— Genesis 39:10-12

This scene with Joseph may seem so foreign to us, an attractive (assuming), married, powerful, woman makes advances toward a handsome, well-built man and the man runs away.  Sadly, it is a scene rarely shown on television or in the movies these days.  Joseph obviously had some amazing qualities that gave him the strength, virtue and integrity in order to withstand constant solicitation and sexual advances.

Although Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 6:10-18 to believers—to be “strong in the Lord” and to “put on the armor of God”—was chronicled over 1900 years later, Joseph seemed to have clothed and protected himself with armor in all of his decisions and actions.  How can we follow Joseph’s example and live a pure and godly life?  A good starting place is to arm ourselves with the armor of God.

Armor of God

These are our defensive weapons:

Belt of Truth – The belt of a warrior served as a foundation on the armor where weapons were attached.  Jesus is our foundation, and God’s Word (the truth) is where we connect to him.  To understand what it says about sin and temptation, we need to know and understand the Word.

How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.

— Psalm 119:9

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

— Psalm 119:11

The truth shall set you free [from sin].

— John 8:32
      
It is one thing to read, study and memorize verses in the Bible, but it’s another thing to actually apply what we read to our everyday life.  When we read the Bible, we are held accountable in God’s eyes for what we read.  If we don’t apply what we read in our lives, we sin against God. 

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.

— James 1:21-22

Breastplate of Righteousness – The breastplate of a warrior protected all of his vital organs from physical danger, while the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart and our soul from emotional and spiritual danger.  In order to wear the breastplate, we must choose righteousness over what we may think or feel, or what our friends or society tell us to do.  Our command is to follow the Lord in righteousness, but not through good works or actions on our part, but through our relationship with him.  Oftentimes, God is thought of as one who wants to put restrictions on us and has us give up earthly pleasures.  In reality, he is trying to protect us from making poor choices (giving in to premarital temptations) and refocus us on things that bring eternal pleasures.