“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:16 ESV).
The apostle John wrote this letter to believers in the first century to strengthen their assurance and warn them against loving the world. He explained that the world’s temptations fall into three categories: “desires of the flesh,” “desires of the eyes,” and “pride of life.” These mirror the serpent’s temptation of Eve in the garden, when she “saw that the tree was good for food” (flesh), “that it was a delight to the eyes” (eyes), and “to be desired to make one wise” (pride). Adam and Eve succumbed and brought sin into the world. In contrast, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He faced the same threefold temptation—turning stones to bread (flesh), being shown all the kingdoms of the world (eyes), and being urged to throw Himself down to prove His identity (pride). Yet unlike Adam, Jesus overcame every temptation by relying upon God’s Word and trusting the Father perfectly.
We still face the same threefold strategy of temptation today, as the world appeals to our appetites, our affections, and our ambitions. Yet while Adam fell, and Eve was deceived, we have the power to overcome through Christ’s abiding presence in us. We do not resist temptation in our own strength but through His indwelling Spirit and His abiding Word. Like Jesus, we answer every temptation with the truth of Scripture and surrender to the Father’s will. Even when we stumble, we do not despair, for we have the promise of 1 John 1:9 that says, “if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This Advent, let us remember and reflect on the truth that this same Christ who overcame every temptation is also coming again to establish His eternal kingdom. Just as we remember His first coming and wait expectantly for His return, we can face the daily struggles of the world with confidence, knowing He lives in us. Each day, we can rise up in hope and walk in the victory Christ has already won. We can overcome the world’s temptations and live victorious in Christ, knowing both His presence now and anticipating His glorious return.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that temptation often appeals to our flesh, our eyes, and our pride. Strengthen us to resist in the power of Christ, and when we stumble, remind us of Your promise to forgive and cleanse us, so that we keep short accounts with You. Help us walk daily in victory, trusting Your Word and Spirit to sustain us, and fill our hearts with expectant joy this Advent as we await Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.