In Genesis 39:1-20, Joseph works as a slave in the household of an Egyptian official, Potiphar, whose wife accuses him of misusing her after Joseph rebuffs her entreaties. Joseph is wrongly imprisoned because of the false accusation. How do we respond to temptation? And what do we do with wrongful accusations?
Sermon Outline
“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.” (Genesis 39:2)
Joseph Caught by Potiphar (39:1-6a)
- From slavery to servitude
- From humiliation to exaltation
- Joseph’s exaltation
Joseph Caught by Potiphar’s Wife (39:6-12)
- Situational temptation
- Intentional temptation
- An aside on dealing with temptation
Joseph Caught in Unjust Accusation (39:13-20a)
- The accusation of Potiphar’s wife
- The judgment of Potiphar
Joseph Caught by the LORD (39:2, 5, 21, 23)
- The Lord was with him (vss 2 & 21)
- The Lord gave him success in everything he did (vss 5 & 23)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever faced both surprising blessing and surprising suffering in the same setting? How about persecution from an unexpected source? What happened?
- As we continue our series on the life of Joseph, this week we study Genesis 39:1-20. Ask God to speak to you through your study of the Scripture, then read that portion aloud.
- After being sold by his brothers to slave traders, we now find Joseph sold into the household of an Egyptian official, Potiphar. How is God at work in Joseph’s life in this new setting according to verses 2-6? [Pay special attention to the five mentions of God’s personal name ‘YHWH’ here, translated as LORD in all caps.]
- Joseph’s rise to influence also brings unwanted attention. What happens in the house- hold to Joseph and how does he respond in verses 7-10?
- Have you ever faced difficulty, persecution, or temptation and held your ground with integrity? How did you do that? If you failed, what did you learn through it?
- Joseph holds his ground but finds Potiphar’s wife will not relent. His resistance to her does not keep him immune from trouble. What happens to Joseph in verses 11-18? [Note that ‘cloak’ or ‘garment’ in verse 12 is the most basic word for a garment and could refer to the loose fitting outer garment that was usually removed upon entry to the house or both inner and outer garments.]
- Potiphar “burns with anger” (vss 19-20) in response to this outrageous situation in his home. The sentence for attempted rape was death, so Joseph’s banishment to prison could imply lenience from Potiphar because of his faithful stewardship of the household. Either way, Joseph has descended more deeply. Reading ahead to verses 20-21 what do you learn about God’s work in Joseph’s suffering?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study about integrity, suffering, or God’s work in our lives? If you are on your own, write it down and pray about it. If you are in a small group, take time to discuss this with one another before praying together.
DIG DEEPER
- Track the continued parallel descent of Judah and Joseph by reading about Judah’s temptation and failure in Genesis 38
- Take some extended time to pray and/or fast about areas of temptation in your life. For more info on fasting and its role in our spiritual growth, visit this website.