Three Areas of Temptation

“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.” (I John 2:16) 

The strongest Christians among us need to be cautioned about the temptations of the world. John had just written to some Christians commending them for their walk with the Lord.

He now warns these stalwart Christians about the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. It was through those three that Satan tempted Eve in the garden. She saw that the tree was good for food (the lust of the flesh). It was pleasant to the eyes (the lust of the eyes). She saw that it was a tree to make one wise (the pride of life). She succumbed to Satan’s temptations. (Genesis 3:6)

Satan tried the same appeal on Jesus in the wilderness following His forty days of fasting. Three times Jesus responded with the word of God saying to Satan, “It is written.” (Luke 4:1-13) The Bible says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Satan left Jesus for a while.

Satan will tempt you in one of those areas: the flesh, the eyes or pride. Hide the word in your heart and be ready to stand your ground against the devil.