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Dealing with Distractions
Genesis 39:4-12; 20-21
Pastor Earnest Thomas www.earnestandroline.com
I. Background
1. Joseph had a series of dreams where God showed him that he
would be elevated above his father, mother and brothers.
2. Therefore the brothers hated Joseph and one day threw him into a
pit. Joseph was sold to some traders traveling to Egypt. Then he
was purchased by Potiphar who was the captain of the guard.
Note: Be careful who you share your dreams with because those you
think will be dream keepers may actually be dream killers.
3. God’s favor was on Joseph’s life and he is promoted to managing
Potiphar’s entire household. The Bible says that Potiphar was
blessed because of Joseph.
4. But now Joseph must deal with the distraction (temptation) of Mrs.
Potiphar. A distraction is anything or anyone that delays or
detours you from your divine destiny.
Application: Satan sends distractions our way because he knows
that God has a greater destiny for us.
II. Difficulty with Distractions
1. Physical Stage of Life
1. Joseph is about 19 years old and is probably in the best physical
shape of his life.
2. While women peek sexually in there 30’s men peek sexually around
age 19 or 20. So Joseph would at this time be at his sexual peek.
3. If Joseph is a typical male, during this time his hormones have also
kicked into high gear.
4. So a sexual proposition from an attractive woman with no strings
attached and she happened to be married to your master is a
major distraction.
• Attractive because Potiphar had possessions and position.
He was rich and it was customary for rich men to have
younger attractive wives. Also, she was probably Egyptian
which means she was olive complexion, brown eyes, long
black hair and full lips and hips.
• No strings attached means that she did not want Joseph to
bring her candy or flowers; she did not want poetry or song;
she just wanted Joseph to sex her up.
Application: But Joseph is able to say “no” to his body because he
realizes that he is a spirit man, who has a soul that lives in a body. So
the spirit and soul was able to control or over-rule the body.
Illustration: An old man was once asked that if he had loin and a dog in a
fight, which one would win. The old man replied, “which ever one I feed
will win”. So if you feed your spirit and soul it will keep your flesh under
control.
2. Present Living Address
1. Joseph has been taken several miles away from his home into a
foreign country called Egypt.
