WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
Anatomy is the scientific study of the structure and function of living organisms, especially humans, and is key to improving health, avoiding injury, and developing treatments. The idea of anatomy can also help us understand temptation, as seen when sin enters the world in Genesis 3:
- Opportunity.
Satan questioned God’s Word: “Did God really say…?” Then he lied, cast doubt on God’s character and motives, and enticed Eve with the prospect of becoming like God. Temptation presents itself like an opportunity, an invitation. This happens to everyone. Temptation itself is not a sin. - We feed an evil desire.
Eve considered Satan’s words and began to wonder if God was withholding something good from her. Adam was there, too. They should have fled, but instead, they lingered. Their imaginations stirred, and evil desires intensified. Eve looked closer, lusted, and reasoned that the forbidden fruit actually looked good—to her eyes and for her. In this stage of temptation, we take an active role, nurturing and toying with temptation. - We yield to our evil desire.
Eve took the fruit and entered into willful disobedience. When we enter this stage, we give our evil desire free reign. Like a fish hooked on a lure, we’re dragged away. And we sunk the hook ourselves! - We act out our sin.
Eve ate the fruit and gave it to Adam, who also ate it. At this stage, we engage in an act that defies God’s character and desire for us.
Some might downplay their sin—No one was harmed—but their sin brought profound consequences. Eve’s action led to Adam’s sin. Later, their son committed murder (Genesis 4). Adam and Eve birthed sin, and rebellion against God was unleashed like an epidemic with a 100% mortality rate. We mustn’t diminish any sin as “small,” especially our own. All sin is rebellion against God—and has eternal consequences.
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).
God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to live and then be crucified—as payment for our transgressions (1 John 4:10). Sin leads to death, but Jesus offers eternal life (Romans 6:23). When we repent—confess and turn from our sins—and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive God’s gracious gift of forgiveness, reconciliation, and righteousness.
The anatomy of temptation reveals a strategy of deception and lies we must come to recognize: It’s no big deal. Everybody does it. Those rules are old fashioned. Nobody will know. You can quit whenever you want. You don’t really need God. Satan wants us to reject God’s authority, so he encourages self-reliance over God and promotes controlling one’s own destiny, rather than trusting in divine wisdom and guidance. Scripture tells us to flee temptation, to humble ourselves before God before fighting the devil’s schemes, and to rely on God’s strength, power, and armor as we stand firm against the enemy (1 Timothy 6:11; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-11).
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17
Personal Application: When have you fought temptation? This week, pay close attention to Satan’s schemes. What lies does the enemy tell you? Involve yourself in an accountable relationship with your wife and a trusted mentor or spiritual partner.
- Taken in part from Overcoming Barriers Men Face: Biblical Thoughts on Issues Confronting Men Today by Jim Grassi, D. Min
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5