Genesis 37–41; Lesson 34

Genesis 39

Overcoming Temptation

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

After Joseph became an overseer in Potiphar’s house, Potiphar’s wife tempted him to break the law of chastity. Joseph knew that succumbing to that temptation was a “sin against God” and chose to flee from the temptation (see Genesis 39:9, 12). This lesson can teach you how, with the Savior’s help, you can resist the temptation to break the law of chastity.

Study the Scriptures

Imagine you were baptized only a few months ago. A member of your family has heard about the law of chastity. They say, “That sounds silly! Why would you agree to live that way?”

Record in your notebook your understanding of and feelings about the law of chastity.

After Joseph was sold into Egypt, he was placed in Potiphar’s house. He was eventually made an overseer, in charge of all Potiphar had. Things seemed to be going very well (see Genesis 39:1–6).

Read Genesis 39:7–8. Mark what happened to Joseph while in Potiphar’s house. Note: The phrase “lie with me” means to have sexual relations.

For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices states the following about the law of chastity:

Sexual feelings are an important part of God’s plan to create happy marriages and eternal families. These feelings are not sinful—they are sacred. …

The law of chastity states that God approves of sexual activity only between a man and a woman who are married. …

Outside of marriage between a man and a woman, it is wrong to touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body even if clothed. In your choices about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in others or yourself. This includes pornography in any form. (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 23, 25)

How does this law compare to the current beliefs of the world?

It can be challenging to avoid falling into worldly temptations. If you have made mistakes, remember God sent Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself your sins so you can repent.

Review your explanation of the law of chastity. Add any new information you want to include. Respond to the following:

• Why do you think Heavenly Father has given us the law of chastity?

• What are some ways Satan tempts youth to break the law of chastity?

Read Genesis 39:9 to see how Joseph responded.

Genesis 39:9 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider tagging doctrinal mastery passages with the topic they teach so you can find them easily later. Memorize the reference and key scripture phrase, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” One way is to recite the reference and key scripture phrase a few times. Then have someone say a word and see if you can tell them the next word of the scripture.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

Why should I live the law of chastity?

Joseph understood the importance of being chaste. Study three or more of the following scriptures, looking for what the Lord taught about chastity. You could tag these passages “law of chastity.

• 1 Corinthians 6:18–20

• Alma 39:9

• Doctrine and Covenants 42:22

• Doctrine and Covenants 121:45

Read at least one of the following:

• For the Strength of Youth, pages 23, 25–28

• Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

  

  Such relations are not merely a curiosity to be explored, an appetite to be satisfied, or a type of recreation or entertainment to be pursued selfishly. They are not a conquest to be achieved or simply an act to be performed. Rather, they are in mortality one of the ultimate expressions of our divine nature and potential and a way of strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife. (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Liahona, May 2013, 42)

• Topics and Questions, “Chastity,” Gospel Library:

  Our Heavenly Father has given us the law of chastity for our protection. Obedience to this law is essential to personal peace and strength of character and to happiness in the home. Those who keep themselves sexually pure will avoid the spiritual and emotional damage that always comes from sharing physical intimacies with someone outside of marriage. Those who keep themselves sexually pure will be sensitive to the Holy Ghost’s guidance, strength, comfort, and protection.

Add to your notebook insights you want to remember. Include what you can do to follow the Lord’s command to live the law of chastity.

Option B

How can the Savior help me overcome temptation?

Joseph Resists Potiphar’s Wife, by Del Parson

Joseph faced temptation. So did Jesus Christ. Their examples can help you resist temptation. Read the following passages, looking for what each person did to resist temptation. You could tag certain phrases as “resisting temptation.”

• Joseph—Genesis 39:8–12

• Jesus Christ—Matthew 4:2–11

Watch the video “Overcoming Pornography with His Atoning Help” (2:27).

Think about your future family. What would you want your children to know that could help them resist temptation? In your notebook, record what you might share. Include what you have learned from Jesus Christ’s and Joseph’s examples.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To teach you how, with the Savior’s help, you can resist the temptation to break the law of chastity.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• What you learned about the law of chastity. Explain how this law is a gift from Heavenly Father.

• What you prepared to share about Jesus Christ and resisting temptation.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?