-
Satan's Three-Fold Attack
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 9, 2020 (message contributor)
Satan tempts us in three separate ways according to I John 2:15-16:
"The lust of the flesh is the desire to DO something apart from the will of God.
The lust of the eyes is the desire to HAVE something apart from the will of God.
The pride of life is the desire to BE something apart from the will of God."
The first desire appeals mainly to the body, the second to the soul, and the third to the spirit. Perhaps the most common manifestation of the lust of the flesh in modern western civilization is illicit sex (hedonism, idolizing pleasure). Perhaps the most common manifestation of the lust of the eyes is excessive buying (materialism, idolizing possessions). Perhaps the most common manifestation of the pride of life is trying to control (egoism, idolizing power).
Many have pointed out how the three aspects of temptation listed here parallel the way that Satan tempted Eve:
She saw that the forbidden fruit was good for food (Ge. 3:6), which was an appeal to the lust of the flesh.
She saw “that it was a delight to the eyes.” This appealed to the lust of the eyes.
She also saw “that the tree was desirable to make one wise.” This appealed to the boastful pride of life.
The same pattern occurs in Satan’s temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-12). Satan urged Jesus to turn the stones into bread (the lust of the flesh). He showed Him all the kingdoms of the earth, offering to give them to Him (the lust of the eyes). He encouraged Him to jump off the pinnacle of the temple, which could have been a source of pride in this miraculous accomplishment.
- Precept Austin
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
In 1978, Thomas Hansen Of Boulder Colorado, Sued ...
Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on Feb 6, 2005
In 1978, Thomas Hansen of Boulder Colorado, sued his parents for $350,000 on grounds of "malpractice of parenting." His lawsuit claimed that Mom and Dad had botched his upbringing so badly, that he would need ...read more
-
The Rock
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more
-
The Rock
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more
-
Who Can Ever Forget Winston Churchill's ... PRO
Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on Feb 6, 2005
“Who can ever forget Winston Churchill’s immortal words: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the ...read more
-
It Is In The Hours Of Loneliness That God Does ...
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
It is in the hours of loneliness that God does some of His greatest works. It was in the lonely dejection of Elijah that he heard God’s voice. It was in the wearying lonely path of faith that God came again to Abraham. It was in the lonely hours following failure that Peter found God. It ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Doors: Open Or Closed
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Aug 24, 2017
The majority of the body of Christ believes that God opens doors (a "yes" answer to prayer) and closes doors (a "no" answer to prayer) in their lives. Does scripture support such a belief?
-
Pray Until Your Morning Comes
Contributed by Tesh Njokanma on Aug 17, 2016
There’s nothing permanent about what you are facing today. That problem will last for only a night, for only a season. But you must be ready to pray until you see your morning season
-
Dwelling In The Secret Place
Contributed by James Ledbetter on Feb 27, 2016
There is a secret place for us to dwell Under Gods Wing
-
Put On The Full Armour Of God Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 19, 2017
Spiritual warfare is very real in the life of the believer, but we have not been left helpless or without defence. God has given us specific tools to use in our daily spiritual battle.
-
Seeing The Unseen (Coronavirus) Series
Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 23, 2020
The Bible encourages us to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18). That's just what Elisha does in 2 Kings 6. What does he see that we often don't?