“For all that is in the world …. is not of the Father.” (1 John 2:16)
When considering temptation, we need to look back at events in the garden of Eden, recorded in Genesis chapter 3. Of course, temptation began even earlier with the devil (then called Lucifer), but humanly speaking, it was in the garden of Eden, that temptation had its beginning. But, before considering Genesis chapter 3, we need to think about this verse in 1 John chapter 2. John says that there are three primary forces that operate in the world :- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. When these are submitted to and acted upon, they lead to definite sin. This is what happened to Eve in the garden (which we will consider next time). These forces are diametrically opposed to all that is of the Father, that is, He acts in a totally different way. Thus, to really know the heart of God, we are not to love the things of the world. As we love the Father, the love(s) of the world will have less and less hold on us; by this, we shall overcome temptation.
PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your heart is so different from the world; help us to know Your heart more and more.”