"These are the three ends of the Cross; poverty destroys the lust of the eyes and covetousness; humility destroys the pride of life and ambition; and patience destroys lust of the flesh and sensual pleasures."

Dr. Martin Luther

I John 2:15-17

A. Lust of the Flesh= Sinful desire which arises from within a person and seek to gratify self.

B. Lust of the Eyes= A desire for sin which reaches beyond the sin a person can actually commit.

C. Pride of Life= Seeking to exalt oneself above God and His will, and therefore attempting to be something you are not.

These three categories of sin encompass all sin. When we are tempted it is in one of these three areas; flesh, eyes, or pride. These are the same temptations which all people experience. The same temptations which Jesus Himself experienced, therefore He is able to give us aid and strength against them.

Heb. 2:17-18

I Cor. 10:13

Illustration of this pattern of Temptation:

1) Adam and Eve in the Garden; Genesis 3:1-7

2) Israel as a nation; numerous times

3) Jesus; Matthew 4:1-11 & Luke 4:1-13

4) Ourselves

1) Adam and Eve; Genesis 3:6= "Eve saw the tree, that it was good for food. . ."

2) Israel as a nation= Numbers 11:31-35 (A "homer" is equal to 11 bushels or 394 liters.)

3) Jesus' Temptation= Luke 4:2-4

4) Ourselves= In what ways are we tempted by our flesh?

What Do We Hunger For?

A) Sexual Pleasures: Immorality, Lust in the heart, Adultery, Pornography, etc.

1) God's Word Concerning Sexual Sins.

Proverbs 6:25; Matthew 5:28; Romans 1:18-32

2) Examples Of The Consequences Of Actions.

Numbers 25:1-9; Genesis 38:1-26; II Samuel 11:1-4

3) God's Word To Us.

Romans 13:4; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:1-10; I Peter 2:11-12 & I Peter 4:2-3

An Example For Us To Follow; Genesis 39:7-20

B) Bodily Needs: Food, Clothing, Shelter, Sleep, etc.

1) God's Word For Our Concerning Bodily Needs.

Exodus 16:4-5; I Timothy 6:17-19; I Timothy 6:8

2) Examples Of Consequences Of Sin.

Numbers 11:33; I Samuel 4:2-18; Judges 3:12ff; II Samuel 5:11 & 7:2

3) Gods Word To Us.

Matthew 6:25-34

An Example For Us To Follow; Genesis 22:1-15 (8)