The Second Satanic Deception: Lust

      Human nature is filled with vanity, jealousy, greed and lust. Satan can take advantage of that tendency and weakness in all of us, He sends temptation through the media; movies, television, magazines and the internet; and through carnal and covetous individuals.

      The Apostle Paul warned married couples not to deprive one another from sexual relations, Otherwise Satan could take advantage of our carnal nature, "Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5)

      In our modern age, sexual temptations are all around us. So the Apostle Paul advised those who might lack self-control, "Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality; let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband" (1 Corinthians 7:2)

      We need to understand that lust, greed and covetousness are sin. The Tenth Commandment states, "you shall not covet your neighbor’s house, you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor any thing that is your neighbor’s" (Exodus 20:17)

      Instead of coveting, be thankful for all the blessings God has given you. After all, God promises to provide all your godly needs. That promise is in Philippians 4:19. We need to understand that covetousness is a form of idolatry. We can desire a person, position or possession so strongly that it becomes an idol to us. Remember this admonition, "Therefore put to death your members which are on earth, fornication, uncleanness, passion, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)

      We need to pray as Jesus taught us, "and do not lead us into temptation, but delivery us from the evil one, For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen"