Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Lust: The Case of Joseph

107 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

Three Marks That Turn Desire Into Lust

  • Lust shows three characteristics: desire out of control, pleasure without a promise, and pleasure without a person.
  • Keller highlights compulsive fixation as a key sign of lust's disorder.
INSIGHT

Pleasure Without Promise Is Hollow

  • Lust is wanting pleasure without the commitment that gives it meaning.
  • Keller stresses sex is meant only within a complete, exclusive, permanent marriage commitment.
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