Hosts Seth Pippin and Noah Wagner, joined by guest Lyndon Glover, study Genesis 39, tracing Joseph’s rise in Potiphar’s house, his confrontation with temptation, false accusation, imprisonment, and God’s continued favor. The episode defines temptation biblically, distinguishes temptation from testing, and offers practical guidance for fleeing sin while trusting God’s sovereign purposes.

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Coffee Notes & Sponsor

• Drinks:

• Lyndon: Mocha cold brew with strawberry cold foam

• Noah: Iced Americano

• Seth: Attempted brown sugar–cinnamon cafe con leche (unsuccessful)

• Weather note: Florida swing from 74°F to 34°F

• Banter: Starbucks name mishaps (“Sef,” “noodle”)

• Sponsor: Fresh Grounds Coffee (Bonifay) — affordable, freshly roasted beans ground in-house, freshly prepared food, community-centered, mission-minded; official coffee provider of the podcast

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This Week’s Reading Overview (Genesis 39–47)

• Joseph serves in Potiphar’s house, is falsely accused, and imprisoned

• In prison, Joseph interprets dreams for the cupbearer and baker; the cupbearer forgets him for two years

• Pharaoh’s dreams lead to Joseph’s rise as second-in-command over Egypt

• Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt during famine; after testing them, Joseph forgives and restores his family, relocating them to Egypt

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Genesis 39 — Rise, Temptation, and False Accusation

Joseph’s Placement and God’s Favor

• Joseph is purchased by Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard

• “The Lord was with Joseph,” and everything he touched prospered

• Potiphar entrusts his entire household to Joseph

The Temptation

• Joseph is “handsome in form and appearance”

• Potiphar’s wife persistently urges him to sin

• Joseph refuses, citing loyalty to Potiphar and faithfulness to God: “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

Flight and Consequences

• Joseph flees, leaving his garment behind

• Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses him

• Joseph is imprisoned despite his obedience

God’s Presence in Prison

• The Lord remains with Joseph

• Joseph gains favor with the prison keeper

• Even in confinement, Joseph is entrusted with responsibility and success

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What Temptation Is (and Is Not)

• Temptation does not come from God (James 1:13–15)

• Temptation itself is not sin; yielding to it is

• Scripture distinguishes:

• Testing — from God, for growth

• Temptation — arises from sinful desire

• Temptation often appears attractive and near to truth (Genesis 3; Matthew 4)

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How to Respond to Temptation

Flee, Don’t Flirt

• Joseph does not negotiate — he runs

• Wisdom avoids proximity to sin

Fix Your Focus

• Obedience flows from a God-centered heart

• Replace fixation on the forbidden with devotion to God

Pray and Prepare

• Watch and pray to avoid temptation (Matthew 26:41)

• Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6)

Key Commands Highlighted

• Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18)

• Flee idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14)

• Flee youthful passions; pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22)

• Make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14)

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Obedience, Suffering, and Sovereignty

• Obedience does not guarantee immediate relief

• God’s favor does not disappear in hardship

• God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28)

• Joseph’s suffering positioned him to preserve lives and restore his family

• Salvation is the beginning — believers live daily to honor God and store treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21)

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Next Steps

• Continue the reading plan (Genesis 39–47)

• Practice fleeing temptation through boundaries, prayer, and daily focus on Christ

• Share the episode with someone who needs encouragement