Let’s look at an OT illustration that exemplifies this Proverb - the application of walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lust of the flesh:
Old Testament illustration:
Joseph in Potiphar’s house – Genesis 39
You remember Joseph's story and how he was a type of Christ who suffered at the hands of his brothers, sold into slavery, but by God’s hand became second in command of Egypt. Because of his position there at the right hand of Pharaoh – he was able to save his family and the nation of Egypt.
I want to focus a moment on Joseph’s trials while in Potiphar’s house.
Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard – bought Joseph.
The Lord was with Joseph and blessed everything he did in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar saw how everything Joseph did prospered. He really liked Joseph and made him the overseer of his house, and everyone was under Joseph’s authority. Potiphar so trusted Joseph that he didn’t even know what he had going on in his house, except that was served at mealtime. “I have no idea what is going on in my house – but this food is great.”
Verse 6 says that Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
In comes the temptation, Potiphar’s wife.
Potiphar’s wife (no name ever is given) – lusted after Joseph – “come to bed with me.” Notice Joseph’s response: “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
Day after day, she kept asking, “Come to bed with me.” Joseph avoided her like the Covid and maintained his social distancing. Until one day – when all others were out of the house – she grabbed his coat – “Come to bed with me!” – Joseph peeled out of his coat and ran out of the house.
She cried out, “RAPE.” And we know the rest of the story – prison for Joseph.
“It is better to lose a good coat than a good conscience.” (Matthew Henry)
Do you see how Jesus also was tempted and responded? We get a glimpse of the temptation in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. 40 days in fasting and prayer – the devil tempts Jesus in food, in covetousness, in pride. Lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Each time Jesus did not argue or reason – but quoted an applicable verse from God’s word to counter the temptation. “It is written…” “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
7. Are you so filled with God’s word – that as you are walking in the Spirit – God’s word comes to mind? Are you hearing – “This is the way – walk in it – and run-away!”? How can you have this type of mindset on God’s word?
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Jesus maintained His sinless life for our sake.