Can You Say No?

>> How's everybody doing this morning? >> How's everybody doing this morning? >> Good. Good. Well, I'm I'm excited to get >> Good. Good. Well, I'm I'm excited to get >> Good. Good. Well, I'm I'm excited to get to be here with you this morning again. to be here with you this morning again. to be here with you this morning again. Um uh every time I get to come here, I'm Um uh every time I get to come here, I'm Um uh every time I get to come here, I'm I'm grateful. Uh even though I don't I'm grateful. Uh even though I don't I'm grateful. Uh even though I don't know everybody here, um something that's know everybody here, um something that's know everybody here, um something that's an encouragement to me is when I hear an encouragement to me is when I hear an encouragement to me is when I hear these songs we sing, um you're singing these songs we sing, um you're singing these songs we sing, um you're singing about a God who is more than able. And I about a God who is more than able. And I about a God who is more than able. And I think that's that's my God. And we're think that's that's my God. And we're think that's that's my God. And we're singing about a a savior who who saves singing about a a savior who who saves singing about a a savior who who saves from sins. I'm like, wait, wait, that's from sins. I'm like, wait, wait, that's from sins. I'm like, wait, wait, that's my savior. And and scriptur is really my savior. And and scriptur is really my savior. And and scriptur is really clear. There's one Lord, one faith, one clear. There's one Lord, one faith, one clear. There's one Lord, one faith, one baptism. So So even though I don't know baptism. So So even though I don't know baptism. So So even though I don't know many of you, um I feel like we're many of you, um I feel like we're many of you, um I feel like we're family. Um, we're brothers and sisters family. Um, we're brothers and sisters family. Um, we're brothers and sisters under the same Lord. And so, I'm under the same Lord. And so, I'm under the same Lord. And so, I'm grateful to get to be here and serve grateful to get to be here and serve grateful to get to be here and serve you. Thank you, Pastor Kyle, for you. Thank you, Pastor Kyle, for you. Thank you, Pastor Kyle, for inviting me and for the kind words. And, inviting me and for the kind words. And, inviting me and for the kind words. And, um, yeah, I want to get into God's word. um, yeah, I want to get into God's word. um, yeah, I want to get into God's word. I I told the service before, one of the I I told the service before, one of the I I told the service before, one of the ways I know that, um, that yeah, there's ways I know that, um, that yeah, there's ways I know that, um, that yeah, there's some trust being built with me coming some trust being built with me coming some trust being built with me coming here time and time again is they just here time and time again is they just here time and time again is they just threw me right in the series they were threw me right in the series they were threw me right in the series they were preaching. And um, preaching. And um, preaching. And um, you know, normally people like, "Oh, you you know, normally people like, "Oh, you you know, normally people like, "Oh, you can do whatever you want. They're like, can do whatever you want. They're like, can do whatever you want. They're like, "No, you're going to preach Genesis 39, "No, you're going to preach Genesis 39, "No, you're going to preach Genesis 39, and we trust that you'll do a fine job."

and we trust that you'll do a fine job." and we trust that you'll do a fine job." And so, I'm I'm grateful for that And so, I'm I'm grateful for that And so, I'm I'm grateful for that opportunity. So, let me pray and ask the opportunity. So, let me pray and ask the opportunity. So, let me pray and ask the Lord to give us grace. Uh, Father, we we Lord to give us grace. Uh, Father, we we Lord to give us grace. Uh, Father, we we come before you again in Jesus' name. come before you again in Jesus' name. come before you again in Jesus' name. Um, we're grateful to sing to you as Um, we're grateful to sing to you as Um, we're grateful to sing to you as more than able, more than able, more than able, Father, because we we see so many ways Father, because we we see so many ways Father, because we we see so many ways that we we try to do things in our own that we we try to do things in our own that we we try to do things in our own strength and our strength fails. and strength and our strength fails. and strength and our strength fails. and we're so grateful to we're so grateful to we're so grateful to um have access um have access um have access to a father to a father to a father whose power is unlimited. So even in whose power is unlimited. So even in whose power is unlimited. So even in this moment, God, we need you and we this moment, God, we need you and we this moment, God, we need you and we pray you would speak to us from your pray you would speak to us from your pray you would speak to us from your word. Father, we pray you give us open word. Father, we pray you give us open word. Father, we pray you give us open hands. If there's something we are hands. If there's something we are hands. If there's something we are distracted by, we pray you would hope distracted by, we pray you would hope distracted by, we pray you would hope help us to be able to focus in on what help us to be able to focus in on what help us to be able to focus in on what you've said. Help me not to say anything you've said. Help me not to say anything you've said. Help me not to say anything you haven't said. And we pray your you haven't said. And we pray your you haven't said. And we pray your spirit would guide us. We ask in Jesus spirit would guide us. We ask in Jesus spirit would guide us. We ask in Jesus name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. Amen. Well, this morning I want to talk Amen. Well, this morning I want to talk Amen. Well, this morning I want to talk to you about resisting temptation. to you about resisting temptation. to you about resisting temptation. I want to talk to you about resisting I want to talk to you about resisting I want to talk to you about resisting temptation. And I want to start with a temptation. And I want to start with a temptation. And I want to start with a to by telling you a story. It's it's to by telling you a story. It's it's to by telling you a story. It's it's something that I I I had heard about something that I I I had heard about something that I I I had heard about before, but I came across last week. I before, but I came across last week. I before, but I came across last week. I was reading just an old profile of a was reading just an old profile of a was reading just an old profile of a former politician.

former politician. former politician. I'm not going to mention his name I'm not going to mention his name I'm not going to mention his name because I'm not I don't want us to be because I'm not I don't want us to be because I'm not I don't want us to be distracted by his politics, what we distracted by his politics, what we distracted by his politics, what we think about him. That's not really what think about him. That's not really what think about him. That's not really what I'm interested in. But in his profile, I'm interested in. But in his profile, I'm interested in. But in his profile, they talked about something that had they talked about something that had they talked about something that had happened to him. So, um before he was uh happened to him. So, um before he was uh happened to him. So, um before he was uh serving as a politician, he was in the serving as a politician, he was in the serving as a politician, he was in the military and he was a pilot. military and he was a pilot. military and he was a pilot. And so, he was on one of these flights And so, he was on one of these flights And so, he was on one of these flights as a pilot and his plane was shot down. as a pilot and his plane was shot down. as a pilot and his plane was shot down. And so as soon as his plane got shot, he And so as soon as his plane got shot, he And so as soon as his plane got shot, he ejected himself from the plane. And as ejected himself from the plane. And as ejected himself from the plane. And as soon as he hit that eject button, the soon as he hit that eject button, the soon as he hit that eject button, the force was so strong that it broke two of force was so strong that it broke two of force was so strong that it broke two of his arms and one of his legs, his arms and one of his legs, his arms and one of his legs, which was already incredibly painful. which was already incredibly painful. which was already incredibly painful. And so he he fell to the ground and he And so he he fell to the ground and he And so he he fell to the ground and he fell in a body of water. And it's in the fell in a body of water. And it's in the fell in a body of water. And it's in the middle of an enemy city. And so people middle of an enemy city. And so people middle of an enemy city. And so people in that city see this enemy Pilate fall in that city see this enemy Pilate fall in that city see this enemy Pilate fall to the ground in the water. They run and to the ground in the water. They run and to the ground in the water. They run and they pull him out of the water with his they pull him out of the water with his they pull him out of the water with his three broken limbs and they continue to three broken limbs and they continue to three broken limbs and they continue to beat him more and he's captured. Someone beat him more and he's captured. Someone beat him more and he's captured. Someone else stabs him in the groin with a else stabs him in the groin with a else stabs him in the groin with a bayonet bayonet bayonet and they take him prisoner and they put and they take him prisoner and they put and they take him prisoner and they put him in solitary confinement in what is him in solitary confinement in what is him in solitary confinement in what is about the space of a box about the space of a box about the space of a box and they keep him there and they and they keep him there and they and they keep him there and they continue to torture him and they try to continue to torture him and they try to continue to torture him and they try to get information from him. And then they get information from him. And then they get information from him. And then they figure out that his dad has been figure out that his dad has been figure out that his dad has been promoted um to to to some new authority promoted um to to to some new authority promoted um to to to some new authority in in the military and they say, "Okay, in in the military and they say, "Okay, in in the military and they say, "Okay, well, if we can, you know, let him go, well, if we can, you know, let him go, well, if we can, you know, let him go, then maybe that'll work well for us."

then maybe that'll work well for us." then maybe that'll work well for us." And so they offer him the chance like, And so they offer him the chance like, And so they offer him the chance like, "Hey, you can be freed." And he says, "Hey, you can be freed." And he says, "Hey, you can be freed." And he says, "No." "No." "No." And they said, "Well, why would you say And they said, "Well, why would you say And they said, "Well, why would you say no?" And he said, "Well, well, usually no?" And he said, "Well, well, usually no?" And he said, "Well, well, usually with with prisoners of war, with with prisoners of war, with with prisoners of war, what's supposed to happen is whoever was what's supposed to happen is whoever was what's supposed to happen is whoever was captured first gets to be released captured first gets to be released captured first gets to be released first." Now, the person who was writing first." Now, the person who was writing first." Now, the person who was writing about this was saying, "I know it's hard about this was saying, "I know it's hard about this was saying, "I know it's hard for us to believe that politicians care for us to believe that politicians care for us to believe that politicians care about anybody but themselves." And they about anybody but themselves." And they about anybody but themselves." And they but he said, "No matter what you think but he said, "No matter what you think but he said, "No matter what you think about what this man has to say, we at about what this man has to say, we at about what this man has to say, we at least see that he can be driven by least see that he can be driven by least see that he can be driven by something other than his own something other than his own something other than his own self-interest." self-interest." self-interest." because after he said no, he was sent because after he said no, he was sent because after he said no, he was sent right back to that box and his ribs were right back to that box and his ribs were right back to that box and his ribs were broken and he was there in solitary broken and he was there in solitary broken and he was there in solitary confinement being tortured for four more confinement being tortured for four more confinement being tortured for four more years. years. years. Now, when you hear something like that, Now, when you hear something like that, Now, when you hear something like that, you think, what would drive someone to you think, what would drive someone to you think, what would drive someone to have the opportunity to get relief, have the opportunity to get relief, have the opportunity to get relief, to get something that would interest to get something that would interest to get something that would interest them and to turn it down? Because what them and to turn it down? Because what them and to turn it down? Because what we know is we are normally driven in the we know is we are normally driven in the we know is we are normally driven in the decisions we make by self-interest, by decisions we make by self-interest, by decisions we make by self-interest, by what feels good to us in the moment. And what feels good to us in the moment. And what feels good to us in the moment. And we know this to be true. We experience we know this to be true. We experience we know this to be true. We experience this in the morning when our alarm goes this in the morning when our alarm goes this in the morning when our alarm goes off and we hit the snooze button. You off and we hit the snooze button. You off and we hit the snooze button. You didn't hit the snooze button because it didn't hit the snooze button because it didn't hit the snooze button because it was a good idea.

was a good idea. was a good idea. You did it because it felt good in the You did it because it felt good in the You did it because it felt good in the moment moment moment and you convinced yourself that if you and you convinced yourself that if you and you convinced yourself that if you had five more minutes, then maybe it had five more minutes, then maybe it had five more minutes, then maybe it would solve all your problems. would solve all your problems. would solve all your problems. This is how human beings normally make This is how human beings normally make This is how human beings normally make decisions. What feels best in the decisions. What feels best in the decisions. What feels best in the moment? Our own self-interest. And there moment? Our own self-interest. And there moment? Our own self-interest. And there are so many decisions that are put in are so many decisions that are put in are so many decisions that are put in front of us each and every day. But front of us each and every day. But front of us each and every day. But here's one of the problems with that is here's one of the problems with that is here's one of the problems with that is the God who created us wants something the God who created us wants something the God who created us wants something better for us with our decision-m with better for us with our decision-m with better for us with our decision-m with everything that's in front of us. He everything that's in front of us. He everything that's in front of us. He wants more for us than just what feels wants more for us than just what feels wants more for us than just what feels best to us in the moment. So for someone best to us in the moment. So for someone best to us in the moment. So for someone like that that soldier to decide even like that that soldier to decide even like that that soldier to decide even though this isn't what's going to feel though this isn't what's going to feel though this isn't what's going to feel good, I'm going to make this decision. good, I'm going to make this decision. good, I'm going to make this decision. There has to be some higher reality or There has to be some higher reality or There has to be some higher reality or or some value of his that seemed bigger or some value of his that seemed bigger or some value of his that seemed bigger to him than how he felt in the moment. to him than how he felt in the moment. to him than how he felt in the moment. The the story we're going to look at The the story we're going to look at The the story we're going to look at today is looking at the life of of today is looking at the life of of today is looking at the life of of Joseph. That's the series that y'all Joseph. That's the series that y'all Joseph. That's the series that y'all have been in. I'm excited about that cuz have been in. I'm excited about that cuz have been in. I'm excited about that cuz Joseph is one of my favorite characters Joseph is one of my favorite characters Joseph is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. His life is crazy. in the Bible. His life is crazy. in the Bible. His life is crazy. If someone wrote a movie like this, If someone wrote a movie like this, If someone wrote a movie like this, they'd be like, "This isn't believable."

they'd be like, "This isn't believable." they'd be like, "This isn't believable." But Joseph uh born the youngest, he was But Joseph uh born the youngest, he was But Joseph uh born the youngest, he was beloved by his father, chosen by God, beloved by his father, chosen by God, beloved by his father, chosen by God, sold into slavery, and yet God is still sold into slavery, and yet God is still sold into slavery, and yet God is still with him through it all. with him through it all. with him through it all. And one of the things I love about it And one of the things I love about it And one of the things I love about it too is sometimes we think of the Bible too is sometimes we think of the Bible too is sometimes we think of the Bible as this perfect book with these perfect as this perfect book with these perfect as this perfect book with these perfect characters making perfect decisions when characters making perfect decisions when characters making perfect decisions when in reality what we find in the Bible is in reality what we find in the Bible is in reality what we find in the Bible is a is really about a perfect God loving a is really about a perfect God loving a is really about a perfect God loving imperfect people with very imperfect imperfect people with very imperfect imperfect people with very imperfect lives. And that's a comfort to me cuz I lives. And that's a comfort to me cuz I lives. And that's a comfort to me cuz I am an imperfect man with an imperfect am an imperfect man with an imperfect am an imperfect man with an imperfect life life life >> and I need that perfect God. >> and I need that perfect God. >> and I need that perfect God. >> One of the things about this imperfect >> One of the things about this imperfect >> One of the things about this imperfect life that the Bible reminds us of is life that the Bible reminds us of is life that the Bible reminds us of is that this world is just full of that this world is just full of that this world is just full of temptations. All these decisions in temptations. All these decisions in temptations. All these decisions in front of us. And the way I'm going to front of us. And the way I'm going to front of us. And the way I'm going to defi define temptation for today is an defi define temptation for today is an defi define temptation for today is an invitation to go the wrong way. Almost invitation to go the wrong way. Almost invitation to go the wrong way. Almost like we're walking in a particular like we're walking in a particular like we're walking in a particular direction on the right path and someone direction on the right path and someone direction on the right path and someone is inviting us to take wrong turns. is inviting us to take wrong turns. is inviting us to take wrong turns. all the time. Almost like when my all the time. Almost like when my all the time. Almost like when my 5-year-old is sitting on the couch with 5-year-old is sitting on the couch with 5-year-old is sitting on the couch with me eating the snack or at the table and me eating the snack or at the table and me eating the snack or at the table and I'm like, "Hey, take this trash and walk I'm like, "Hey, take this trash and walk I'm like, "Hey, take this trash and walk to that trash can." You would think it to that trash can." You would think it to that trash can." You would think it was 30 miles away. The way he gets was 30 miles away. The way he gets was 30 miles away. The way he gets distracted with each step. I'm like, distracted with each step. I'm like, distracted with each step. I'm like, "That Lego has been there for 4 days.

"That Lego has been there for 4 days. "That Lego has been there for 4 days. Why are you just noticing it?" Why are you just noticing it?" Why are you just noticing it?" Temptation is for us everywhere. And one Temptation is for us everywhere. And one Temptation is for us everywhere. And one of the problems with that is because of the problems with that is because of the problems with that is because we're we're sinners, our hearts long for we're we're sinners, our hearts long for we're we're sinners, our hearts long for things that God tells us are not good things that God tells us are not good things that God tells us are not good for us. And God wants more for us than when And God wants more for us than when those decisions are in front of us. Just those decisions are in front of us. Just those decisions are in front of us. Just deciding what feels good in the moment. deciding what feels good in the moment. deciding what feels good in the moment. And it is a hard road to walk. God has And it is a hard road to walk. God has And it is a hard road to walk. God has called us to faithfulness and and and called us to faithfulness and and and called us to faithfulness and and and it's for our good. So So one may ask it's for our good. So So one may ask it's for our good. So So one may ask then, how can we stay faithful to this then, how can we stay faithful to this then, how can we stay faithful to this God? if he's pointing us in a direction God? if he's pointing us in a direction God? if he's pointing us in a direction for good, how can we stay faithful to for good, how can we stay faithful to for good, how can we stay faithful to him in the midst of temptation? And I him in the midst of temptation? And I him in the midst of temptation? And I think we have a great example here in think we have a great example here in think we have a great example here in the life of Joseph. And the main point the life of Joseph. And the main point the life of Joseph. And the main point today, I think, is this. When God is today, I think, is this. When God is today, I think, is this. When God is with you, no enemy is too big. The with you, no enemy is too big. The with you, no enemy is too big. The temptations may seem big, the enemies temptations may seem big, the enemies temptations may seem big, the enemies may seem big, but when God is with you, may seem big, but when God is with you, may seem big, but when God is with you, no enemy is too big. And I love how no enemy is too big. And I love how no enemy is too big. And I love how we'll get to see this in this story we'll get to see this in this story we'll get to see this in this story about Joseph. The way we'll look at it about Joseph. The way we'll look at it about Joseph. The way we'll look at it is we'll look at uh before the is we'll look at uh before the is we'll look at uh before the temptation, during the temptation, and temptation, during the temptation, and temptation, during the temptation, and then after the temptation. All right, then after the temptation. All right, then after the temptation. All right, y'all still with me?

y'all still with me? y'all still with me? >> All right, so let's start there. Number >> All right, so let's start there. Number >> All right, so let's start there. Number one, before the temptation. one, before the temptation. one, before the temptation. Have you ever um like witnessed the Have you ever um like witnessed the Have you ever um like witnessed the exact moment where the tide turns for exact moment where the tide turns for exact moment where the tide turns for someone and things start to go their someone and things start to go their someone and things start to go their way? I witnessed this recently while way? I witnessed this recently while way? I witnessed this recently while watching the NBA finals watching the NBA finals watching the NBA finals and I was pulling for the Spurs. and I was pulling for the Spurs. and I was pulling for the Spurs. And um Greg Papovic is here today. Uh no, I I Greg Papovic is here today. Uh no, I I was pulling for the Spurs and um and in was pulling for the Spurs and um and in was pulling for the Spurs and um and in game four I'm like, "Oh yes, y'all got game four I'm like, "Oh yes, y'all got game four I'm like, "Oh yes, y'all got they're up 27." I mean, they really they're up 27." I mean, they really they're up 27." I mean, they really they're showing they're the superior they're showing they're the superior they're showing they're the superior team. They got it. And then at a point I team. They got it. And then at a point I team. They got it. And then at a point I was like, "Uh-oh." was like, "Uh-oh." was like, "Uh-oh." Because it seemed like all of a sudden Because it seemed like all of a sudden Because it seemed like all of a sudden everything was going the Knicks way. everything was going the Knicks way. everything was going the Knicks way. They were making every shot. They like They were making every shot. They like They were making every shot. They like sneezed and got seven points for that. sneezed and got seven points for that. sneezed and got seven points for that. everything you could imagine, just everything you could imagine, just everything you could imagine, just everything was working and the Spurs, everything was working and the Spurs, everything was working and the Spurs, everything was going wrong for them. everything was going wrong for them. everything was going wrong for them. This is kind of what's happening with This is kind of what's happening with This is kind of what's happening with Joseph at this point. He had been sold Joseph at this point. He had been sold Joseph at this point. He had been sold into slavery by his brothers and and into slavery by his brothers and and into slavery by his brothers and and then he ends up in a new place and then then he ends up in a new place and then then he ends up in a new place and then every single thing starts to go right every single thing starts to go right every single thing starts to go right for him. Let's read um Genesis chapter for him. Let's read um Genesis chapter for him. Let's read um Genesis chapter 39 and I'm going to start reading at 39 and I'm going to start reading at 39 and I'm going to start reading at verse one.

verse one. verse one. And you know, there's a lot of a lot of And you know, there's a lot of a lot of And you know, there's a lot of a lot of verses here, so stick with me. Genesis verses here, so stick with me. Genesis verses here, so stick with me. Genesis 39, I'm gonna start reading at verse 39, I'm gonna start reading at verse 39, I'm gonna start reading at verse one. This is what God's word says. Now, one. This is what God's word says. Now, one. This is what God's word says. Now, Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian named Piper, an officer of Egyptian named Piper, an officer of Egyptian named Piper, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guards, Pharaoh and the captain of the guards, Pharaoh and the captain of the guards, bought him from the IshRaelites, who had bought him from the IshRaelites, who had bought him from the IshRaelites, who had brought him there. The Lord was with brought him there. The Lord was with brought him there. The Lord was with Joseph and he became a successful man Joseph and he became a successful man Joseph and he became a successful man serving in the household of his Egyptian serving in the household of his Egyptian serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the master. When his master saw that the master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made Lord was with him and that the Lord made Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he did successful, Joseph everything he did successful, Joseph everything he did successful, Joseph found favor with his master and became found favor with his master and became found favor with his master and became his personal attendant. Piper also put his personal attendant. Piper also put his personal attendant. Piper also put him in charge of his household and him in charge of his household and him in charge of his household and placed all that he owned under his placed all that he owned under his placed all that he owned under his authority. authority. authority. From the time that he put him in charge From the time that he put him in charge From the time that he put him in charge of his household and of all that he of his household and of all that he of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians house because of Joseph. The Lord's house because of Joseph. The Lord's house because of Joseph. The Lord's blessing was on all that he owned in his blessing was on all that he owned in his blessing was on all that he owned in his house and in his fields. He left all house and in his fields. He left all house and in his fields. He left all that he owned under Joseph's authority. that he owned under Joseph's authority. that he owned under Joseph's authority. He did not concern himself with anything He did not concern himself with anything He did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. We can stop except the food he ate. We can stop except the food he ate. We can stop there. Now, I want you to imagine this there. Now, I want you to imagine this there. Now, I want you to imagine this because what we can learn from the text because what we can learn from the text because what we can learn from the text is that Joseph was only 17 years old at is that Joseph was only 17 years old at is that Joseph was only 17 years old at this time. So, he's been betrayed by his this time. So, he's been betrayed by his this time. So, he's been betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, a teenager brothers, sold into slavery, a teenager brothers, sold into slavery, a teenager in a new place, and a new culture and a in a new place, and a new culture and a in a new place, and a new culture and a new language. You would think that he new language. You would think that he new language. You would think that he would crumble under this pressure. I would crumble under this pressure. I would crumble under this pressure. I mean, for some of us, think about what mean, for some of us, think about what mean, for some of us, think about what you were like at 17. We were struggling you were like at 17. We were struggling you were like at 17. We were struggling to navigate the hallways of our high to navigate the hallways of our high to navigate the hallways of our high school. Meanwhile, Joseph somehow is school. Meanwhile, Joseph somehow is school. Meanwhile, Joseph somehow is flourishing

flourishing flourishing under this kind of stress. And it's under this kind of stress. And it's under this kind of stress. And it's because there was something very special because there was something very special because there was something very special going on in Joseph's life. The Lord was going on in Joseph's life. The Lord was going on in Joseph's life. The Lord was with him. And when the Bible says that with him. And when the Bible says that with him. And when the Bible says that the Lord is with somebody, it doesn't the Lord is with somebody, it doesn't the Lord is with somebody, it doesn't just mean that God is there. just mean that God is there. just mean that God is there. It means more than that. For an example, It means more than that. For an example, It means more than that. For an example, if uh there was a kid who a bully told if uh there was a kid who a bully told if uh there was a kid who a bully told him, "Hey, I'mma beat you up after him, "Hey, I'mma beat you up after him, "Hey, I'mma beat you up after school in the parking lot." Obviously, school in the parking lot." Obviously, school in the parking lot." Obviously, the kid is very scared. Let's say he the kid is very scared. Let's say he the kid is very scared. Let's say he goes to his teacher and he's like, "Hey, goes to his teacher and he's like, "Hey, goes to his teacher and he's like, "Hey, Miss Johnson." He said he's gonna beat Miss Johnson." He said he's gonna beat Miss Johnson." He said he's gonna beat me up in the Can you come to the parking me up in the Can you come to the parking me up in the Can you come to the parking lot after school so I can be safe? And lot after school so I can be safe? And lot after school so I can be safe? And let's say Miss Johnson comes to the let's say Miss Johnson comes to the let's say Miss Johnson comes to the parking lot after school and watches him parking lot after school and watches him parking lot after school and watches him get beat up. get beat up. get beat up. Well, you would say, "Well, thank you, Well, you would say, "Well, thank you, Well, you would say, "Well, thank you, Miss Johnson, that you were with me. Miss Johnson, that you were with me. Miss Johnson, that you were with me. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, you didn't do anything." you didn't do anything." you didn't do anything." When the Bible says that God is with us, When the Bible says that God is with us, When the Bible says that God is with us, it doesn't just mean that he's there it doesn't just mean that he's there it doesn't just mean that he's there because God is present everywhere. He's because God is present everywhere. He's because God is present everywhere. He's omniresent. present everywhere all the omniresent. present everywhere all the omniresent. present everywhere all the time. But it also means that God will time. But it also means that God will time. But it also means that God will work on our behalf according to his work on our behalf according to his work on our behalf according to his purpose. Means his hand is on us. He his purpose. Means his hand is on us. He his purpose. Means his hand is on us. He his favor is on us. And that's exactly what favor is on us. And that's exactly what favor is on us. And that's exactly what we see here with Joseph that it says the we see here with Joseph that it says the we see here with Joseph that it says the Lord is with him. Uh and what happens Lord is with him. Uh and what happens Lord is with him. Uh and what happens verse two, he prospered. Ends up working verse two, he prospered. Ends up working verse two, he prospered. Ends up working his way up the ranks. Piper puts him in his way up the ranks. Piper puts him in his way up the ranks. Piper puts him in charge of everything. And it says charge of everything. And it says charge of everything. And it says everything in Piper's house was going everything in Piper's house was going everything in Piper's house was going great because Joseph was with Piper, but great because Joseph was with Piper, but great because Joseph was with Piper, but mostly because God was with Joseph.

mostly because God was with Joseph. mostly because God was with Joseph. God's presence, his favor makes a God's presence, his favor makes a God's presence, his favor makes a difference. When God decides on difference. When God decides on difference. When God decides on something, that is what is going to something, that is what is going to something, that is what is going to happen. Think about us. When we decide happen. Think about us. When we decide happen. Think about us. When we decide something, we we we got to strategize. something, we we we got to strategize. something, we we we got to strategize. We think about threats and risks. We think about threats and risks. We think about threats and risks. But nothing is up in the air like that But nothing is up in the air like that But nothing is up in the air like that with God. Some of us have big plans for with God. Some of us have big plans for with God. Some of us have big plans for how our life will go well and we'll live how our life will go well and we'll live how our life will go well and we'll live a satisfied life and it maybe it hinges a satisfied life and it maybe it hinges a satisfied life and it maybe it hinges on something like getting that promotion on something like getting that promotion on something like getting that promotion or finishing that degree or finding that or finishing that degree or finding that or finishing that degree or finding that spouse and we think, "Oh, that's the spouse and we think, "Oh, that's the spouse and we think, "Oh, that's the key. If only I had that thing. When I key. If only I had that thing. When I key. If only I had that thing. When I get that, everything will be good." But get that, everything will be good." But get that, everything will be good." But but I want to tell you that those things but I want to tell you that those things but I want to tell you that those things are not the key that you think they are. are not the key that you think they are. are not the key that you think they are. Those things are fickle. Maybe those Those things are fickle. Maybe those Those things are fickle. Maybe those things will never come. What good is things will never come. What good is things will never come. What good is that degree when they're not hiring in that degree when they're not hiring in that degree when they're not hiring in your field or when you're too sick to your field or when you're too sick to your field or when you're too sick to work or when the people you're work or when the people you're work or when the people you're dependent, those things are not strong dependent, those things are not strong dependent, those things are not strong enough to hold all of our hopes and enough to hold all of our hopes and enough to hold all of our hopes and dreams. But God's favor on the other dreams. But God's favor on the other dreams. But God's favor on the other hand makes all the difference. hand makes all the difference. hand makes all the difference. Um, some of those things we hope in are Um, some of those things we hope in are Um, some of those things we hope in are limited in how they can help us. The limited in how they can help us. The limited in how they can help us. The favor of God is not limited. Nothing favor of God is not limited. Nothing favor of God is not limited. Nothing goes well unless God decides he will.

goes well unless God decides he will. goes well unless God decides he will. The Psalms say, "Unless the Lord builds The Psalms say, "Unless the Lord builds The Psalms say, "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor labor in the house, those who labor labor in the house, those who labor labor in vain. God's will is always the deciding vain. God's will is always the deciding vain. God's will is always the deciding factor." factor." factor." And that's very important for us to And that's very important for us to And that's very important for us to know. Joseph had amazing favor with his know. Joseph had amazing favor with his know. Joseph had amazing favor with his boss. And he was doing his job with boss. And he was doing his job with boss. And he was doing his job with excellence. And his his boss saw that excellence. And his his boss saw that excellence. And his his boss saw that the Lord is the one whose success is in the Lord is the one whose success is in the Lord is the one whose success is in his hands. Now, you may say, "Trip, what his hands. Now, you may say, "Trip, what his hands. Now, you may say, "Trip, what does that have to do with temptation?" does that have to do with temptation?" does that have to do with temptation?" I'm pointing out this part of the story I'm pointing out this part of the story I'm pointing out this part of the story because this is the backdrop for how because this is the backdrop for how because this is the backdrop for how Joseph sees the temptation that's coming Joseph sees the temptation that's coming Joseph sees the temptation that's coming to him. Everything looks different when to him. Everything looks different when to him. Everything looks different when the Lord of Lords is with you. And what the Lord of Lords is with you. And what the Lord of Lords is with you. And what we know from scripture is if we are in we know from scripture is if we are in we know from scripture is if we are in Jesus, then God is with us. Jesus, then God is with us. Jesus, then God is with us. That God has promised even when hard That God has promised even when hard That God has promised even when hard things show up in our lives that he's things show up in our lives that he's things show up in our lives that he's going to work it for our good. And that going to work it for our good. And that going to work it for our good. And that changes how we receive things. It also changes how we receive things. It also changes how we receive things. It also changes how we hear his commandments. To changes how we hear his commandments. To changes how we hear his commandments. To give you one example, when my oldest son give you one example, when my oldest son give you one example, when my oldest son was really little, he would sometimes do was really little, he would sometimes do was really little, he would sometimes do this thing where he wanted to stand on this thing where he wanted to stand on this thing where he wanted to stand on his dresser and jump off and fly like his dresser and jump off and fly like his dresser and jump off and fly like Batman.

Batman. Batman. Many problems with that. One, Batman Many problems with that. One, Batman Many problems with that. One, Batman don't even fly. So, bad first step. Two, don't even fly. So, bad first step. Two, don't even fly. So, bad first step. Two, his little baby legs could not withstand his little baby legs could not withstand his little baby legs could not withstand that force. And so, I'm now it's a that force. And so, I'm now it's a that force. And so, I'm now it's a negotiation. I'm like, "Hey, Q. Whoa, negotiation. I'm like, "Hey, Q. Whoa, negotiation. I'm like, "Hey, Q. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't jump off of whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't jump off of whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't jump off of there." He's like, "But dad, this will there." He's like, "But dad, this will there." He's like, "But dad, this will be fun." So now I'm starting to try to be fun." So now I'm starting to try to be fun." So now I'm starting to try to tell him my track record so he can trust tell him my track record so he can trust tell him my track record so he can trust me. I'm like, hey, I know more than you. me. I'm like, hey, I know more than you. me. I'm like, hey, I know more than you. I'm like, you know, it's me, Dad. You I'm like, you know, it's me, Dad. You I'm like, you know, it's me, Dad. You know, I'm always, we always playing know, I'm always, we always playing know, I'm always, we always playing games and having fun. Games I don't even games and having fun. Games I don't even games and having fun. Games I don't even really want to play, but we doing it. really want to play, but we doing it. really want to play, but we doing it. Don't always come through with the Don't always come through with the Don't always come through with the special treats, the goldfish, not even special treats, the goldfish, not even special treats, the goldfish, not even regular ones. Flavor blasted, extra regular ones. Flavor blasted, extra regular ones. Flavor blasted, extra cheesy, like it's me. I'm reminding him cheesy, like it's me. I'm reminding him cheesy, like it's me. I'm reminding him of my track record that I am trustworthy of my track record that I am trustworthy of my track record that I am trustworthy and wise. and wise. and wise. God's track record in your life is God's track record in your life is God's track record in your life is absolutely perfect. Right? Jo Joseph by absolutely perfect. Right? Jo Joseph by absolutely perfect. Right? Jo Joseph by the time the temptation has come up, the time the temptation has come up, the time the temptation has come up, he's already experienced the favor of a he's already experienced the favor of a he's already experienced the favor of a God that is stronger than any enemy or God that is stronger than any enemy or God that is stronger than any enemy or circumstance that's been put in front of circumstance that's been put in front of circumstance that's been put in front of him. And friends, that is the exact same him. And friends, that is the exact same him. And friends, that is the exact same situation you find yourself in.

situation you find yourself in. situation you find yourself in. >> A God who every good and perfect gift >> A God who every good and perfect gift >> A God who every good and perfect gift you've ever received is from God you've ever received is from God you've ever received is from God himself. And in Romans 8 where it says himself. And in Romans 8 where it says himself. And in Romans 8 where it says um that uh God will work all things um that uh God will work all things um that uh God will work all things together for the good of those who are together for the good of those who are together for the good of those who are loved uh who love him and called loved uh who love him and called loved uh who love him and called according to his purpose. That's you. So according to his purpose. That's you. So according to his purpose. That's you. So the way that God has committed himself the way that God has committed himself the way that God has committed himself to Joseph's good, even in the midst of to Joseph's good, even in the midst of to Joseph's good, even in the midst of difficulty, he has done the same for difficulty, he has done the same for difficulty, he has done the same for you. And that should change how you hear you. And that should change how you hear you. And that should change how you hear his commands. His track record is his commands. His track record is his commands. His track record is absolutely perfect. If God is with you, absolutely perfect. If God is with you, absolutely perfect. If God is with you, then no enemy is too big. That's clear then no enemy is too big. That's clear then no enemy is too big. That's clear before the temptation. Let's look at before the temptation. Let's look at before the temptation. Let's look at number two. During the temptation, there are times in our lives where we there are times in our lives where we felt it where we feel like in order to felt it where we feel like in order to felt it where we feel like in order to succeed or to have favor with other succeed or to have favor with other succeed or to have favor with other people, we have to kind of go along with people, we have to kind of go along with people, we have to kind of go along with the current. And that's not a good the current. And that's not a good the current. And that's not a good feeling if we're followers of Jesus. I feeling if we're followers of Jesus. I feeling if we're followers of Jesus. I remember talking to a friend of mine who remember talking to a friend of mine who remember talking to a friend of mine who was a teacher and she was saying she was a teacher and she was saying she was a teacher and she was saying she resented the fact that the only team resented the fact that the only team resented the fact that the only team building that the the staff at her building that the the staff at her building that the the staff at her school did was going out for happy hour school did was going out for happy hour school did was going out for happy hour from time to time. and she resented from time to time. and she resented from time to time. and she resented feeling like she had to get drunk with feeling like she had to get drunk with feeling like she had to get drunk with her co-workers in order to team build.

her co-workers in order to team build. her co-workers in order to team build. There will be so many times where where There will be so many times where where There will be so many times where where it seems like the there are there's an it seems like the there are there's an it seems like the there are there's an invitation to go the wrong way. That's invitation to go the wrong way. That's invitation to go the wrong way. That's the key to other kinds of success in our the key to other kinds of success in our the key to other kinds of success in our life. That's about to happen for for life. That's about to happen for for life. That's about to happen for for Joseph. His story is taking a crazy Joseph. His story is taking a crazy Joseph. His story is taking a crazy turn. Look with me at verse 6. Genesis turn. Look with me at verse 6. Genesis turn. Look with me at verse 6. Genesis 39:6. 39:6. 39:6. It says, "Now Joseph was well-built and It says, "Now Joseph was well-built and It says, "Now Joseph was well-built and handsome. After some time, his master's handsome. After some time, his master's handsome. After some time, his master's wife looked lovingly at Joseph and said, wife looked lovingly at Joseph and said, wife looked lovingly at Joseph and said, "Sleep with me." But he refused. "Look," "Sleep with me." But he refused. "Look," "Sleep with me." But he refused. "Look," he said to his master's wife, "with me he said to his master's wife, "with me he said to his master's wife, "with me here, my master does not concern himself here, my master does not concern himself here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he's put with anything in his house, and he's put with anything in his house, and he's put all that he owns under my authority. No all that he owns under my authority. No all that he owns under my authority. No one in his house is greater than I am. one in his house is greater than I am. one in his house is greater than I am. He's withheld nothing from me except you He's withheld nothing from me except you He's withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. So, how could because you are his wife. So, how could because you are his wife. So, how could I do this immense evil, and how could I I do this immense evil, and how could I I do this immense evil, and how could I sin against God?" Although she spoke to sin against God?" Although she spoke to sin against God?" Although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go Joseph day after day, he refused to go Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her. We'll stop there. Now, to bed with her. We'll stop there. Now, to bed with her. We'll stop there. Now, Joseph was clearly a a good-looking Joseph was clearly a a good-looking Joseph was clearly a a good-looking dude. dude. dude. It says it right here in the Bible. He's It says it right here in the Bible. He's It says it right here in the Bible. He's well-b built and handsome. Imagine if well-b built and handsome. Imagine if well-b built and handsome. Imagine if somebody tried to tell you wasn't somebody tried to tell you wasn't somebody tried to tell you wasn't good-looking. I was like, "Well, good-looking. I was like, "Well, good-looking. I was like, "Well, actually, God's inspired word says actually, God's inspired word says actually, God's inspired word says otherwise."

Well, so his master's wife has noticed Well, so his master's wife has noticed and you know, I don't know how it and you know, I don't know how it and you know, I don't know how it happened, but one day she looked over, happened, but one day she looked over, happened, but one day she looked over, she was like, "Man, Joseph look kind of she was like, "Man, Joseph look kind of she was like, "Man, Joseph look kind of good." And she was very bold in her approach. And she was very bold in her approach. She is straightforward. She just says, She is straightforward. She just says, She is straightforward. She just says, "Sleep with me." Now, Joseph may be "Sleep with me." Now, Joseph may be "Sleep with me." Now, Joseph may be thinking, "Things were just starting to thinking, "Things were just starting to thinking, "Things were just starting to go good." That's how it can feel for us go good." That's how it can feel for us go good." That's how it can feel for us sometimes like things are just starting sometimes like things are just starting sometimes like things are just starting to go the way we want them to and new to go the way we want them to and new to go the way we want them to and new temptations pop up and new difficulties temptations pop up and new difficulties temptations pop up and new difficulties do and that can be very discouraging. So do and that can be very discouraging. So do and that can be very discouraging. So then Joseph is left to decide things are then Joseph is left to decide things are then Joseph is left to decide things are going well. Do I want to rock the boat going well. Do I want to rock the boat going well. Do I want to rock the boat by resisting by resisting by resisting or move forward? It had to be hard for or move forward? It had to be hard for or move forward? It had to be hard for him. One thing it says is this wasn't a him. One thing it says is this wasn't a him. One thing it says is this wasn't a one-time offer. It says she spoke to him one-time offer. It says she spoke to him one-time offer. It says she spoke to him about this day after day. She wouldn't about this day after day. She wouldn't about this day after day. She wouldn't stop. She kept pouring it on. stop. She kept pouring it on. stop. She kept pouring it on. Some of us may think sometimes that if Some of us may think sometimes that if Some of us may think sometimes that if we are trying to follow God, that means we are trying to follow God, that means we are trying to follow God, that means all the difficulty will be taken away. all the difficulty will be taken away. all the difficulty will be taken away. We won't have to face temptation. I am We won't have to face temptation. I am We won't have to face temptation. I am sorry to tell you that wasn't even true sorry to tell you that wasn't even true sorry to tell you that wasn't even true of Jesus himself.

of Jesus himself. of Jesus himself. In fact, sometimes your obedience will In fact, sometimes your obedience will In fact, sometimes your obedience will bring about more temptation around you. bring about more temptation around you. bring about more temptation around you. The other thing is if you're only strong The other thing is if you're only strong The other thing is if you're only strong enough to resist temptation one time, enough to resist temptation one time, enough to resist temptation one time, then I am worried for you. Because then I am worried for you. Because then I am worried for you. Because temptation usually doesn't just knock temptation usually doesn't just knock temptation usually doesn't just knock once and then take no for an answer. once and then take no for an answer. once and then take no for an answer. So, we actually have to trust this God So, we actually have to trust this God So, we actually have to trust this God because it's going to be difficult. because it's going to be difficult. because it's going to be difficult. Now, for Joseph, we don't know if he Now, for Joseph, we don't know if he Now, for Joseph, we don't know if he found her attractive or not. But I found her attractive or not. But I found her attractive or not. But I imagine this would have been tempting imagine this would have been tempting imagine this would have been tempting because Piper, this rich man, he because Piper, this rich man, he because Piper, this rich man, he probably could have had his pick of any probably could have had his pick of any probably could have had his pick of any woman he wanted. He probably had a woman he wanted. He probably had a woman he wanted. He probably had a beautiful wife. Joseph, of course, is beautiful wife. Joseph, of course, is beautiful wife. Joseph, of course, is not married. This probably was enticing. not married. This probably was enticing. not married. This probably was enticing. Not only that, he knew this could be Not only that, he knew this could be Not only that, he knew this could be used against him. This is his his used against him. This is his his used against him. This is his his master's wife. She has power over him. master's wife. She has power over him. master's wife. She has power over him. Not only that, he probably could have Not only that, he probably could have Not only that, he probably could have gotten away with it cuz it says she gotten away with it cuz it says she gotten away with it cuz it says she waited till the house was cleared one of waited till the house was cleared one of waited till the house was cleared one of these times. And Piper didn't even pay these times. And Piper didn't even pay these times. And Piper didn't even pay attention to what Joseph did. He trusted attention to what Joseph did. He trusted attention to what Joseph did. He trusted him so much. Also, like many of us do, him so much. Also, like many of us do, him so much. Also, like many of us do, Joseph could have said, "But I've been Joseph could have said, "But I've been Joseph could have said, "But I've been through a lot. I deserve something nice.

through a lot. I deserve something nice. through a lot. I deserve something nice. It feels good." Or he could have said, It feels good." Or he could have said, It feels good." Or he could have said, "Look how successful I am. I'm the man "Look how successful I am. I'm the man "Look how successful I am. I'm the man now. I deserve this." But none of these now. I deserve this." But none of these now. I deserve this." But none of these are the way that Joseph responded. It are the way that Joseph responded. It are the way that Joseph responded. It says in verse 8, but he refused. says in verse 8, but he refused. says in verse 8, but he refused. Again, what would make someone when an Again, what would make someone when an Again, what would make someone when an invitation for relief comes their way to invitation for relief comes their way to invitation for relief comes their way to say no? Well, he gives the reason. He say no? Well, he gives the reason. He say no? Well, he gives the reason. He says, "Look, says, "Look, says, "Look, with me here, my master doesn't concern with me here, my master doesn't concern with me here, my master doesn't concern himself with anything in his house. He's himself with anything in his house. He's himself with anything in his house. He's put all that he owns under my authority. put all that he owns under my authority. put all that he owns under my authority. No one in this house is greater than I No one in this house is greater than I No one in this house is greater than I am. He's withheld nothing from me except am. He's withheld nothing from me except am. He's withheld nothing from me except you because you were his wife. So, how you because you were his wife. So, how you because you were his wife. So, how could I do this immense evil?" We have could I do this immense evil?" We have could I do this immense evil?" We have Joseph here obeying the great Joseph here obeying the great Joseph here obeying the great commandment before Jesus ever called it commandment before Jesus ever called it commandment before Jesus ever called it that. One thing he's doing is loving his that. One thing he's doing is loving his that. One thing he's doing is loving his neighbor, neighbor, neighbor, right? He's pointing to the effect it right? He's pointing to the effect it right? He's pointing to the effect it would have on his master. would have on his master. would have on his master. And he lists all these reasons it would And he lists all these reasons it would And he lists all these reasons it would be terrible for him to do that. And for be terrible for him to do that. And for be terrible for him to do that. And for us too often when we're facing us too often when we're facing us too often when we're facing temptation, we're only thinking about temptation, we're only thinking about temptation, we're only thinking about the the stress it brings upon us, but the the stress it brings upon us, but the the stress it brings upon us, but we're not thinking about how it would we're not thinking about how it would we're not thinking about how it would affect others. Joseph is saying, "How affect others. Joseph is saying, "How affect others. Joseph is saying, "How could I do this wicked thing to him?"

could I do this wicked thing to him?" could I do this wicked thing to him?" Sometimes we imagine that God's commands Sometimes we imagine that God's commands Sometimes we imagine that God's commands are just some random rule book are just some random rule book are just some random rule book when really it is loving guidance that when really it is loving guidance that when really it is loving guidance that lead guidance that leads us to wholeness lead guidance that leads us to wholeness lead guidance that leads us to wholeness and joy because sin and joy because sin and joy because sin is not something randomly he called bad. is not something randomly he called bad. is not something randomly he called bad. It is actually destructive. It is It is actually destructive. It is It is actually destructive. It is actually poisonous. It is cancerous. It actually poisonous. It is cancerous. It actually poisonous. It is cancerous. It is a a flame that will burn everything is a a flame that will burn everything is a a flame that will burn everything down. It is not to be played with. down. It is not to be played with. down. It is not to be played with. Sometimes we'll hear about these Sometimes we'll hear about these Sometimes we'll hear about these wildfires that will break out somewhere wildfires that will break out somewhere wildfires that will break out somewhere often in California and and you know often in California and and you know often in California and and you know there's devastation and damage and then there's devastation and damage and then there's devastation and damage and then they'll try to get to the bottom of it. they'll try to get to the bottom of it. they'll try to get to the bottom of it. What started it and often it'll be like What started it and often it'll be like What started it and often it'll be like one match or one cigarette and once the one match or one cigarette and once the one match or one cigarette and once the flame has gone it's hard to control all flame has gone it's hard to control all flame has gone it's hard to control all the damage and the devastation. And I the damage and the devastation. And I the damage and the devastation. And I want you to know that is like sin. Sin want you to know that is like sin. Sin want you to know that is like sin. Sin cannot be easily controlled. We think cannot be easily controlled. We think cannot be easily controlled. We think sometimes that we can give in and then sometimes that we can give in and then sometimes that we can give in and then control the damage when the truth is you control the damage when the truth is you control the damage when the truth is you are not going to be the only one that is are not going to be the only one that is are not going to be the only one that is hurt.

hurt. hurt. There's damage and devastation that goes There's damage and devastation that goes There's damage and devastation that goes far beyond you. One of the things we far beyond you. One of the things we far beyond you. One of the things we should think about with our sin when we should think about with our sin when we should think about with our sin when we give into temptation or not is how it's give into temptation or not is how it's give into temptation or not is how it's going to affect those around us. Our going to affect those around us. Our going to affect those around us. Our friends, our family, our co-workers, friends, our family, our co-workers, friends, our family, our co-workers, those we trust. those we trust. those we trust. I have talked to so many brothers who I have talked to so many brothers who I have talked to so many brothers who wished they could take back one horrible wished they could take back one horrible wished they could take back one horrible decision because they look around and decision because they look around and decision because they look around and that flame has burnt down everything that flame has burnt down everything that flame has burnt down everything around them. And God loves us so much around them. And God loves us so much around them. And God loves us so much that he's saying instead of that he's saying instead of that he's saying instead of the stress that comes with trying to put the stress that comes with trying to put the stress that comes with trying to put out that fire, how about you don't even out that fire, how about you don't even out that fire, how about you don't even strike the match? But then Joseph says something else that But then Joseph says something else that may be unexpected because not only does may be unexpected because not only does may be unexpected because not only does he say how could he sin against his he say how could he sin against his he say how could he sin against his master, he also says, "How could I sin master, he also says, "How could I sin master, he also says, "How could I sin against God?" against God?" against God?" This God who's been with him. Somebody This God who's been with him. Somebody This God who's been with him. Somebody may say, "But wait, when do we bring God may say, "But wait, when do we bring God may say, "But wait, when do we bring God into this equation? This part of this into this equation? This part of this into this equation? This part of this isn't God's wife. Why does God has big isn't God's wife. Why does God has big isn't God's wife. Why does God has big things to worry about? Why is he worried things to worry about? Why is he worried things to worry about? Why is he worried about what's happening in this about what's happening in this about what's happening in this household?"

household?" household?" Well, let me let me give you an example. Well, let me let me give you an example. Well, let me let me give you an example. the there's only one video game I really the there's only one video game I really the there's only one video game I really play. I play with my son. It's NBA 2K. play. I play with my son. It's NBA 2K. play. I play with my son. It's NBA 2K. And I'm very good at it. Uh And I'm very good at it. Uh And I'm very good at it. Uh frighteningly good. And every time me frighteningly good. And every time me frighteningly good. And every time me and my son play, I destroy him. You and my son play, I destroy him. You and my son play, I destroy him. You know, he's I'm trying to build character know, he's I'm trying to build character know, he's I'm trying to build character in him by beating him by 20 points every in him by beating him by 20 points every in him by beating him by 20 points every time and talking trash. Anyway, so so time and talking trash. Anyway, so so time and talking trash. Anyway, so so let's say you invite me to your house to let's say you invite me to your house to let's say you invite me to your house to play NBA 2. All right? And let's say you play NBA 2. All right? And let's say you play NBA 2. All right? And let's say you beat me. Would never happen, but beat me. Would never happen, but beat me. Would never happen, but hypothetically. Let's say you beat me. I hypothetically. Let's say you beat me. I hypothetically. Let's say you beat me. I know this is so unrealistic, but just know this is so unrealistic, but just know this is so unrealistic, but just stick with me. And I'm so mad. I'm so stick with me. And I'm so mad. I'm so stick with me. And I'm so mad. I'm so mad that you beat me that I rip your mad that you beat me that I rip your mad that you beat me that I rip your PlayStation out the wall and I kick it PlayStation out the wall and I kick it PlayStation out the wall and I kick it and then I punch a hole through your TV. and then I punch a hole through your TV. and then I punch a hole through your TV. And then I'm like, all right, I feel And then I'm like, all right, I feel And then I'm like, all right, I feel better. See you later. better. See you later. better. See you later. And what if you like, Trip, I I thought And what if you like, Trip, I I thought And what if you like, Trip, I I thought we were friends. Why would you do that we were friends. Why would you do that we were friends. Why would you do that to me? And what if I said, I didn't do to me? And what if I said, I didn't do to me? And what if I said, I didn't do anything to you. I did something to your anything to you. I did something to your anything to you. I did something to your PlayStation and your TV. You would PlayStation and your TV. You would PlayStation and your TV. You would probably say, "But those are mine and probably say, "But those are mine and probably say, "But those are mine and and I bought that TV so I could watch it and I bought that TV so I could watch it and I bought that TV so I could watch it and that PlayStation so I could play it and that PlayStation so I could play it and that PlayStation so I could play it and now I can't do what it's meant for."

and now I can't do what it's meant for." and now I can't do what it's meant for." So, of course, that would be something I So, of course, that would be something I So, of course, that would be something I did to you. What the Bible says is the did to you. What the Bible says is the did to you. What the Bible says is the earth is the Lord's and all that's in earth is the Lord's and all that's in earth is the Lord's and all that's in it. Everything belongs to God it. Everything belongs to God it. Everything belongs to God and that God made things in creation for and that God made things in creation for and that God made things in creation for particular purposes. So there is no particular purposes. So there is no particular purposes. So there is no person that I can sin against where it person that I can sin against where it person that I can sin against where it is not a personal offense against the is not a personal offense against the is not a personal offense against the very God that made them and loves them. very God that made them and loves them. very God that made them and loves them. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Who they belong to. And especially as >> Who they belong to. And especially as >> Who they belong to. And especially as someone who's been purchased by the someone who's been purchased by the someone who's been purchased by the blood of Jesus. My body belongs to him. blood of Jesus. My body belongs to him. blood of Jesus. My body belongs to him. There is no sin that is not a personal There is no sin that is not a personal There is no sin that is not a personal offense against God. God is not being offense against God. God is not being offense against God. God is not being petty taking it personally. It is a petty taking it personally. It is a petty taking it personally. It is a personal offense against him. Joseph personal offense against him. Joseph personal offense against him. Joseph understands that and he's saying this understands that and he's saying this understands that and he's saying this God who's been so good to me, I cannot God who's been so good to me, I cannot God who's been so good to me, I cannot sin against. So family, you what should sin against. So family, you what should sin against. So family, you what should we do when we find temptation showing up we do when we find temptation showing up we do when we find temptation showing up at our doorstep? We got a few lessons at our doorstep? We got a few lessons at our doorstep? We got a few lessons here from how Joseph responds. Verse 10, here from how Joseph responds. Verse 10, here from how Joseph responds. Verse 10, let's look again. He says, "And though let's look again. He says, "And though let's look again. He says, "And though Jo uh she spoke to Joseph day after day, Jo uh she spoke to Joseph day after day, Jo uh she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even he refused to go to bed with her or even he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. One day he went into the be with her. One day he went into the be with her. One day he went into the house to attend to his duties and none house to attend to his duties and none house to attend to his duties and none of the household servants was inside.

of the household servants was inside. of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, She caught him by his cloak and said, She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me." But he left his "Come to bed with me." But he left his "Come to bed with me." But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the cloak in her hand and ran out of the cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. house. house. One of the things we notice is his One of the things we notice is his One of the things we notice is his responses kind of escalate. First, he responses kind of escalate. First, he responses kind of escalate. First, he refuses, then he avoids her, and then we refuses, then he avoids her, and then we refuses, then he avoids her, and then we see him trying to escape. So, just just see him trying to escape. So, just just see him trying to escape. So, just just three lessons that we can we can learn three lessons that we can we can learn three lessons that we can we can learn from how Joseph responds. The first one from how Joseph responds. The first one from how Joseph responds. The first one is this. You can refuse. One of the lies of sin, one of sin's One of the lies of sin, one of sin's best lies of temptation is convincing best lies of temptation is convincing best lies of temptation is convincing you that you have no freedom to actually you that you have no freedom to actually you that you have no freedom to actually say no. There are sometimes when say no. There are sometimes when say no. There are sometimes when temptation is in front of us and it temptation is in front of us and it temptation is in front of us and it feels like we have to give in or it's feels like we have to give in or it's feels like we have to give in or it's inevitable, so we might as well. Now, inevitable, so we might as well. Now, inevitable, so we might as well. Now, that is a lie. You are never in too deep that is a lie. You are never in too deep that is a lie. You are never in too deep to resist. to resist. to resist. >> What scripture says is if you're in >> What scripture says is if you're in >> What scripture says is if you're in Jesus, you've been freed from slavery to Jesus, you've been freed from slavery to Jesus, you've been freed from slavery to sin. Sin is not your master. It cannot sin. Sin is not your master. It cannot sin. Sin is not your master. It cannot tell you what to do. tell you what to do. tell you what to do. >> Yes. One of the amazing things that >> Yes. One of the amazing things that >> Yes. One of the amazing things that happens too when we resist temptation is happens too when we resist temptation is happens too when we resist temptation is it helps to show us that we can resist it helps to show us that we can resist it helps to show us that we can resist temptation.

temptation. temptation. When the alternative is this shame cycle When the alternative is this shame cycle When the alternative is this shame cycle of feeling like we have to over and over of feeling like we have to over and over of feeling like we have to over and over again. One thing I'd like you to keep in again. One thing I'd like you to keep in again. One thing I'd like you to keep in mind too is that your fight against mind too is that your fight against mind too is that your fight against temptation is not a solo fight. temptation is not a solo fight. temptation is not a solo fight. I would encourage some of us when that I would encourage some of us when that I would encourage some of us when that temptation is in front of us. We feel temptation is in front of us. We feel temptation is in front of us. We feel like we have no no option but to give like we have no no option but to give like we have no no option but to give in. Make a phone call. Call somebody and in. Make a phone call. Call somebody and in. Make a phone call. Call somebody and say, "Hey, here's what's going on. Can say, "Hey, here's what's going on. Can say, "Hey, here's what's going on. Can you help me?" you help me?" you help me?" What? God knows that it is hard to What? God knows that it is hard to What? God knows that it is hard to follow hard after them. And he's given follow hard after them. And he's given follow hard after them. And he's given us one another to help in that fight. us one another to help in that fight. us one another to help in that fight. You can refuse. Number two that we're You can refuse. Number two that we're You can refuse. Number two that we're learning from Joseph is you can't avoid. learning from Joseph is you can't avoid. learning from Joseph is you can't avoid. It says he refused to go to bed with her It says he refused to go to bed with her It says he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. He is avoiding this or even be with her. He is avoiding this or even be with her. He is avoiding this lady like the plague. He's social lady like the plague. He's social lady like the plague. He's social distancing. He is allergic to her distancing. He is allergic to her distancing. He is allergic to her presence. I do not want to see her. Some presence. I do not want to see her. Some presence. I do not want to see her. Some of us, we don't want to get burned by of us, we don't want to get burned by of us, we don't want to get burned by the fire, but we do want to stand right the fire, but we do want to stand right the fire, but we do want to stand right outside the door and sniff the fumes outside the door and sniff the fumes outside the door and sniff the fumes or just touch the hot door knob just a or just touch the hot door knob just a or just touch the hot door knob just a little bit. And one of the reasons is little bit. And one of the reasons is little bit. And one of the reasons is because we trust ourselves far too much.

because we trust ourselves far too much. because we trust ourselves far too much. We think, "I'm going to tiptoe up to the We think, "I'm going to tiptoe up to the We think, "I'm going to tiptoe up to the line and I'm so strong that I will never line and I'm so strong that I will never line and I'm so strong that I will never step over it or I'll be around. I I will step over it or I'll be around. I I will step over it or I'll be around. I I will just take in a number of those just take in a number of those just take in a number of those invitations that go the wrong way and invitations that go the wrong way and invitations that go the wrong way and I'm so strong I will refuse them each I'm so strong I will refuse them each I'm so strong I will refuse them each time." You are lying to yourself. time." You are lying to yourself. time." You are lying to yourself. >> You are denying what the Bible says >> You are denying what the Bible says >> You are denying what the Bible says about the nature of the human heart. We about the nature of the human heart. We about the nature of the human heart. We are vulnerable. Not only is poison being are vulnerable. Not only is poison being are vulnerable. Not only is poison being offered to us, but we have a taste for offered to us, but we have a taste for offered to us, but we have a taste for poison. You have to be honest and realistic You have to be honest and realistic about what you like. I I want to about what you like. I I want to about what you like. I I want to encourage you to avoid. It is not encourage you to avoid. It is not encourage you to avoid. It is not cowardly to avoid situations that would cowardly to avoid situations that would cowardly to avoid situations that would tempt you. It is courageous and tempt you. It is courageous and tempt you. It is courageous and faithful. I ask my wife not to buy Dr. faithful. I ask my wife not to buy Dr. faithful. I ask my wife not to buy Dr. Pepper because if it's in my house, I Pepper because if it's in my house, I Pepper because if it's in my house, I will drink it. And I won't just drink will drink it. And I won't just drink will drink it. And I won't just drink one, I will drink all of them. one, I will drink all of them. one, I will drink all of them. I remember talking to an older man. He I remember talking to an older man. He I remember talking to an older man. He was in his late 50s and he was asking was in his late 50s and he was asking was in his late 50s and he was asking for prayer for prayer for prayer for lust and temptation and it was like for lust and temptation and it was like for lust and temptation and it was like 15 years ago and I was like, "Wait, 15 years ago and I was like, "Wait, 15 years ago and I was like, "Wait, what?" I was like, "Wait, I thought we what?" I was like, "Wait, I thought we what?" I was like, "Wait, I thought we would be past that by this point."

would be past that by this point." would be past that by this point." It was very foolish of me. What he It was very foolish of me. What he It was very foolish of me. What he understood is no matter how old we are, understood is no matter how old we are, understood is no matter how old we are, how mature we are, we are vulnerable and how mature we are, we are vulnerable and how mature we are, we are vulnerable and we should live with that in mind. Third we should live with that in mind. Third we should live with that in mind. Third lesson we see from him right right here lesson we see from him right right here lesson we see from him right right here is you can run. is you can run. is you can run. Joseph does not sit down with her and Joseph does not sit down with her and Joseph does not sit down with her and talk about it. He doesn't call HR. He talk about it. He doesn't call HR. He talk about it. He doesn't call HR. He fled. fled. fled. So should you. You should run. You So should you. You should run. You So should you. You should run. You should escape. You should flee. should escape. You should flee. should escape. You should flee. Listen to these other passages that talk Listen to these other passages that talk Listen to these other passages that talk about fleeing sin. 1 Timothy 6 6:11, about fleeing sin. 1 Timothy 6 6:11, about fleeing sin. 1 Timothy 6 6:11, "You, man of God, flee from these things "You, man of God, flee from these things "You, man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness and pursue righteousness and pursue righteousness because he says that, you know, many because he says that, you know, many because he says that, you know, many have wandered away from the faith and have wandered away from the faith and have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee sexual Corinthians 6:18, "Flee sexual Corinthians 6:18, "Flee sexual immorality." 2 Timothy 2, flee from immorality." 2 Timothy 2, flee from immorality." 2 Timothy 2, flee from youthful passions and pursue youthful passions and pursue youthful passions and pursue righteousness. 1 Corinthians 10, flee righteousness. 1 Corinthians 10, flee righteousness. 1 Corinthians 10, flee from idolatry. from idolatry. from idolatry. Some things are so dangerous that you Some things are so dangerous that you Some things are so dangerous that you run. run. run. You run away. You hear loud bangs in You run away. You hear loud bangs in You run away. You hear loud bangs in public, you run. You see somebody you public, you run. You see somebody you public, you run. You see somebody you don't know running after you, you run.

don't know running after you, you run. don't know running after you, you run. I do have a family full of people who I do have a family full of people who I do have a family full of people who run when it's not really a situation to run when it's not really a situation to run when it's not really a situation to run. Everybody's scared of bugs in my run. Everybody's scared of bugs in my run. Everybody's scared of bugs in my family illogically. I remember early on family illogically. I remember early on family illogically. I remember early on in my marriage, I came home and my wife in my marriage, I came home and my wife in my marriage, I came home and my wife was in our basement just standing at the was in our basement just standing at the was in our basement just standing at the bottom of the stairs. I'm like, "Babe, bottom of the stairs. I'm like, "Babe, bottom of the stairs. I'm like, "Babe, what are you doing?" She was like, "Oh, what are you doing?" She was like, "Oh, what are you doing?" She was like, "Oh, it's a bug at the top of the stairs." it's a bug at the top of the stairs." it's a bug at the top of the stairs." I said, "How long have you been standing I said, "How long have you been standing I said, "How long have you been standing down there?" She was down there for over down there?" She was down there for over down there?" She was down there for over an hour just waiting for me to come an hour just waiting for me to come an hour just waiting for me to come home. I'm like, "You can't sneak by home. I'm like, "You can't sneak by home. I'm like, "You can't sneak by if there's like a buzz of a fly and if there's like a buzz of a fly and if there's like a buzz of a fly and we're all outside. Everybody starts we're all outside. Everybody starts we're all outside. Everybody starts running and ducking for cover." My son running and ducking for cover." My son running and ducking for cover." My son sometimes will come inside from playing sometimes will come inside from playing sometimes will come inside from playing basketball. I'm like, "Oh, I thought you basketball. I'm like, "Oh, I thought you basketball. I'm like, "Oh, I thought you was hooping." He's like, "Oh, there's a was hooping." He's like, "Oh, there's a was hooping." He's like, "Oh, there's a a bee in the next town over." I'm like, a bee in the next town over." I'm like, a bee in the next town over." I'm like, "Can y'all relax?" There are some things there. It's like, There are some things there. It's like, it's not that serious. Just leave them it's not that serious. Just leave them it's not that serious. Just leave them alone and they'll leave you alone. This alone and they'll leave you alone. This alone and they'll leave you alone. This is not the case with sin. It is that is not the case with sin. It is that is not the case with sin. It is that serious. serious. serious. It will not leave you alone. It will It will not leave you alone. It will It will not leave you alone. It will keep knocking. So, we should run. You keep knocking. So, we should run. You keep knocking. So, we should run. You are in danger. And you don't need to be are in danger. And you don't need to be are in danger. And you don't need to be dignified about it. Cuz Joseph, she dignified about it. Cuz Joseph, she dignified about it. Cuz Joseph, she grabbed his cloak and he spun right out grabbed his cloak and he spun right out grabbed his cloak and he spun right out of that cloak. And now he's streaking of that cloak. And now he's streaking of that cloak. And now he's streaking through the property through the property through the property because he understands this temptation because he understands this temptation because he understands this temptation is so serious and so dire. I cannot risk is so serious and so dire. I cannot risk is so serious and so dire. I cannot risk anything. I will flee.

anything. I will flee. anything. I will flee. And this is true not only of sexual And this is true not only of sexual And this is true not only of sexual temptation. Some of us are tempted to temptation. Some of us are tempted to temptation. Some of us are tempted to envy. Some of us when we open up envy. Some of us when we open up envy. Some of us when we open up Instagram, we are tempted to sinful envy Instagram, we are tempted to sinful envy Instagram, we are tempted to sinful envy and jealousy. It's bad for our hearts. and jealousy. It's bad for our hearts. and jealousy. It's bad for our hearts. Brother, sister, you need to flee. Brother, sister, you need to flee. Brother, sister, you need to flee. Some of us are tempted to anxiety when Some of us are tempted to anxiety when Some of us are tempted to anxiety when we're with certain friends who all they we're with certain friends who all they we're with certain friends who all they do is complain. I want to encourage you. do is complain. I want to encourage you. do is complain. I want to encourage you. Don't flirt with that temptation. Flee. Whatever that sin is. He says to flee. Whatever that sin is. He says to flee. Last thing I'll say be before we move on Last thing I'll say be before we move on Last thing I'll say be before we move on is this. Do not wait until temptation is this. Do not wait until temptation is this. Do not wait until temptation has showed up to get ready to fight has showed up to get ready to fight has showed up to get ready to fight temptation. temptation. temptation. Once the first punch is thrown, it is Once the first punch is thrown, it is Once the first punch is thrown, it is too late to train for the fight. too late to train for the fight. too late to train for the fight. I want to encourage you to to live in I want to encourage you to to live in I want to encourage you to to live in such a way where you are training such a way where you are training such a way where you are training towards righteousness. So when that towards righteousness. So when that towards righteousness. So when that temptation shows up, you are prepared to temptation shows up, you are prepared to temptation shows up, you are prepared to refuse and to avoid and to run. refuse and to avoid and to run. refuse and to avoid and to run. Now let's look at what happens after the Now let's look at what happens after the Now let's look at what happens after the temptation because when God is with us, temptation because when God is with us, temptation because when God is with us, no enemy is too big. So let so let's see no enemy is too big. So let so let's see no enemy is too big. So let so let's see what's happening with both Joseph and what's happening with both Joseph and what's happening with both Joseph and his Lord. Verse 13, when she saw that he had left his when she saw that he had left his garment with her and had run outside, garment with her and had run outside, garment with her and had run outside, she called her household servants. Look, she called her household servants. Look, she called her household servants. Look, she said to them, "My husband brought a she said to them, "My husband brought a she said to them, "My husband brought a Hebrew man to make fools of us. He came Hebrew man to make fools of us. He came Hebrew man to make fools of us. He came to me so he could sleep with me, and I to me so he could sleep with me, and I to me so he could sleep with me, and I screamed as loud as I could. And when he screamed as loud as I could. And when he screamed as loud as I could. And when he heard me screaming for help, he left his heard me screaming for help, he left his heard me screaming for help, he left his garment beside me and ran outside.

garment beside me and ran outside. garment beside me and ran outside. So she lies about what happens. And then So she lies about what happens. And then So she lies about what happens. And then her husband comes home and she lies to her husband comes home and she lies to her husband comes home and she lies to him. him. him. And the husband is so furious that this And the husband is so furious that this And the husband is so furious that this Joseph who we love so much, he throws Joseph who we love so much, he throws Joseph who we love so much, he throws him in prison. him in prison. him in prison. Some of us when we obey God, we expect Some of us when we obey God, we expect Some of us when we obey God, we expect God to be waiting right outside the door God to be waiting right outside the door God to be waiting right outside the door with a piece of candy. with a piece of candy. with a piece of candy. But sometimes the truth is our But sometimes the truth is our But sometimes the truth is our faithfulness will have consequences, faithfulness will have consequences, faithfulness will have consequences, negative consequences. negative consequences. negative consequences. And my question for you is, do you trust And my question for you is, do you trust And my question for you is, do you trust God enough God enough God enough >> to still resist temptation when you >> to still resist temptation when you >> to still resist temptation when you think there are negative consequences think there are negative consequences think there are negative consequences tied to it? If if really the the decider tied to it? If if really the the decider tied to it? If if really the the decider of how things go in your life is this of how things go in your life is this of how things go in your life is this God who holds everything in his hands, God who holds everything in his hands, God who holds everything in his hands, do you trust him enough to say, "God, do you trust him enough to say, "God, do you trust him enough to say, "God, I'm going to do what you've called me to I'm going to do what you've called me to I'm going to do what you've called me to do even when bad consequences are do even when bad consequences are do even when bad consequences are threatened." threatened." threatened." Whether that's broken relationships or Whether that's broken relationships or Whether that's broken relationships or that's the pain of denying yourself that's the pain of denying yourself that's the pain of denying yourself something, I want you to know this. The something, I want you to know this. The something, I want you to know this. The best thing for you is always what God best thing for you is always what God best thing for you is always what God calls you to in any and every situation.

calls you to in any and every situation. calls you to in any and every situation. A promotion that you can only get with A promotion that you can only get with A promotion that you can only get with compromise is not best for you. A compromise is not best for you. A compromise is not best for you. A marriage that you can only get with sin marriage that you can only get with sin marriage that you can only get with sin is not best for you. A friendship that is not best for you. A friendship that is not best for you. A friendship that you can only keep with immorality is not you can only keep with immorality is not you can only keep with immorality is not best for you. A community that only best for you. A community that only best for you. A community that only accepts you when you embrace your sin is accepts you when you embrace your sin is accepts you when you embrace your sin is not best for you. God knows what's best not best for you. God knows what's best not best for you. God knows what's best for you. for you. for you. >> And we should trust him when God is with >> And we should trust him when God is with >> And we should trust him when God is with us. No enemy is too big. And and here's us. No enemy is too big. And and here's us. No enemy is too big. And and here's one of my favorite sentences in this one of my favorite sentences in this one of my favorite sentences in this whole passage. At the end of verse 20, whole passage. At the end of verse 20, whole passage. At the end of verse 20, it says, "But while Joseph was there in it says, "But while Joseph was there in it says, "But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him. He showed prison, the Lord was with him. He showed prison, the Lord was with him. He showed him kindness and he granted him eyes in him kindness and he granted him eyes in him kindness and he granted him eyes in the he granted him favor in the eyes of the he granted him favor in the eyes of the he granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." So the warden put the prison warden." So the warden put the prison warden." So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in Joseph in charge of all those held in Joseph in charge of all those held in prison. You can't keep Joseph down. prison. You can't keep Joseph down. prison. You can't keep Joseph down. Every time you try to do something worse Every time you try to do something worse Every time you try to do something worse to Joseph, to Joseph, to Joseph, the Lord is like, "And I'm going to show the Lord is like, "And I'm going to show the Lord is like, "And I'm going to show him favor there, too. You just throw him him favor there, too. You just throw him him favor there, too. You just throw him in jail. We going to put him in charge in jail. We going to put him in charge in jail. We going to put him in charge of the jail." That's crazy.

of the jail." That's crazy. of the jail." That's crazy. But when God is with us, no enemy is too But when God is with us, no enemy is too But when God is with us, no enemy is too big. big. big. Joseph is an example, but not an example Joseph is an example, but not an example Joseph is an example, but not an example of how to earn God's favor. Joseph is an of how to earn God's favor. Joseph is an of how to earn God's favor. Joseph is an example of how to respond to God's favor example of how to respond to God's favor example of how to respond to God's favor with obedience, resisting temptation. with obedience, resisting temptation. with obedience, resisting temptation. You know, you may say, "Trip, but what You know, you may say, "Trip, but what You know, you may say, "Trip, but what happens for those times that I do give happens for those times that I do give happens for those times that I do give into temptations? Do do I lose God being into temptations? Do do I lose God being into temptations? Do do I lose God being with me?" Here, here's what scripture with me?" Here, here's what scripture with me?" Here, here's what scripture says we should do. Verse 9 of uh 1 John says we should do. Verse 9 of uh 1 John says we should do. Verse 9 of uh 1 John chapter 1, if we confess our sins, he is chapter 1, if we confess our sins, he is chapter 1, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our faithful and righteous to forgive us our faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all sins and to cleanse us from all sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. unrighteousness. unrighteousness. When you give into temptation, When you give into temptation, When you give into temptation, I do not want you to run away from God. I do not want you to run away from God. I do not want you to run away from God. Don't flee from God. God is saying, "I Don't flee from God. God is saying, "I Don't flee from God. God is saying, "I loved you before you gave into loved you before you gave into loved you before you gave into temptation, and I love you now. Don't temptation, and I love you now. Don't temptation, and I love you now. Don't try to clean yourself up and then come try to clean yourself up and then come try to clean yourself up and then come back." He's saying, "Come to me and let back." He's saying, "Come to me and let back." He's saying, "Come to me and let me clean you up." Because we have a me clean you up." Because we have a me clean you up." Because we have a loving savior in Jesus.

If you're here today and you don't know If you're here today and you don't know Jesus, you may say, "Well, look, if if Jesus, you may say, "Well, look, if if Jesus, you may say, "Well, look, if if God being with me, his favor is the key God being with me, his favor is the key God being with me, his favor is the key to things going well, how do I get this to things going well, how do I get this to things going well, how do I get this favor from God?" I'm so glad you asked favor from God?" I'm so glad you asked favor from God?" I'm so glad you asked that question. that question. that question. There's this word uh that the Bible uses There's this word uh that the Bible uses There's this word uh that the Bible uses a lot, grace. And what that means is a lot, grace. And what that means is a lot, grace. And what that means is unmmerited favor. unmmerited favor. unmmerited favor. Favor from God that you did not earn. Favor from God that you did not earn. Favor from God that you did not earn. The Bible says that we're saved by The Bible says that we're saved by The Bible says that we're saved by grace. That unmmerited favor through grace. That unmmerited favor through grace. That unmmerited favor through faith. The incredible thing about faith. The incredible thing about faith. The incredible thing about following Jesus is Jesus. following Jesus is Jesus. following Jesus is Jesus. Everyone else in the world wants you to Everyone else in the world wants you to Everyone else in the world wants you to earn earn your way in. Do good things to earn earn your way in. Do good things to earn earn your way in. Do good things to earn favor with God. That's how you can earn favor with God. That's how you can earn favor with God. That's how you can get on my good side. God is saying, "I'm get on my good side. God is saying, "I'm get on my good side. God is saying, "I'm going to send my son Jesus." going to send my son Jesus." going to send my son Jesus." And the Lord Jesus lived the perfect And the Lord Jesus lived the perfect And the Lord Jesus lived the perfect life that we could not live. And he's life that we could not live. And he's life that we could not live. And he's saying, "Come after me." Oh, there but saying, "Come after me." Oh, there but saying, "Come after me." Oh, there but there's some sin that you can't defeat. there's some sin that you can't defeat. there's some sin that you can't defeat. Jesus says, "I defeated that on your Jesus says, "I defeated that on your Jesus says, "I defeated that on your behalf. Come after me." But there's evil behalf. Come after me." But there's evil behalf. Come after me." But there's evil that that we can't overcome. Jesus said, that that we can't overcome. Jesus said, that that we can't overcome. Jesus said, "I defeated that evil. Come after me."

"I defeated that evil. Come after me." "I defeated that evil. Come after me." But there's death. Jesus said, "I But there's death. Jesus said, "I But there's death. Jesus said, "I already submitted myself to death and already submitted myself to death and already submitted myself to death and rose from the grave victorious. Come rose from the grave victorious. Come rose from the grave victorious. Come after me." after me." after me." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And Jesus is saying, "I've committed >> And Jesus is saying, "I've committed >> And Jesus is saying, "I've committed myself to those who trust in me. I will myself to those who trust in me. I will myself to those who trust in me. I will give you that favor freely. The only give you that favor freely. The only give you that favor freely. The only thing I ask is trust in me and come thing I ask is trust in me and come thing I ask is trust in me and come after me. You will never be able to live after me. You will never be able to live after me. You will never be able to live such an incredible life that you can get such an incredible life that you can get such an incredible life that you can get on God's good side." God is saying the on God's good side." God is saying the on God's good side." God is saying the Lord Jesus gave his life. Come after him Lord Jesus gave his life. Come after him Lord Jesus gave his life. Come after him and I am with you. and I am with you. and I am with you. That is the good news of Jesus. And then That is the good news of Jesus. And then That is the good news of Jesus. And then we can commit ourselves to him because we can commit ourselves to him because we can commit ourselves to him because he's already committed himself to us. he's already committed himself to us. he's already committed himself to us. Last thing I'll say is this. Joseph, you Last thing I'll say is this. Joseph, you Last thing I'll say is this. Joseph, you you look in his life and you see that you look in his life and you see that you look in his life and you see that God's favor was with him everywhere. And God's favor was with him everywhere. And God's favor was with him everywhere. And what we see in scripture is those of us what we see in scripture is those of us what we see in scripture is those of us who are in Christ, I mean, we we are who are in Christ, I mean, we we are who are in Christ, I mean, we we are Joseph. Romans 8 says this, "If God has Joseph. Romans 8 says this, "If God has Joseph. Romans 8 says this, "If God has already given his own son Jesus, won't already given his own son Jesus, won't already given his own son Jesus, won't he with him freely give us all things?"

he with him freely give us all things?" he with him freely give us all things?" God has already promised us far more God has already promised us far more God has already promised us far more than what we see him doing in the life than what we see him doing in the life than what we see him doing in the life of Joseph here. He has promised to pour of Joseph here. He has promised to pour of Joseph here. He has promised to pour his grace and goodness on our heads for his grace and goodness on our heads for his grace and goodness on our heads for an eternity. an eternity. an eternity. And my encouragement to us today is to And my encouragement to us today is to And my encouragement to us today is to respond to that grace and that favor respond to that grace and that favor respond to that grace and that favor that is freely offered in Jesus that is freely offered in Jesus that is freely offered in Jesus by trusting him. by trusting him. by trusting him. Jesus says, he tells us all these things Jesus says, he tells us all these things Jesus says, he tells us all these things so that our joy may be full. Trust this so that our joy may be full. Trust this so that our joy may be full. Trust this guy who has such a good track record guy who has such a good track record guy who has such a good track record working towards our good. And my prayer is that that trust would And my prayer is that that trust would show up and remembering that no enemy is show up and remembering that no enemy is show up and remembering that no enemy is too big because this God is with us. too big because this God is with us. too big because this God is with us. Amen.