Online Sermons
Lesson #3 - Propositioned By Potiphar's Wife
Series: The Life of Joseph - A Tapestry of God's ProvidenceLESSON #3
Propositioned By Potiphar’s Wife
1. It is impossible to read the story of Joseph and not see “the PROVIDENCE OF GOD”.
(cf. Lesson #2 in this series)
2. Does God’s providence imply that one will not face trials and tribulations? / Gen.39
How did Joseph come to be in Potiphar’s house? – cf. Gen.37:36 & 39:1
Who was Potiphar? What was his position in Egypt?
Jewish historian Alfred Edersheim describes this position as, “chief of the executioners”.
How did Joseph fare in Potiphar’s household?
“The Lord was with Joseph” / Gen.39:2
Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s sight / vss.4-6a
Gen.39:6b is a transition text that sets the stage for what follows - - Now Joseph was handsome in form & appearance.
How did Joseph respond to the first “advance” of Potiphar’s wife? – vss.7-9
What was the basis for Joseph’s REFUSAL? – loyalty to Potiphar and loyalty to God (cf. vs.9b)
Did Joseph’s initial refusal put an end to the temptation? – vs.10 / day after day
Read Genesis 39:11-12
How do you explain such resistance on Joseph’s part?
How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God?
How do you explain such persistence on the part of Potiphar’s wife?
3. Do people often fall prey to temptation because they toy with temptation?
What is meant by this expression 4 There is no sin in the BAIT. The sin is in the BITE.
Stated another way - It is not a sin to be tempted. The sin comes when we yield to temptation.
Is is wrong to “play with fire” (cf. Prov.6:27)? Is it dangerous to give temptation an audience?
Did Joseph make the best choice in choosing to RUN from it? cf. 1Cor.6:18 & 10:13 and 2Tim.2:22
What was the immediate result of Joseph’s faith-filled resistance? – vss.13-20
Describe the false accusations leveled against Joseph – vss.13-18
How did Potiphar respond? – vss.19-20
Why do you think Potiphar didn’t execute him immediately?
4. Does it bother you that God didn’t immediately reward Joseph for his good behavior?
Is not God “the rewarder of them who seek Him”? – cf. Heb.11:6
Does God’s timetable always align with our own?
Did God abandon Joseph in his time of need? – Gen.39:21-23
Next week’s assignment - Read Genesis 41 regarding Joseph’s appointment to be Pharaoh’s chief governor.
