Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Lust: The Case of Joseph

56 snips
Oct 13, 2025
Joseph's rise in Potiphar's house is abruptly challenged by temptation from Potiphar's wife. The discussion explores how sexual desire can disrupt success and defines lust as desire out of control. Lust is characterized as pleasure without commitment, lacking the depth of genuine love. Joseph's resistance highlights the importance of controlling thoughts and actions, grounded in God's purposes. The podcast concludes with a message of grace for those who stumble, emphasizing Christ's call to repentance and mercy.
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ANECDOTE

Success Interrupted By Unexpected Temptation

  • Keller recounts Joseph's rapid rise to Potiphar's estate leadership before temptation struck.
  • He uses this to show sex can arrive unexpectedly and disrupt success.
INSIGHT

Lust Is Desire Out Of Order

  • Lust here means desire that is out of order rather than mere sexual desire.
  • Timothy Keller emphasizes Jesus' teaching that looking with lust is adultery of the heart.
INSIGHT

Sex Is Good, Lust Is Corrupted

  • Sexual desire itself is not sinful and the Bible affirms sexual goodness within purpose.
  • Keller argues lust is a natural desire corrupted when it becomes disordered and obsessive.
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