Both Judah and Joseph were away from the spiritual influence of their home and family (38:1; 39:1) – Judah voluntarily and Joseph involuntarily. How do they react to their immersion in a different culture? What does their reaction indicate about their character and their faith in God? How do you respond when you are away from those who know you? What do your actions indicate about your heart, your character and your relationship with Jesus?

Our sexuality is a wonderful and powerful gift from God (read the Song of Solomon!) but it can become an enslaving addiction when used inappropriately. In our culture, where almost any expression of sexuality is “healthy” and any limits on the expression of our sexuality are considered “unhealthy”, how can we who follow Jesus maintain our integrity in this area of our lives? What allowed Joseph to maintain his purity in the midst of repeated temptations?

Many of us have fallen short of God’s standards in this area and still struggle to maintain our purity. Remember, God desires to forgive us and can even redeem our broken sexuality (amazingly Tamar and Rahab are included in Jesus genealogy in Matthew!) Yet, we will need to battle our desires with the help of the Holy Spirit. If you are struggling, here are a few resources that may help: a free online book by Mark Driscoll mainly for men http://relit.org:80/porn_again_christian/ ; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave : Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel (Resources for Changing Lives) by Edward T Welch; Faithful & True by Dr. Mark Lasser. Remember I Cor. 10:13!

 

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