Since the beginning of time Satan has used temptation to try to snatch people from the hand of God. Ironically he has always used the same three temptations. Though he is creative and they never seem to look like the same three they are all rooted in the same three temptations. 1John 2:16 tells us what they are. *For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.* KJV.
1) lust of the flesh
2) lust of the eyes
3) the pride of life
So let's examine each one and see if we can understand it more in order to try to stand against it stronger and easier.
Part 2- The lust of the eyes!
As we continue in this study, I want to remind you of a few things. 1John 2:17 says that * The things of this world will soon fade away but the love of God will never fade.* He loves us so much that He gave His son that we may be able to come before Him w/ out sin, His love for us is so strong that He loves us when we were yet sinners, but if we choose the things of this world instead of Him we are choosing to turn our backs on His love. Just like any parent. You never stop loving your children,but that doesn't mean you can condone their sin.
Lust- a passionate or overmastering desire or ccraving; a strong desire or drive. The lust of the eyes is the things we look upon with desire or cravings.
As in part 1 we are going back to the beginning with Adam and Eve.
Genesis 3:6, * And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.*
Eve saw with her eyes that it was good, and that was what caused her to believe the lie of satan.
Then fast forward to the temptations of Jesus. Matthew4: 8-9, Matthew Henry Commentary says " The eyes are delighted with riches,and rich possesionns, this is covetousness."
*Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.*
And Jesus stood firm against that temptation using the word of God to help Him defeat the temptations that satan was trying to use against Him. In Matthew 4:10 this is how Jesus responded.
*Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.*
So now here we are back to the here and now. Many will say, I am not tempted by this temptation, but, let's see if that is truely so. I am willing to take a good hard honest look at myself are you?
For the men, have you ever noticed a beautiful woman and looked longer than a quick glance.? Have you noticed magazines in the grocery store with scantily dressed women on the cover and not looked away immediately?
For the women, no you are not exempt from this. How about when you see a hot looking guy, do you think wow, i would love to be with him. or how about good looking actors do you not secretly dream about them?
But, even if you are immune to this, that is not all this sin is about. Have you not see beautiful dresses or jewelry and craved them? how about fancy cars or houses? This can also lead to the sin of jealousy.
But, ok let's go one step further and take this sin right into the church. Have you seen another glorified and wanted that same recognition? Have you seen people in the body recieve a miracle and though you try to be happy for them you secretly wonder why wasn't that me? Or what about those who get promotions in positions and you feel you should have gotten one? How about a person being given a gift and you felt you deserved one and didn't get it. This is coveteousness, , envy, jealousy and it is sin.
Lust of the eyes, has often been twisted around to make us feel better about doing it. It won't hurt me if i look at it as long as i don't lust after it. Sound familiar? If you fill your eyes with things you know is wong or that you know will lead to lusting after them than it is wrong.
Matthew 5:27-29 (King James Version)
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Therefore we should train our hearts by studying the Bible, shielding our eyes from those things that draw us away from Him.
But, always remember that if we recognize and admit our sin and turn from it that God loves us so much He will forgive you and wipe away that sin fro our record.
Please keep following this blog to read the next part of this series. The final part, Part 3- The pride of life. It is looking like it will be another good one.
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