Trios of Evil, 1of6

~ Lust of the Eyes – Lust of the Flesh – Pride of Life ~

The Key Scripture ~ “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]” (1 John 2:16, amp – bracketed items are from the Amplified Bible version).

the example of our Lord Jesus Christ:  The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ in His humanity was tempted in every way that we can be tempted.  “For we have not an high priest [Jesus Christ] which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).  Someone might say, “So what?”  The Word of God answers, “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).  Interestingly, in Matthew 4 we find the devil deliberately tempting Jesus Christ in each of the three areas we are looking at in this post (as noted below). 

Clarification ~ “Lust” in Scripture relates to internal sin—any wrong longing or desire which leads away from God.  The issue of lust is about the focus and passion of our hearts.  Are we focused on our eternal God or towards lesser temporal objects (see Romans 1:21-23)? 

the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Remember when He explained the parable of the sower He said, “Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world [lust of the flesh], the deceitfulness of riches [lust of the eyes], and the desires for other things [pride of life] entering in choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19).

The Lust of the Flesh (physical appetite) ~ In today’s modern societies many areas of physical appetite lure us: food, drink, drugs, personal comfort, etc.

the example of our Lord Jesus Christ:  “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.  The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’  Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”’” (Matthew 4:1-4).  The first temptation our Savior faced was related to the lust of the flesh in His humanity—to His physical appetite.

The Lust of the Eyes (aesthetic nature) ~ Particularly in “civilized countries” it is so easy to be consumed with wanting more and more—never satisfied with what we have—a lack of contentment with what we have!  For some it might be a drive for financial security—always wanting more.  “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

the example of our Lord Jesus Christ:  “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  ‘All this I will give You,’ he said, ‘if You will bow down and worship me.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Away from Me, Satan!  For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”’  Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him” (Matthew 4:8-11).  This temptation was related to the lust of His eyes in His humanity—His aesthetic nature.

The Pride of Life (spiritual ambition) ~ Pride is one of the sins God tells us He absolutely abhors! (Proverbs 6:17)  Pride is a root of every sin.  I have to believe that pride in one’s spiritual accomplishments, reputation, or position is at the top of God’s hatred of pride!  There is a story about the Prince of Preachers who after preaching a message was told, “Charles Haddon Spurgeon, I want you to know that was the greatest message you have ever preached!”  To which, he immediately replied, “Thank you, but the Devil already told me that!”

the example of our Lord Jesus Christ:  “Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple.  ‘If You are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw Yourself down.  For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike your foot against a stone.”’  Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”’” (Matthew 4:5-7).  This temptation was related to the pride of life in His humanity—to His reputation through display of His available power.

Observation ~ In all three of these dangerous errors we find that things that are intrinsically good can quickly become idols to us—causing us to drift from an intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior.

The Bottom Line ~ “Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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