There is an interesting story in the Bible about sexual temptation, found in the Book of Genesis.
Potiphar’s wife was relentless in her efforts to persuade Joseph to give in to her sexual advances. She invited Joseph, “Come to bed with me” (Genesis 39:7). Typically, the word that would be used to refer to a man going to bed with a woman was a word of intimacy, such as found in Genesis 34:7 and 39:14. But the word here is less intimate. It means to lie beside a woman, not to engage in sex with her.
But Joseph’s response was just as strong as if the woman had proposed sex. He not only said “no,” he ran away from her as far and as fast as he could.
Here’s the lesson. Don’t just say no to the act. Run from the temptation. Joseph knew that if he lay down next to the sin, he would engage in that sin soon enough.
Recovery Step: Don’t hang out with temptation. Run from temptation – fast!
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
