Topical Study, Resisting Temptation: Common Sources of Temptation Part IV

We continue our look at the most common sources of temptation with a closer look at the TRUE cause of our sins:   our own covetous desires.

It is important to remember that if we are going to avoid temptation (which should be our first avenue of defense!), we need to know when and where to look for it.

The initial overview of this topical study can be found HERE.

Part I of the Common Sources of Temptation  can be found HERE. 

Part II of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 



Part III of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

I should state that by common sources of temptation, I am referring to a broader view, than the simple categories such as food, money, sex etc.   We are ALL tempted by different desires.  I am actually referring to the larger factors that can easily lead us astray and take our eyes off of God and redirect our eyes towards whatever might tempt us as individuals!

You can hover your pointer over (most) any verse reference to read the corresponding verse(s).  (Scriptural cross-references are THE most important resource!) 

Our Own (Covetous) Desires

Gen 3:6

• Initial Observations  --   This is such an IMPORTANT verse in  the recounting of the fall of man!  YES, Satan tempted Eve.  BUT, Eve eventually allowed herself to be tempted (as we all do when we sin.  It is OUR sin and ours alone!)  Satan's words just allowed Eve to rationalize her own desires and lusts!  (again, something we all do!)  In Gen 3:6 it is made very clear by the wording that the sin was Eve's sin!  Nowhere in this verse does it say "the serpent forced Eve..." or "Satan handed her the fruit..." etc. etc.  The verse states very clearly that:  1)  "...the woman saw.."  2) "....she took from its fruit and ate....".  Eve sinned!  AND it is always important to note Adam's complete failure!  He was there!  The verse clearly states that Adam was with her AT THE TREE!  Eve didn't bring him the fruit and lie to him about what tree it came from.  Adam saw the whole thing and did nothing and then went ahead and sinned anyway!  Again, the verse does NOT say:  "and Eve forced him to eat the fruit" nor does it say "and Eve tricked Adam into eating the fruit".  The verse says plainly and clearly:  "...and she gave also to her husband with her and HE ATE."  (capitalization emphasis is mine)  This is such a clear example of how despite all the external causes of temptation that DO exist, the responsibility for our sins falls squarely on our shoulders.  When we sin, we are choosing to sin.  No amount of rationalization can change that fact.  When we sin, we let our own desires override our knowledge of right and wrong, and our knowledge of God's commands.  And maybe even more importantly, we are overriding (at least temporarily) our desire to be in a right relationship with God!!!
• Cross-references --  James 1:14-15  1Jn 2:16  Ro 5:12-19  (but fortunately God has given us a gift of grace to save us from ourselves!)  1Ti 2:14  Jdg 16:1  Ge 3:12 (Adam trying to rationalize his sin or at lest trying to deflect blame!!---again, something we have all probably done at least once or twice!)  Ge 3:13  (and Eve also tried to deflect responsibility for her sin)  Ge 3:17  Hos 6:7  

Gen 4:3-8

• Initial Observations --  Somewhat mysterious as to why God did not have regard for Cain's offering.  But it seems to be because God knew what was ultimately in Cain's heart.  And that is what God desires most:  Our heart, our love.  (  Ps 51:16-17  1Sa 15:22  Ps 51:6  Hos 6:6   Pr 15:8  Pr 21:27  Isa 1:11-15  Jer 7:23  Mt 9:13  Mt 12:33 1Sa 16:7  !! )  It is also possible that Cain just didn't bring the correct offering as God even told Cain that there was hope!  Just because God had disregarded Cain's first offering it was not the end... it seems God was giving Cain the opportunity to do better. (am I reading that correctly?) 
• Cross-references  --  Pr 3:9  Heb 11:4  1Sa 15:22  Nu 18:12  1Sa 16:7  Isa 3:9  Job 5:2  Isa 3:10-11  Lk 15:28-30  Jnh 4:4   ISa 1:18  Jer 3:12  !!   Mic 7:18  Ro 6:12  Ro 2:7-10  Ro 12:1  James 1:15  1Jn 3:12-15   Pr 26:24-26 
• Commentaries --  The Wycliffe Bible Commentary:   Sheds light on the fact that Cain's instant flash of anger was proof of what his inward being truly held!  God knew this (of course!)!  This commentary also highlights the mercy that God did indeed show Cain at this time.  God was giving Cain a chance to redeem himself.  God was also giving Cain a stern warning that sin was waiting for him.  God tells Cain that he must master his own sin:  Gen 4:7 
• We are the ones who CAUSE ourselves to sin.  Temptation does NOT cause us to sin!  It only entices us.  We hold the responsibility for our sins.  But since the flesh is weak  (  Mt 26:41  Ro 7:14-25  )

Jdg 16:4-21

• We looked at this above under "wrong associations" but Samson's fall can also be attributed to his own covetous desires.  He wanted Delilah and he also was arrogant enough to  think that he could tell her his true weakness. 

Mt 5:28

• Initial Observations  --  Jesus' statement in Mt 5:28 is the continuation of the teaching He begins in Mt 5:27    Jesus makes it very clear that sin starts with our inner thoughts!  If we entertain those desires and lusts, we begin to covet (which IS a sin, Ex 20:17  )  and once we covet and sin within our mind and hearts then we have as good as sinned in the physical!!  The first (inner sin) begets the second (physical sin)  they are not separate entities!
• Cross-references  --  2Sa 11:2  (and continued to entertain the thought and then sinned!)  Pr 6:25  MT 15:19  James 1:14-15  Mt 5:22  Ge 34:2  Ex 20:17  2Pe 2:14  1Jn 2:16  Jude 1:8  
• Commentaries  --  The Background Bible Commentary:    Tells us that the Greek word for lust used in this verse is the same Greek word used in  the Greek version of the OT.  Jesus is DEFINITELY referencing Ex 20:17  !!! 

 

Mt 15:16-20

• Initial Observations  --  Is a logical continuation of Mt 5:28   Jesus is not even being remotely coy here!  We are so often worried about how we appear to others and about the things we take in when it is what goes on in our head that should be our concern!  If we let sinful thoughts fester in our consciousness then we are essentially tempting ourselves!  And the flesh is weak!!  We must change our hearts if we are to avoid sin!
• Cross-references  --  Lk 6:45  1Co 6:13  Mt 12:34  James 3:6  Mk 7:20  Mt 15:11  1Sa 24:13  Pr 15:28  Eph 4:31  1Ti 6:4  Ge 6:5  Pr 4:23  Pr 6:14  Pr 22:15  Jer 17:9  Mk 7:21-23  Ro 7:18  Isa 59:7  Jer 4:14  Ac 8:22  James 1:13-15  Mt 22:36   Lk 11:38-40 
• Commentaries  --  The Bible Background Commentary:    States that views such as the ones seen in this verse were extremely radical for the time!  (and still are if we are being honest....outward appearances are STILL  a major driving force in society)  Jesus WAS indeed introducing a new paradigm.  Although not that new:  Ps 9:14  Ps 24:4  Ps 26:2  Ps 37:31  Ps 40:8  Ps 51:10  Ps 51:17  Ps 66:18  etc. etc.!!  God has always cared about what is in our hearts.  He wants us (ME!)  to be clean inside!  

Mk 7:20-23 

• Initial Observations  --  Continues in the same theme at Mt 15:16-20    These statements from Jesus were preceded by a parable:  Mk 7:14-16  It all comes down to our own hearts.  Yes, the world can and will tempt us!  Yes!  Our associations can and will tempt us, and Yes!  The devil can and will tempt us.  BUT nothing they do or say or show us can defile us or make us sin.  It is our own hearts that defile us and cause us to sin.   Jesus is very clear on this!
• Cross-references --  Ps 4:16  Mic 2:1  Mt 12:34-37  James 1:14-15  James 4:1  1Th 4:3  Gen 6:5  Pr 4:23  Jer 4:14  Jer 17:9  Mt 15:19  Mt 23:25-28  Ro 8:7-8  Mt 9:4  Ro 13:13  2Pe 2:2  Dt 15:9  1Sa 18:8-9  1Co 3:17  Titus 1:15-16    Jude 1:8  Ps 51:10-12  !!  (David knows that his heart needs to be cleansed!!)
• Commentaries  --  The Wycliffe Bible Commentary:    Reminds us that in Biblical usage the heart is not just the seat of emotions but also the place of mental and volitional (ie:  decision making!)  activity. 

Ro 7:15-20 

• Initial Observations  --  This is an amazing passage of Scripture that highlights just how difficult a battle it is NOT to sin!  Our flesh, our very nature, wants to sin.  Our lusts (both physical and mental) are tough to resist!  Even when we don't really want to, we sin.  I find this passage from Paul to be very inspirational and educational.  Inspirational:  Even Paul sinned!  We (I) are not the only ones who have ever had the challenge of fighting against our strong desire to sin.  I take comfort in that.  2)  Educational:  Reminds me of what I am up against and how seriously I need to take this battle against temptation(s)!
• Cross-references  --  Gal 5:17  Jn 15:15  Ro 14:22  Ps 1:6  Na 1:7  2Ti 2:19  Ps 19:12  Ps 119:1-6  Ps 119:40  Ecc 7:20   James 3:2  1Jn 1:8  Ro 7:12-14  Ps 119:128  Ro 4:7-8  2Co 8:12 James 4:5-6   Php 3:8-9  Jn 3:6  Mt 15:19  Mk 7:21-23  Eph 2:1-5  Titus 3:3  1Pe 4:2  Ro 13:14  !!   Gal 5:24  Ps 119:5  Ps 119:32  Ps 119:40  Ps 119:115-117 

Ro 7:21-25 

• Initial Observations  --  It is important to read Ro 8:1-5  for context!  Jesus is the solution to our problem of flesh vs. the Spirit!  But our desires come from heart and soul and when we let them control us or give them too much of an audience we lose as the flesh is ultimately weak!  The flesh wants to do what  IT wants to do and the urges are strong, especially when fortified by our covetous desires.  Of course this section of Romans (as with most of this important book) is concerned with the relationship between Mosaic law and Jesus' death and resurrection.  Very important stuff but I also think it is important for us to be aware that even Paul had to struggle against his own fleshly desires!!
• Cross-references  --  Ro 8:2  Ro 6:12-14  Ps 19:13  Ps 119:133  Jn 8:34  Eph 6:11-13  Ps 19:12  Ps 65:3  Zec 3:1-4  Heb 2:17  2Co 4:16  Eph 3:14-16  1Pe 3:1-4  (Simon Peter is telling us that our inside is what counts!)  Ps 1:2  Ps 19:8-10   Ps 119:111  Jn 4:34  Heb 8:10  James 4:1  1Pe 2:11  1Ti 6:11-12  Heb 12:4  James 3:2  Ro 6:5-6  Col 2:11  Ps 32:3  Mt 5:4  Mt 5:6  2Co 12:7-9  1Co 15:57  !!  Isa 49:13  Mt 1:21  2Co 9:15  Php 4:6  Col 3:17 

Gal 5:17 

• Initial Observations  --  Paul talked often about the battle between our flesh and the Spirit.  Here he makes it clear that our fleshly desires are in direct opposition to the desires of the Spirit.  If we walk with the flesh we will sin.  We (I!) cannot give an audience to the desires of our flesh.  They are too strong.  To overcome and control them we must give an audience to the Holy Spirit which is in us!  And then we we will walk by the Spirit and not sin!  As Jesus said in, Mt 6:24 ,  we can not serve two masters!
• Cross-references --  1Pe 2:11  Ro 7:15-20  (such an important section of Scripture)   Php 2:13  Ro 8:5  Ps 51:1-5  Ps 51:10-12    All of Psalm 119 Mt 26:41  Jn 3:6  Ro 7:21-25  Ro 8:13  James 4:5  Ps 130:3  Mt 5:6  Lk 22:46  James 3:2  1Jn 1:8-10 

James 1:13-15

• Initial Observations  --  One of the clearer statements on what actually causes us to sin!  We get carried away and enticed by OUR OWN LUST!!  Which then gives birth to sin.  The devil only tempts us with what is already in our own hearts!!   Jesus said:  Mt 15:19-20 
• Cross-references  --  Pr 7:6-23    James 4:1-2  Gen 6:5  Pr 4:23  Mt 5:28  Mk 7:21-22  Heb 3:13  Ro 6:23  Gen 3:6  Gen 4:5-8  Rev 20:15 

James 4:1-4

• Initial Observations  --  Once again James puts the onus for our sins completely on our shoulders!  It all comes down to our motives (what is in our heart!) in James 4:3  !!!!  
• Cross-references  --  Ro 7:23  James 3:14-18  Jer 17:9  Jn 8:44  Ro 8:7  1Pe 2:11  1Pe 4:2-3  1Jn 2:15-17  Jude 1:16-18  Ro 7:5  Gal 5:17  Col 3:5  Pr 1:19  Hab 2:5  1Ti 6:9-10  Lk 11:9-13  Jn 4:10  (asking for the right things!)  Jn 16:24  1Jn 3:21-23  1Jn 5:14  !!  James 1:6-7  Ps 66:18  Pr 15:8  Pr 21:27  Isa 1:15-16  James 1:27  1Jn 2:15  Ro 8:7  Mt 6:24 

 Thoughts and Application

• The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary reminds us that temptation  is NOT sin.  We are not sinning when we are tempted!  That is important to remember.  Yielding to temptation is sin! 
• The above comment might make us think we don't need to worry about the various causes of temptation!  WRONG!  We need to be very aware of the sources of temptation because only then can we truly combat them and consequently NOT yield to sin.  If we are not on guard we are easy prey.  Jesus told us the flesh is weak.  Paul told us that even he did the wrong he did NOT want to do.  This is not an easy battle.
• Most importantly we need to know it all starts with us.  Our desires, our wants and our motives.  For instance, I don't care about cars!  So the devil could never tempt me with a brand new Ferrari!  However the devil does know my weaknesses and he will and does tempt me with those.  The world is constantly tempting us with our weaknesses.  We must know our own weaknesses and our own worst desires.  And then pray fervently to God for strength and resolve!    Then (and only then) we will be able to control them and/or even better, avoid them!!

Before we begin our next segment on how to AVOID temptation, we will next take a closer look at Gen 3:1-6 where Adam and Eve sin because they were not aware of or ignored all four major sources of temptation we have listed in this study.

Bibliography

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