Principles of resistance...

Temptation...a knock on an as yet unopened door. The disguised visitor is at first subtle, gentle, and persuasive...the voice a calm whisper of suggestion, of wooing, courting, and invitation. Knock, knock, knock...are you there? Will you let me in?

You see, it is not only Jesus that stands at the door and knocks. The Lord's words to Cain say as much; "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."

Sin lies at the door...temptation is its knock. Will you answer the door? Will you let the slime ooze through the crack?

Paul tells us that "whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." The story of Joseph in Genesis chapter 39 is one such treasure trove from which we can derive a number of lessons on the subject of temptation, and on how to keep our door firmly shut. Here are a few principles of resistance...

1. Be aware. Temptation is common to humanity ever since the Fall, so we should not be taken by surprise when we hear the siren song. Since Eden, the serpent continues to slither into our lives, lulling us to sleep with lullabies of lies. But for those who seek to live godly lives, Paul tells us, these lullabies soon change into ferocious screams of fury as the wicked one unleashes his hatred upon those whose doors remain sealed. So be aware - temptation will knock and persecution will threaten to break you down.

2. Be mindful of the nature of sin. Joseph's reasons for resistance and refusal show that he understood that no sin was ever a private matter...succumbing to her temptation to lie with her would have been an affront, not only to Potiphar and everyone else in the household (as Joseph had been entrusted with the affairs of his master), but also to God, as the right name for it was wickedness.





3. Be vigilant. "Sin lies at the door," God told Cain. "Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour," Peter warns us. Be watchful, be wary, be awake, be alert...






4. Be proactive. It was when Joseph was alone in the house that Potiphar's wife nailed him! I learned a long time ago never to counsel anyone on my own. This is not a lack of trust in the person or in me...it is a principle of proactive resistance. Solomon tells us that "two are better than one...for if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to pick him up."

Of course, one cannot predict the times and places temptation will present itself...so we ought always to...

5. Be ready...to run! We are explicitly told in Scripture to flee sexual immorality and other ungodly desires and to rather pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Finding himself in a rather sticky situation, Joseph ran...even though his resistance cost him his prospects. When that happens, as it often does, there is only one thing to do and that is to...

6. Be humble. Peter tells us that we ought not to think it strange when fiery trials come our way as though something strange was happening to us. Being reproached for the name of Christ is a blessing, and if we are called to suffer with Him as a Christian we ought not to be ashamed, but rather to glorify him in the matter. So, don't loose the battle at this point by launching a counter attack - that in itself is a temptation - but rather submit yourself to God in continuing to do good as to a faithful Creator. We have the promise that he will exalt us in due time.

And so finally...

7. Be dependent. The author of the letter to the Hebrews tells that Jesus, not only shared our human form, but also suffered as one of us, being tempted in all points, yet without sin. As a sympathetic High Priest, he is then well able to aid us when we are tempted. Depend on him...rely on him...rest in him...and let him help you keep that door shut.