We face it every single day of our earthly lives as an enemy that seemingly never goes away and is lurking around each and every corner of our lives…temptation. Beginning this Sunday here at Grace Church we will study 5 individuals whose personal battles with temptation is recorded in Scripture for all to read. Some were successful in resisting temptation’s lure and others failed. From these encounters we will learn all we can about how to resist temptation. We are calling this series, “Just Say No!” The first person we will examine is Eve! From her story we will learn 7 facts about temptation.
Fact 1: Temptation usually comes in disguise (v1). The serpent appears to have been a beautiful creature in its original state and to have been superior (more crafty or clever) to the rest of creation (v1). It lost this superiority among the animal world as part of the curse of sin (Genesis 3:14). We learn that it was Satan that spoke through the serpent. (2 Corinthians 11:3). Satan is a master of disguise and trickery. He uses schemes (crafty methods) to attack us (Ephesians 6:10-12) and is an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Fact 2: Temptation becomes more powerful when we do not know well the commands of God (v2-3). Eve belittled the privileges of God. God said that they may eat of any tree of the garden “freely” but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). Eve leaves out the word ‘freely’ (v2). Eve also added to the prohibition of God. God said “do not eat” of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Eve added the words “or touch” to God’s command (v3). Finally, Eve weakened the penalty of God. God said that in the day that you eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you will surely die (Genesis 2:17). Eve leaves out the word “surely” (v3).
Fact 3: Temptation is always rooted in a lie (v4). God said, “You will surely die” (Gen 2:17). Satan said, “You shall not die” (Gen 3:4). Satan’s lie continues today as he whispers, “You can sin and get away with it!” Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).
Fact 4: Temptation casts doubt over God’s character (v5). The suggestion by Satan was that God was jealous and was holding them back from their destiny. Satan’s temptation implied that God was holding out on them the path to divinity…“you will be like God!”
Fact 5: Temptation appeals to our natural desires and appetites (v6). Eve noticed that the tree was good for food (the lust of the flesh as seen in 1 John 2:15-17). Eve noticed that the fruit was delightful to her eyes (the lust of the eyes as seen in 1 John 2:15-17). Eve believed that the tree could make her wise (the pride of life as seen in 1 John 2:15-17)
Fact 6: Temptation never stops with us…it always involves others (v6). Eve’s sin affected Adam negatively (v6). Adam’s sin affected mankind negatively (Romans 5:12)
Fact 7: Temptation never keeps its promises (v7). The promise of divine enlightenment did not happen to Eve. What God designed as beautiful resulted in guilt and shame.
Fact 1: Temptation usually comes in disguise (v1). The serpent appears to have been a beautiful creature in its original state and to have been superior (more crafty or clever) to the rest of creation (v1). It lost this superiority among the animal world as part of the curse of sin (Genesis 3:14). We learn that it was Satan that spoke through the serpent. (2 Corinthians 11:3). Satan is a master of disguise and trickery. He uses schemes (crafty methods) to attack us (Ephesians 6:10-12) and is an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Fact 2: Temptation becomes more powerful when we do not know well the commands of God (v2-3). Eve belittled the privileges of God. God said that they may eat of any tree of the garden “freely” but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). Eve leaves out the word ‘freely’ (v2). Eve also added to the prohibition of God. God said “do not eat” of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Eve added the words “or touch” to God’s command (v3). Finally, Eve weakened the penalty of God. God said that in the day that you eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you will surely die (Genesis 2:17). Eve leaves out the word “surely” (v3).
Fact 3: Temptation is always rooted in a lie (v4). God said, “You will surely die” (Gen 2:17). Satan said, “You shall not die” (Gen 3:4). Satan’s lie continues today as he whispers, “You can sin and get away with it!” Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).
Fact 4: Temptation casts doubt over God’s character (v5). The suggestion by Satan was that God was jealous and was holding them back from their destiny. Satan’s temptation implied that God was holding out on them the path to divinity…“you will be like God!”
Fact 5: Temptation appeals to our natural desires and appetites (v6). Eve noticed that the tree was good for food (the lust of the flesh as seen in 1 John 2:15-17). Eve noticed that the fruit was delightful to her eyes (the lust of the eyes as seen in 1 John 2:15-17). Eve believed that the tree could make her wise (the pride of life as seen in 1 John 2:15-17)
Fact 6: Temptation never stops with us…it always involves others (v6). Eve’s sin affected Adam negatively (v6). Adam’s sin affected mankind negatively (Romans 5:12)
Fact 7: Temptation never keeps its promises (v7). The promise of divine enlightenment did not happen to Eve. What God designed as beautiful resulted in guilt and shame.
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