I IOHN trolled by Satan. They have only the old, unregenerate nature of fal len Adam. This is called "the flesh." This stands opposed to the will and to the laws of God. It is not, of course, referring to the soft tissue of the body. It relates to the imma terial part of man where the seat of sin is found (Romans 7:5). When one is said "to be in the flesh" it simply means that he is dominated by the corrupt nature which is a part of all fallen men. The flesh and the Spirit are diametrically opposed to each other. They have nothing in common (Galatians 5:17). The flesh is said to be informed, sick ened, weakened by sin (Romans 6:19). The flesh is the dwelling place of no good thing (Romans 7:18). We should never make pro vision for it (Romans 13:14). We should never put confidence in the flesh for it cannot be trusted. The weakness of the flesh is seen in its desire to have and to possess. This present world system is dom inated by the strong desires of the former, natural, unsaved man. The propensity for evil is a part of ev ery human being. To lust signifies those inward temptations of which we are all too familiar. It is the ap petite of sense deceived and dom inated by the unregenerate nature. There is also the desire to see as John refers to "the lust of the eyes." This is a desire for indul gence which might run the gamut from the urgings for fine clothes, a new automobile, a modern house, or the satisfaction of some sensual appetite designed for immoral in dulgence. Sight causes the imagin ation of the mind to grow. Beware lest the eyes minister to the lust of the flesh. Jesus warned against looking on a woman to lust after
her. In interpreting adultery, He referred to the law that Moses gave. Just to look and lust, however, meant the guilt of having com mitted the very act. Sex is flaunted and thrown at us from every angle these days. The lust of the flesh stands for temptations from with in; the lust of the eyes stands for temptations from without. The dev il will see to it that there is plenty on the outside to attract us through the eye gate. Then, there is also in the world the strong desire to be. John calls it "the pride of life" meaning that which is of vain glory. It is a man's boastfulness of his own way of liv ing. Pride will so grip men's hearts with mastery that people will use unlawful means to out-maneuver one another. The story of the first temptation is most significant in this connection. In the account found in the third chapter of Gen esis we see that the devil came with that which appealed to "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." His tactics really are not new at all. How we should be on guard against him through the power of God's Holy Spirit. Satan can be very subtle in his approach. He is best known for his deception and dis tortions. No wonder Jesus de nounced him as being a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). No doubt He had reference to this in cident in the Garden of Eden. As an example, actually there is nothing sinful about a radio, tele vision, or an automobile. The sin can come in the improper use of these things. A television set is neither moral nor immoral; it is amoral. Some Christians certainly need to learn at what and at what
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