lord's blessing was on both house and field. Joseph was put in charge as a chief steward.

Second, Potiphar's wife (7-12). Joseph was well-built, handsome and winsome with the Lord's blessing. His master's wife noticed him and tried to seduce him. If Joseph had feelings of revenge, self-pity, selfish ambition or lust, he easily could have given in. But he loved and feared God, and refused wickedness (9). Even when they were alone and she grabbed him, he fled. Joseph was a man of integrity whose private life was before God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to fear you, flee evil and earnestly pursue righteousness, holiness and your blessing. Thank you for your presence in Christ.

One Word: The Lord's presence and blessing is all I want and need

Worthy is Jesus the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-14

Key Verse: 5:12

saying with a loud voice,

  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
  and honor and glory and blessing!”

Today's Question

What does the fifth commandment forbid?

See answer and references