Discern and Overcome Common TemptationsНамуна

Identify the battle!

Temptations: Pride & Lust

The Amplified Classic Bible writes:

1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

Temptation is the desire to sin, and it comes by appealing to the lust of the flesh (craving physical pleasure), lust of the eyes (desiring what we see), and the pride of life (seeking self-glory or exaltation in the eyes of others, self-reliance). When these things capture our focus, it can draw us away from God’s will for our lives.

Temptation often starts subtly. It can come as a thought, a desire, or a moment of weakness. Pride says you are self-sufficient and deserve some recognition or success.

Lust says, you owe it to yourself. It focuses on fulfilling our immediate cravings, emotional, physical, or mental, without considering God's boundaries. Temptation itself is not a sin. However, when we dwell or act on it, it becomes sin. The first step to overcome temptation is to identify whether it comes from our flesh, the world, or the enemy. The Holy Spirit helps us with this, and His help is just a prayer away! Ask Him to help you discern and identify temptations in this way.

Prayer:

Lord, help me recognize when pride or lust creeps in. Purify my heart and remind me that You alone are my portion. Teach me to walk humbly and purely before You. Amen.