Temptation and Deliverance (Genesis 39:12) | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into Temptation and Deliverance (Genesis 39:12) by Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards’ sermon, "Temptation and Deliverance," uses the biblical account of Joseph fleeing from Potiphar's wife to establish the doctrine that Christians must avoid not only sin itself but also any situation that leads or exposes them to it. Edwards highlights that Joseph did not merely verbally refuse to commit uncleanness; he physically fled the house to remove himself from the presence of temptation, illustrating that one should avoid spiritual dangers with the same urgency one would use to escape a burning building.Edwards offers several arguments to support this duty. He posits that because sin is an infinite evil against God, believers must use the utmost diligence to avoid it. He draws a parallel to temporal prudence, noting that people naturally avoid behaviors that risk their health or property, and argues they should be even more solicitous regarding their souls. Furthermore, he suggests that praying "lead us not into temptation" while voluntarily entering into it is a contradiction.To help his congregation discern what exposes them to sin, Edwards provides specific rules. He warns against things that border on natural lusts, feed sinful imaginations, or are known by experience to be attended by wickedness. He specifically points to the evidence of spiritual revivals: if a custom vanishes during an outpouring of the Spirit and returns only when religion decays, that custom is inherently harmful.The sermon concludes with a severe warning to young people regarding "frolicking" and late-night mixed-sex gatherings. Edwards argues these customs foster uncleanness, hinder serious religion, and violate family order. He urges heads of families to forbid these "works of darkness" and calls on all to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730