Lesson 15 of 17 · Genesis 39:1-23

Pursuing Integrity

Learn from Joseph's integrity under success, sexual temptation, false accusation, and unjust imprisonment, and see why faithfulness matters in secret.

Lesson video

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Required course reading

Genesis 39:1-23 - Pursuing Integrity

Read: God’s Standards (Genesis 39:7-20) through the end of the chapter

PDF pages: 348-365 · About 28 minutes

Concentrate on temptation, loyalty, God’s standards, false accusation, imprisonment, and continued faithfulness.

Optional deeper reading: God Oversees Our Life Affairs (PDF pages 339-347 · about 17 minutes).

Use the PDF or EPUB course book supplied after confirmed enrollment. In the EPUB, follow the chapter and section titles because page numbers vary by device.

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Introduction

Prepare for the lesson

Joseph's circumstances change dramatically, but his allegiance to God does not. He works faithfully, refuses persistent temptation, accepts the cost of righteousness, and continues serving even when integrity appears to bring suffering rather than reward.

Learning objectives

  • Define integrity as consistent faithfulness before God.
  • Recognize how prosperity as well as suffering tests character.
  • Prepare to resist persistent sexual temptation.
  • Remain faithful when obedience produces unjust consequences.

Lesson outline

Follow the main teaching

  1. The Lord is with Joseph

    God grants success, and Potiphar entrusts Joseph with responsibility.

  2. Integrity in prosperity

    Joseph does not misuse privilege or forget that he remains accountable to God.

  3. Persistent temptation

    Potiphar's wife repeatedly pressures Joseph to sin.

  4. A decisive refusal and escape

    Joseph names the evil, refuses betrayal, and runs from the occasion of sin.

  5. Integrity under injustice

    False accusation leads to prison, yet Joseph continues faithfully and God remains with him.

Class discussion

Reflect and apply

  1. How can prosperity test integrity?
  2. What reasons did Joseph give for refusing temptation?
  3. Why was fleeing the wise response?
  4. How should believers respond when doing right brings injustice?
  5. What boundary would strengthen your integrity?