TEMPTATIONS ALWAYS START IN OUR MINDS

After Satan deceived Eve with lies, she was tempted to disobey God and ultimately gave in to the temptations. Genesis 3:6 says, "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." Temptation is not a sin, but giving in to the temptation is a sin. Eve had not committed any sin before she ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Although her mind was already influenced by Satan's deceit, she had not disobeyed God's commandment, which is eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Three temptations that Eve encountered in this situation: she saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food (refers to the lust of the flesh), pleasing to the eye (refers to the lust of the eyes), and desirable for gaining wisdom (pride of life). Eve was already at a disadvantage here. Her mind was already influenced, and then her desire within her was stirred by the three temptations. Her ability to make decisions has been compromised, and it was difficult for her to choose to obey God. As a result, she chose to disobey God. It was only in this situation that she committed sin; thus, sin began in her, but had not spread to all human beings. Only her thus far committed sin. God did not create sin, but sin is a result of disobedience, choosing not to follow God's command. Eve still had a chance to run away from the temptations until the moment she ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.

1 John 2:16 says, "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." The verse said that the three temptations originated from the world, which is influenced by Satan through his deceitful lies. Satan's tactics never change. He is using the same tactics to tempt us to disobey God. First, he influenced the way we think. He will make lies as it seems true, and then when we are convinced in our minds that his lies are the truth, then lies become truth, and truth becomes lies in our thinking, which influences the way we relate to God and the way we live our lives. Many people do not believe in Jesus due to false religions. Many people are on drugs and alcohol because Satan influences their minds that drugs and alcohol will make them feel better and escape their pain and sorrow. Many marriages break down because spouses are influenced to cheat. Many people believe there are multiple genders beyond just male and female due to worldly influences. A list can go on.

We need to guard our minds from Satan's lies by knowing and believing the Word of God. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Setting our minds on the things above means to think of what God's Word says in every situation that we are in. For example, if God says do not lie, then we should not lie. If God says do not cheat, then do not cheat. If God says stay faithful, then stay faithful. We will talk more about our minds in tomorrow's devotion. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why is it important to guard my mind from Satan's lies? How can I guard my mind from Satan's lies? How can I know God's truth?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me this morning to guard my mind all the time. Please give me the desire to know your truth through my Bible. Please help me not to be lazy in reading your Word daily so that I can know your truth. As Satan is always active to put lies in my mind to tempt me to disobey you, please help me to actively seek your truth by reading and knowing your Word. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.