From the beginning, mankind has been seduced by three basic forms of temptation. The 'god of this world' has not changed his 'modus operandi'. Satan's success rate is undeniable (for now) ...
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
The first example occurred in the Garden of Eden, where Eve was tempted by the serpent to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit ...
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. Genesis 3:6
She was lured in these ways ...
1. It appealed to her appetite. This represents the 'lust of the flesh', a strong desire to satisfy a carnal physical craving.
2. It was pleasing to look upon. The 'lust of the eyes' makes one covet that which he desires for his own possession.
3. It promised to give her wisdom. The 'pride of life' causes us to pursue anything that exalts us above our station; then comes boasting, vainglory, and arrogance.
The second example ...
Weakened after fasting forty days in the wilderness, Christ was approached by Satan with those same temptations ...
Lust of the flesh ... The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread'. Matthew 4:3
Lust of the eyes ... Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 'All this I will give you', he said, 'if you will bow down and worship me'. Matthew 4:8-9
The pride of life ... Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 'If you are the Son of God', he said, 'throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' Matthew 4:5-6
Jesus resisted the devil and used the Word of God to ensure victory.
As long as you are in this world, you are not exempt from these assaults upon your faith. Recognize their subtleties and resist temptation by abiding in Christ. Study the Word, pray often, and walk in the light as He is in the light.
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