For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world (1 John 2:16, NASB1995).
If we knew that our house would be broken into this week – and we knew by who and how – we would be ready. We would be foolish if we weren’t.
The Bible teaches exactly how we will be tempted this week. Also, who will tempt us.
The Apostle John gives Satan’s strategy when he writes, “For all that is in the world …” John 2:16 reveals Satan’s entire arsenal and his tactics. We know the weapons formed against us, and they will be used.
John describes the devil’s plans …
Lust of the Flesh (sensuality). What you desire to satisfy physical desires; addiction and losing self-control.
Lust of the Eyes (what we see and desire). Materialism and fear of loss.
Boastful Pride of Life (arrogance). Power-hungry and often brutal; a need to be in control.
Let’s consider the temptation of Eve and Adam …
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate (Genesis 3:6).
Eve saw that the fruit was good for food (lust of the flesh), that it was a delight to the eyes (lust of the eyes), and that it was desirable to make one wise (boastful pride of life).
Let’s consider the temptation of Jesus in Luke 4 …
The devil said to Jesus, “Tell this stone to become bread.” (Lust of the flesh.)
The devil said to Jesus, “I will give you all this domain and its glory … if you will worship me.” (Lust of the eyes.)
The devil said to Jesus, “Throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the temple, and the angels will rescue you.” (Boastful pride of life – receiving exultation from others.)
Our temptations this week …
Evil is not creative, it only has three forms – sensuality, possessions/materialism, and pride.
But lust makes temptation devasting. The Greek word for lust means “strong desire.” Our fallen nature develops strong passions for physical pleasure, owning nice things, and serving self.
Consider your urges this week. Are they sensuality, materialism, or pride?
The Bible explains the anti-temptation thought missiles needed to repel Satan’s assaults in Romans 13:14 …
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Memorize this verse, go over it every morning, and the Holy Spirit will weaponize the verse in your mind. Every time you are confronted with temptation in any of the three areas, this verse will pop into your mind.
The verse will then allow you to consider: Should I look at this reel? Should I make this purchase on my budget? Should I ask forgiveness for what I just said?
We have all that we need for the break-in this week. We are ready. We know our vulnerability and who will attack us. But we have the power of the Spirit and the Word of God as our weapons of self-defense.
Let’s confidently guard our hearts this week!
When we are attacked, we can pull out our .44 Magnum and, like Clint Eastwood says, “Go ahead; make my day.”