One of the enemy’s strategies is to make us think that sin is no big deal. You’ve heard the rationale: everybody’s doing it, it won’t harm anyone, no one will find out. The Bible speaks to the situations we face everyday in our lives. Joseph in the Old Testament faced a compromising situation. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and became the personal servant of the Egyptian captain of the bodyguard, a man named Potiphar. God blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph and he made him overseer over his house. Although God blessed Joseph’s work, there was a problem – Mrs. Potiphar was getting a little too frisky

It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” (Genesis 39:7)

Joseph however, refused her advances. He had the opportunity to give in to sin and yet he was able to stand firm. What was the secret of his success in overcoming temptation? The Bible reveals the answer in his response to her,

There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)

Joseph no doubt realized the effects of his sin against his master, his wife, himself, but especially against God. His sin would be an affront against God. Joseph realized that all sin is ultimately against God. Do we realize the effects of our sin upon a holy and righteous God? When we sin against God it  . . .

Defies His authority in our lives – We think we have a better way than God.

Denies His goodness –  When we sin we trample under foot the goodness of the Son of God.

Destroys our witness to others – If God does not make a difference in our lives, why should others follow Jesus?

King Solomon wisely observed,

Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? (Proverbs 6:27)

Sin always has consequences. If Achan had fled from the bar of gold as soon as found it then he would have saved himself and his family. If David would have turned away from Bathsheba when he saw her then he would have avoided much shame and misery. We must decide in our hearts ahead of time that we will not succumb to the allurements of the world. Solomon warns of us the attractive nature of temptation that has destroyed many lives,

Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper. (Proverbs 23:31-32)

You must realize that God has created you in His image and that that He desires to live His life in and through you. When you realize your true identity in Christ then you delight in doing His will. We must realize our absolute dependence upon God if we are to walk in victory,

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

But also be encouraged that He has given you the ability to overcome and He has provided the way of escape for you,

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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