Temptation, 8of13

~ 3 Major Categories of Temptation ~

A Clear Scripture  ~  “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). 

Physical Appetite (lust of the flesh)  ~  Heavily oriented towards the body.  This includes hunger and desires of many types.  The “world” in this passage is the world system which at this time is under the control of Satan.  Humanities first sin was wanting to eat the forbidden fruit—Eve saw it, wanted it, and intended to eat it. (Genesis 3:6).

Aesthetic Nature (lust of the eyes)  ~  Heavily oriented towards the spirit.  Eve saw that the fruit was “pleasant to the eyes” (Genesis 3:6).  There is so much in our world which appears good—but is a false momentary pleasure. 

Spiritual Ambition (lust for power)  ~  Heavily oriented towards the soul.  The root here is pride—and pride is a root of all sin.  Eve believed that the tree was desired for gaining wisdom (Genesis 3:6).

Our Example  ~  It is interesting to note that when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness Satan came at Him in these same three areas!  In each case, Jesus Christ stood strong withstanding the temptation because of the Word of God.  Lust of the flesh (Matthew 4:1-4), lust of the eyes (Matthew 4:5:7), and the lust for power (Matthew 4:8-10). 

Summary  ~  Satan tempted Eve with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Satan also tempted Christ in these three areas.  Today, Satan tempts us in these same three areas.   

A Clear Command  ~  “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” (1 John 2:15) …  

A Clear Teaching  ~  … “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” (1 John 2:16) ...

A Clear Reality  ~  … “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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