Bible Study

Title: Some Things Never Change
Date: Jul 8, 2010
Topic(s): Sin/Temptation
Scripture: Genesis 3:6, Matthew 4:1-11, 1 John 2:15-17

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One of the most popular Peanuts cartoon strips features Lucy convincing Charlie Brown to kick a football she's holding. Despite the fact Lucy has never kept her promise to hold the ball in the past, Charlie gives it his best. Invariably he ends up on his back after she yanks the ball away. Then Lucy walks off commenting, "Some things never change!"

It's easy to criticize Charlie Brown's gullibility. You would think after the umpteenth time, he would learn. But what about us? Satan tempts us using the same approach he used to lure Eve into disobedience. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17, ESV).

• What are the three areas in which John says we're tempted?
• Compare John's words to Eve's temptation in Genesis 3:6. Identify these same three areas.

Read about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

• Where do we see these three areas appearing once again?
• How did Jesus defeat each of these temptations?
• According to John, why is giving in to these temptations so futile?

My Thoughts

When it comes to Satan, it can be said, "Some things never change!" Whether it's in the Garden of Eden, the wilderness of Judea or Hometown, USA, Satan's approach to temptation has never changed. But why should it? Satan has used this tactic successfully with only one exception--Jesus Christ.

Satan is a master at presenting these same three temptations in a variety of packages, but underneath the wrapping, it never changes. When it comes to Satan's temptations, it's important to identify the contents and not be fooled by the packaging.

My Part

Take a sheet of paper and make three columns. At the top of each column, list one of the "desires" that John mentions. In each column write down the temptations you have faced and/or are facing. Find a verse in God's Word you can apply to each temptation. Ask God to help you use that verse to gain victory over the temptation.

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