God wants to use pure people for His mission. We seek purity to be ready to participate in that mission. In Genesis 39, Joseph provides an excellent example of how we should respond to the temptation of sexual sin.

Remember

When Potiphar’s wife asked Joseph to lie with him, Joseph responded by remembering that this was not just a sin against her or against Potiphar but primarily against God. Potiphar’s wife was likely beautiful and could probably get away with this sin, which could have made it easier for Joseph to give in. But in the moment of temptation, he remembered that God was present. Even if nobody else knew or saw, God would. His heavenly Father was watching.

Refuse

Joseph also responded by refusing. Notice that this was not just a one-time occurrence. It happened day after day. Joseph had to engage in a long, entrenched battle against temptation. Purity is not easy, but it is simple. It is accomplished by saying no to sin by the power of the Holy Spirit in you.

Run

When the biggest moment of temptation came, Joseph responded by turning and running immediately. He didn’t even stay to get his coat. There are times in life when you must stand firm and other times when you must run. The Bible commands us to flee sexual immorality. This principle applies to many other temptations besides sexual sin. Don’t place yourself in a situation where it would be easy to sin in any way.

Too often, we presume upon our purity. When temptations arise, we stay far longer than we should. This can lead to great devastation. Instead, we must get out of there. It doesn’t matter if it’s inconvenient or awkward or if we will be made fun of or thought less of. There is no price too great to pay for purity.

Respond

Because Joseph remembered, refused, and ran, he was put in prison. He likely knew there would be serious consequences, but he still chose to accept a life of serious suffering rather than giving in to sin.

Remember that you are never too far gone. There is appropriate remorse for your sin, but you must turn from guilt to the Gospel. There is no condemnation for those in Christ.

Also remember that you can’t do this on your own. Don’t believe you can achieve purity by simply trying harder. You need help. We all do. Repent and ask God to make you a pure person. Fill your mind with God’s Word. Talk to somebody if you need to. Satan loves when you keep your sin in the dark. Jesus says in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”