Eight Lessons from a Man Who "Did Not" Sin
Noah Olson
THE BIBLE often mentions the faithfulness of specific persons but also records their downfalls. Men like Moses, David, Solomon, and Peter fell short of God’s glory. On the other hand, aside from Jesus (Hebrews 4:15), not too many GREATS in Scripture are recorded without having a specific sin. Here, we look at one of those GREATS and his name is Joseph. One must wonder how good Joseph’s life must have been for God to not record one mistake in the life of Joseph. What would be said of us if God included us in Holy Writ? Sinlessness cannot be obtained but faithfulness can be (1 John 3:9; Revelation 2:10). While we want to ever look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2) ultimately on how to deal with temptation and sin, we can learn some powerful lessons from Joseph in his refusing of temptation. One preacher would title his sermon on Joseph: “Thirteen Chapters and No Sins.”[1] Joseph teaches the modern Christian that they do not have to sin in his encounter with their own “Potipher’s wife.”
Lesson 1: Current Culture Doesn’t Have to be a Big Influencer (Genesis 39:1).
People surrounded by sin will often become sinners. The man who is around drunkards may become one. The woman who surrounds herself with gossipers will likely become one herself. While Joseph was sold into slavery, he doesn’t allow himself to be sold into Egyptian sins. He was away from home and could have easily been persuaded to partake in Egyptian delights but instead he refused. Godliness doesn’t demand godly living, just a godly heart. The blessed are those who do not walk, stand, or sit with the ungodly (Psalm 1:1). Instead, their focus is higher things (Psalm 1:2; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-3). Christians are in the modern-day Egypt, Sodom, and Babylon. What will you do to make sure you retain godliness and inward piety like Joseph (c.f. Philippians 2:12-16)?
Lesson 2: We Don’t Have to Let Success Lead to Sin (Genesis 39:2-6). "Arnold Palmer recounts a year at the Masters when he was about to win. He was up one stroke and on the last hole. He hit a great tee shot to begin. As he walked, a friend shook his hand and said, 'Congratulations' before he hit the next shot. Palmer would go on to lose the masters, after scoring so terribly on the last hole due to overconfidence."[2] Our biggest downfalls can happen after our biggest achievements (Proverbs 16:18). We can become like Nebuchadnezzar and be prideful (Daniel 4:30) or be like the Rich Fool and become lazy (Luke 12:18-19). Sometimes we may be so busy with our current hobbies, jobs, or education, that we neglect what is most important. Joseph was prosperous (Genesis 39:2, 3, 5), but he did not allow that to distract him from what was truly important. The admonition to watch is important so we do NOT:
Fall asleep (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). The natural tendency is to fall sleep (Matthew 26:41).
Become devoured (1 Peter 5:8). Lion’s come secretly sometimes and if we don’t watch, we will be eaten!
Let sin begin (Proverbs 4:23). God gave us a sound mind.
It would be a shame to live a life of sin after receiving divine blessings. Joseph was successful, but he wasn’t sinful.
Lesson 3: Even the Most Sensitive Sins Can be Avoided (Genesis 39:7-12). Some sins are more sensitive than others, being more easily enjoyable to commit than others. Sins like sex, gluttony, and alcohol may excite the body but they also are some of the most damaging. Because Satan offers that which is forbidden[3], sin becomes more exciting. Joseph avoided the most sensitive of sins and we can too by:
Avoiding situations where we could fall into sin (c.f. 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Running away from temptation (Matthew 5:29-30).
Understanding WHEN and WHERE YOU are tempted (James 1:14).
Sensitive sins are some of the hardest to reject, but like Joseph we can overcome. Since sensitive sins are committed in the heart, God’s Word should be hidden there (Psalm 119:11; 1 John 2:14).
Lesson 4: Remembering Who Sin is Against Will Help in the Avoidance of It (Genesis 39:9). Those who want to commit suicide are often asked, “what would your family or friends think?” An adulterer should have pondered what his act would have done to his wife and children. If Joseph were to commit this sin than he would have been sinning against:
Potipher. Everything belonged to Joseph, except Potipher’s wife.
Potipher’s wife. She belonged to Potipher.
Himself (Proverbs 6:32; 1 Corinthians 6:18).
God. This was Joseph’s main concern. It would do a man well to think about what sin does to others and ultimately God (Genesis 6:6; Isaiah 63:10).
Joseph knew this sin would not have only affected him, but others too.
Lesson 5: Call Sin by What It is (Genesis 39:9). The world is in the renaming business. They enjoy giving new titles to sins. Homosexuality is called a lifestyle, abortion a choice, and fornication co-habitation. Justifications for sins are given too. “I just feel this way” and “my body, my choice” are common ones. When there is no standard, men become ignorant (Hosea 4:1-6). Some like the taste of bitterness, mistaking it for something sweet (Isaiah 5:20). Joseph did no such thing. Instead, he called the act Potipher’s wife wanted to commit WICKEDNESS! God defines sin not as an alternate choice or plan B. Instead, He calls it:
A transgression of the Law (1 John 3:4).
All unrighteousness (1 John 5:17).
An act against one’s own conscience (Romans 14:23).
Failing to do that which is right (James 4:17).
Justifying sin like God’s people did (Malachi 2:17; 3:15) is an indication of a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). We must be careful not to excuse our “pet” sins (James 2:10). While some sins may carry more consequences on this earth than others, the “pet” sins should not be excused with phrases like, “Well, I just lost my cool," “I don’t mean to gossip but," or “Well, it was just a small lie." Joseph called the act of sex outside of marriage WICKEDNESS against the MOST HOLY. What do you call sin when confronted with it?
Lesson 6: Don’t Give Sin Even One Small Victory (Genesis 39:10-12). Joseph refused sin “day by day.” If Joseph were to give in once, it could have ruined him. Certain one-time sins can have a forever effect on the sinner. How many murderers spend life in prison, adulterers lose their wives, and fornicators contract STD’s? Joseph could have said, “no one is here,” “she just keeps nagging me,” or “I’m important in Potipher’s house.” Instead, he knew the Lord was watching over Him (Proverbs 15:3). Sin often does not stop with one act; most of the time it is progressive. Adultery begins with one look, so don’t lust. Muder begins with one angry thought, so think purely. Drunkenness begins with one drink, so do not even look at the cup (Proverbs 23:31). Sin wins the war when it wins many battles. Don’t let it win, NOT EVEN ONE TIME!
Lesson 7: Think About Your Reputation (Genesis 39:9). Ben Franklin said, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Warren Buffet claimed, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” When thinking about David, we think about his adultery. When pondering Peter, we remember his denial. When teaching on Paul, we often reference his past. While all are forgiven, an example, a name, or a persona is tainted. Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton may have done good things in office, but they are both known for their scandals. Joseph said, “There is none greater in this house than I.” He was favoured by Potipher and would have lost such if he committed this sin with Potipher’s wife. Blameless is the direction for all followers of the faith. We want to meditate on things that are of good repute (Philippians 4:8). Before committing a sin, ask:
What will this do to MY NAME (Proverbs 22:1)?
What will this do to MY FAMILY’S NAME?
What will this do to the CHURCH’S NAME (c.f. 2 Samuel 12:14; Romans 2:21-24)?
Before committing a sin remember what the Bible says about sin and temptation. A Japanese proverb says: “The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour.”
Lesson 8: Know the Lord is with You (Genesis 39:2-6). Temptation from Satan is the hardest battle to face. Joseph overcame. The Lord’s name is found nine times in the chapter and Joseph knew God stood beside him. The realization that one is not alone, encourages steadfastness. God doesn’t leave his children during temptation, He guides them through it (1 Corinthians 10:13). He didn’t leave Joseph when he was sold, accused falsely, or when he was placed before Pharaoh. History proves God’s steadfastness (Job 13:15; 1 Samuel 30:6; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Timothy 4:17-18). Not only is God with us through temptations (c.f. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4), He also comforts us after them (c.f. Matthew 4:11). Temptation is tricky, the devil deceitful, and sin slippery. We can be assured, that “the Lord will make a way” for us if we “walk in heaven’s light, shun the wrong and do the right.”
No person must miss the mark of godliness to be happy or live a bountiful life. Joseph teaches us that while sin confronts us daily, it does not have to overcome us. What will YOU do the next time you confront sin face to face?
Endnotes
[1]Allen Webster, Class Sermon notes from MSOP
[2]www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/p/pride.htm [3]https://elizabethtoncoc.org//sermons/joseph-faithful-in-every- circumstance-pm