INTRODUCTION: What a contrast Joseph's godly behavior is to that of Judah's in Genesis 38. No matter how dark the night of sin God always has His faithful.

I. THE RIGHTEOUS BLESSED - verses 1-6.
Joseph's brothers had no motive other than hate and envy. How we rejoice to know that whatever evil men do to us they are only instruments of God's greater purpose of good toward us [Psalm 105:16-19].

Marvelous was the faithfulness of this young man. He could not have understood why all of this was happening to him. He was far from home and the public worship of God. No parent or pastor was present to watch him, yet he remained faithful to God. Even the pagans around him could see that God was with Joseph [verse 3]. His story reminds us of Daniel and the three Hebrew children. What a testimony Joseph had. His master knew him to be diligent, honest, and totally trustworthy.

Let us note for a minute some of the reasons why God allowed Joseph to end up in Potiphar's service. We often become impatient when God deals with us in ways we do not understand. This will help us to see that God always has reasons for what He does.

A. Joseph became accustomed to Egyptian ways and language in Potiphar's service. This would be necessary later on.

B. Joseph learned more about business as he managed Potiphar's large estate. There is no doubt this experience was invaluable after his promotion under Pharaoh.

C. Joseph learned the danger of temptation and was strengthened for future conflicts. Brushes with danger make us more cautious.

D. Joseph was put in the prison where he would meet Pharaoh's butler and baker. In God's providence this led to his promotion.

Many of the trials and conflicts in the Christians life are preparation for future service. God molds and places His soldiers, and only He understands the over-all plans. Often we feel deserted by God when really we are just in a period of training [James 1:2-3].

II. TEMPTATION - verses 7-20.
Joseph was a handsome man [verse 6]. As he rose in authority and competence he became very attractive to Potiphar's wife. The moral level of Egyptian women was very low. This pagan woman was blunt and open in her intentions.

What a terrible trial this was for Joseph:
A. He was a young and unmarried man [II Timothy 2:22].

B. The advances from this woman of high station were very flattering.

C. The situation no doubt could have been used to enrich or empower Joseph. Perhaps the woman insinuated as much. An affair with Potiphar's wife would give Joseph control over Potiphar.

D. Egyptian morals were so low that no one would have looked upon Joseph as doing anything evil or unexpected.

Joseph, however, stood firm. Certainly this man had a close personal walk with God. Note the wisdom he displayed:

1. While Joseph was firm in his resistance he was careful not to directly rebuke or insult this woman who was in a way over him in power and station.

2. He recognized adultery as a sinful theft of that which was another man's [verses 9, Exodus 20:17].

3. He recognized adultery as a great sin against God [verses 9].

4. He not only refused to submit to her seductions but he also refused to dally with temptation. Many fall not because they intended to, but because they did not stay out of harm's way [Romans 13:14].

5. When temptation made an assault, he fled with all haste [I Corinthians 6:18]. What a contrast Joseph was to Judah and others [Proverbs 7:6-27].

Notice now one other matter: We, as Christians, often expect immediate blessing when we resist evil and obey God. Joseph's heroic stand for God, however, landed him in prison. Potiphar's wife was truly a "woman scorned." Her lies infuriated Potiphar, though we cannot know how much he really believed. Hate often follows on the heels of lust.

Learn that in this life godliness does not always receive instant reward. Doing right can bring persecution [Matthew 5:10]. We need, however, not to despair because our trials are but God's preparation for future blessing. Not only was Joseph strengthened by his resistance of Satan [James 4:7], but he was also moved into position for future blessing. We do not always understand, but we can always trust. Let us remember that the price of obedience is never as great as the price of sin. Had Joseph fallen, what misery he would have brought on himself.

III. PRISON - verses 21-23.
God can care for his people even in prison. Even the heart of prison keepers is in God's hand. Soon this man saw the honesty, wisdom, and trustworthiness of Joseph. Joseph was again elevated into a position of authority.

May we live lives so that all may see God's hand in our life. May we learn that God has a plan for us and that success comes from Him. Like Joseph, let us trust when we cannot understand. Let us serve God wherever He places us.

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