7. What Bible examples show those who felt the pull and experienced the consequences of the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life? 2 Samuel 11:2-4: Joshua 7:21; Revelation 6:16.
COMPILER’S NOTE: It is worth considering that David had noted the ritual aspect of the situation and was assured that she was purified from her uncleanness, but he had no qualms concerning the defilement it would bring to his soul. Only later in his repentance did he consider how God viewed his actions. Eve in the garden saw the fruit on the forbidden tree, that it was pleasant to the eyes, but it also appealed to her appetite and her ambitions. How quickly Satan led her on to consider that this forbidden tree was one to make her wise. Read Genesis 3:6. Adam and Eve hid from God when they saw the consequences of their sin. Achan saw a goodly Babylonish garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold. He allowed himself to be led on from seeing, to coveting, then stealing, then hiding the spoils. In the last day on earth, sinners will still be trying to hide from the face of Him that sits upon the throne. These are the very ones to whom today Jesus is showing the way out of temptation to eternal life.
NOTE: ‘The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The observance of the false sabbath will be urged upon us. The contest will be between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. Those who have yielded step by step to worldly demands, and conformed to worldly customs, will then yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. At that time the gold will be separated from the dross. . . . Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness. Those who have assumed the ornaments of the sanctuary. [They appear to reveal the fruit of the spirit, and appear as godly people, but with unconverted hearts beating underneath.] But they are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, and will then appear in the shame of their own nakedness.’ Prophets & Kings, page 188.
8. Can we be sure that Jesus our High Priest has been tempted as we are? Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-15 middle part. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13, and consider: would these words have applied to Jesus? Did Jesus come to earth as a human being like us? Or did He have an advantage over us?
NOTE: ‘Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He was manifest in the flesh. What was His work in this world? To put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself on the cross of Calvary. He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. By His prayers and strong supplications, He overcame. In His human nature, He perfected a character after the divine similitude. By a life of perfect obedience to every requirement of God, He procured redemption for all who will be obedient. The divine nature is imparted to those who receive and acknowledge Him as their Saviour. They become partakers of the divine nature, overcoming the assaults of Satan and escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.’ Review & Herald, August 31, 1905.