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Genesis 3- Eve Challenges God
Temptation is often divided into three parts: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life.(1 John 2:16). This is a proper way of viewing temptation. This is proper, but it is limited because it applies to us tempting ourselves: OUR flesh, OUR eyes, OUR pride.
Temptation also involves how we view God. Within the temptation scene of Genesis 3, we see how the Serpent challenges Eve to challenge God. Like all temptation, this is an attack on God.
Let’s proceed in order of appearance within the text.
1. Family of God – “He said to the woman” (instead of the man as head of the family) (Gen.3:2).
2. Authority of God – “Did God really say you can’t eat from any tree of the garden?” (Gen.3:2).
3. Power of God – “No, you certainly will not die” (Gen.3:4).
4. Character of God – “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen.3:5).
5. Generosity of God – (Despite all the other good trees that were permitted) “The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom” (Gen.3:6).
When tempted, don’t just focus on how it affects you. Consider how the Tempter desires you to challenge God.
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