And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is none greater in this house than I; neither has he withheld anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:7-9)
Joseph was anointed; he had God's favor on his life, a title, responsibility, and the anointing to lead. However, temptation often arises where favor exists. Nothing is more appealing to people than someone who is anointed. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many ministries fall due to inappropriate relationships. The enemy does not want you to walk in the fullness of God’s plan, so he will attempt to derail you through sin.
Notice the relentless pursuit Potiphar’s wife had for Joseph. She wasn’t just making a single request of him—this was an ongoing assault on his integrity. Time after time, Joseph refused her advances. He didn’t negotiate with temptation, entertain the thought, or try to justify it. Instead, he recognized it as a sin and chose to refrain from it.
Remember that Joseph had authority over all of Potiphar’s house, which means he could have concealed his sin, but he feared God more than he desired his own way.
You are anointed. With the anointing comes the enemy's temptation. Joseph was tempted, Samson was tempted, Jesus was tempted, and every highly anointed individual faces temptation too. Joseph’s story reminds us that obeying God is more valuable than fleeting pleasure.
Practical Application
When temptation rears its ugly head and you face the opportunity to sin, take immediate action to combat it. This might involve praying, speaking a word of faith, or simply moving to another location. Purposefully removing yourself, as Joseph did, helps you avoid succumbing to temptation.