Recognizing Temptation

"For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." - 1 John 2:16

The temptation to sin is like the tick of the clock. It is constant. It is pervasive. Ever present - 24/7/365. We are presented by the opportunity to sin at every turn. It is not our Spiritual nature that is tempted but our old nature, our flesh. Temptation can be summed up in three ways. the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life

Jesus, the man, was tempted - since the Son of God cannot be tempted.

"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;" - James 1:13

While in the wilderness Jesus was tempted in the same way we are.

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil." - Luke 4:1-2

Lust of the Flesh - Satisfy What The Body Craves

"He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone." - Luke 4:3-4

Lust of the Eyes - Love The Things Of The World More Than God

"The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only." - Luke 4:5-8

Pride of Life - We Can Do What We Want Because We Are Children Of God

"The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test." - Luke 4:9-12

I recall Pastor E.V. Hill preaching on Jesus being tempted. He said that each time Satan tempted Jesus - Jesus "hit him" [Pastor Hill's words] with the Word of God. At its root, temptation is a false promise - a lie. The Word of God is Truth. But unless you are ready for it, it is difficult to remember that when your emotions are saying "go" but the Spirit is saying "no"!

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways." - Psalm 119:9-15

Pretty simple - but not easy. It requires being intentional in seeking God and His Truth. Living a sanctified life in a sinful world and becoming spiritual mature is not a one and done the day we are born again. It is a process. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone