Fresh Bread - 5/20

Daily Bread

1 John 2:16 "Because all that is in the world: the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world."

The satanic forces of hell operate in the realm of the world. Their primary means of enticing men and leading them away from God is through that which may be seen, felt, and gained. One of the first things that we may ask iswhat is the difference between the "desire of the flesh" and "the desire ofthe eye." The "desire of the eye" are those things that are attractive to view that could led you away from the will of God and His purpose. For example, Eve saw the forbidden tree in Genesis 3:6 as, "pleasurable to the eye and desirable." She did not have this attraction because of an evil nature at work in her nor was it an evil act in and of itself; rather it became the means by which she was enticed to eat of that which God had forbidden. When men look on things that are forbidden by God they open themselves up to be lead away into an evil desire that results in immorality and ungodliness. Therefore, we need to recognize that it is essential for us to make a covenant with our eyes to turn away and not behold that which could lead us into disobedience. It may be said that "the desire of the eye" is that which entices the eye and "the desire of the flesh" is that which entices the body. The eye looks for that which is beautiful and the body for that which is pleasurable. Now one may say God made that which is beautiful and pleasurable and that is true; however, we must also recognize that it is in this material realm that the satanic forces have set up their offensive against man and the will of God. It is absolutely essential they we learn to choose good and refuse evil. In the Old Testament, God expected His people to discipline themselves and be committed to obeying Him in all things. Even though they were not born from above and were without the change of heart and motive that is given to us by the divine nature yet it was their responsibility not to be involved with following after those things that would lead them into sin. "You shall remember all the commandments of the Lord to do them, and you shall not turn back toward the desire of your own heart and your eyes" (Numbers 15:39).

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org