All That Is In The World – Part Two
Trials have a purpose. We cannot reap the benefits of a trial if we never understand what is really going on. When Jesus was tempted (tested) of the Devil there were some specifics going on and Jesus knew it. Jesus had just been anointed for ministry and the Spirit led him into the wilderness to be tested of the devil, and where he fasted for forty day. After the fast the Devil addressed Jesus just as he addressed Adam and Eve in the Garden after God had given them their assignment (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:15). Only this time, Jesus did not give in to his own desires, as did Adam and Eve. Instead Jesus let the enemy of his soul know that He fully understood what the will of the Father was concerning him. He did that by using, speaking forth, the Word of God. It is written, was always his response.
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”, Hebrews 4:15. All points refer to “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”. There is nothing new under the sun. These three points are the same but some of the details may have changed over the centuries. Flesh is flesh and always wants gratification. The eyes are the same but what it looks upon may have changed a bit. The pride of life never changes and man is always faced with his own ability to get things.
Some might say that Jesus never lived in a world like today, where we are faced with any number of temptations. If you consider these three points, then no argument can be made. Everything that we experience can be related to the flesh, the eyes, or the pride of life. Remember the old saying, keeping up with the Joneses? It usually meant that whatever the Joneses got we had to have it too. If they should get a luxury SUV, then we have to get one, the lust of the eyes. Suppose Mr. Jones is good to his wife and gives her beautiful things, but you don’t have a husband so you began to lust after Mr. Jones. The flesh wants the same gratification as Mrs. Jones is getting. Suppose Mr. Jones is a high powered business man, and God is not part of his life. Then he is relying on his own ability to get things. God’s will, for us, is to seek after him and not after stuff. (Matthew 6:33)
Life Application: First, make a list of your struggles, we all have them. Next to each struggle write down the area that it fits into. It should be one of the three, flesh, eyes, pride. After you determine what the issues are then speak the word to your situation.
Learn to see your trials for what they are, tools, instruments to shape and form you into the image of Christ Jesus.
Read James 1:12-16.
Pastor Rosita Dozier
