A Battle In The Midst Of The Storm Series

Intro. We saw the change of a father, and then the attack of his own family. Joseph is in a storm that was the path God had for him, yet another attack was looming.

An attack is not merely a threat of pain, or abuse. His brothers, those closest to him had attacked him. But now, an attack was lurking that was more dangerous than the pit. In our text, we find that Joseph has been sold to a man named Potiphar. Potiphar was a leader in the Egyptian government. Joseph found immediate favor and became a servant in the house instead of in the fields. At this time he would have been comfortable. He would still have great distress over what his brothers did, but he became a house servant. Yet, Joseph was in the midst of an unexpected storm. But in the midst of the storm, he would face more trouble. He was in the will of God! But the storm was still there.

I. Joseph’s Continuance - vs. 1-6 The story of Joseph is most of the time focused on what Joseph faced. The Predictions (dreams), the Pit, The House of Potiphar, the Prison, Pharoah, and the Palace. But underneath the story, we find the character of a 17 year old. He had been influenced by a changed father, and now, though he is in bondage, yet not bitter! He lives now the way his father would later define him: Gen. 49:22 "Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: 23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: 24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) 25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee..."

A. The Unwavering Spirit - It was evident in his life, that God was with him. What a testimony? 3 times we find the confirmation that the Lord was with Him.

1. For David - the battle was the Lord’s

2. For Daniel - the Lord put wisdom on him, and with him in the lion’s den

3. For the Hebrew Children - The Lord was the 4th man in the fire

And in verse two, it is clear that the presence of the Lord was evident.

B. The Unavoidable Success - Everything Joseph was touched by God.

1. The Prosperity - God made all he did to be profitable, even in his storm. God is watching in our storms! And will bless our obedience, even in our storms!

2. The Promotion - DON’T MISS THIS - He was such a great SERVANT, that he became the LEADER! He served so well, he was made the leader of the entire household. The very principle that Jesus taught. Mark 10:44 "And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Joseph was in a storm, but still bloomed where he was Planted! In the midst of the storm, Joseph stayed faithful.

II. Joseph’s Confrontation - vs. 7-12 There is not a person who has ever lived, including Jesus Himself, that has not faced temptation! Our temptation may not necessarily be like Joseph, but we can all have his determination.

A. Unholy Attraction - wicked woman - the sin that attacked him was the sin promiscuity. Joseph would have fought off lust. He rejected this woman, as if he had heard the words of Solomon to his own son, in speaking of a seductive woman - Prov. 7:24 "Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths." Many attacks come.

1. We may face Physical temptation - the lust of the flesh (Joseph)

2. We may face Material Temptation - the lust for things (lust of the eyes)

3. We may face Acceptance Temptation- the lust for fame or position

(pride of life), lust for a position at work, ministry, life - popularity.

B. Unrelenting Attack - vs. 10 temptation is going to attack - repeatedly!

1. The Encircling of Sin - There was a sin that was surrounding him! Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Speaks of sin that surrounds us!