Yes, the three recurring areas of temptation are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
According to 1 John 2:16, these three categories encompass every temptation that befalls humanity. Les Feldick teaches that Jesus experienced every temptation in these three categories, and Eve's fall at the forbidden tree demonstrates each one. These temptations are not isolated but recur nearly every day, and they belong to a world system that will pass away.
1 John 2:16 — This verse explicitly lists the three areas of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
The Bible directly addresses the three areas of temptation in 1 John 2:15-17. Verse 16 states, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." This passage identifies these three categories as encompassing everything in the world system. The next verse explains that this world and its desires will pass away, but those who do the will of God abide forever. The same threefold pattern appears in the account of Eve's temptation in Genesis 3:6: "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat." This verse mirrors the three areas: the lust of the flesh (good for food), the lust of the eyes (pleasant to the eyes), and the pride of life (desired to make one wise). Additionally, Hebrews 4:15 affirms that Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," indicating that He faced temptations in these same categories.
Les Feldick emphasizes that the three areas of temptation—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—are universal and recur daily. He explains that the lust of the flesh refers to any bodily appetite, not just sexual desire. In Eve's case, it was hunger, as she saw the fruit as good for food. The lust of the eyes involves what appears alluring or beautiful, such as the fruit being pleasant to look at. The pride of life is the desire for self-exaltation or power, as when Eve was tempted by the possibility of being like God. Les applies these categories to believers today, noting that every temptation can be placed into one of these three categories, just as Jesus faced them. He also highlights that pride is a major obstacle to salvation, as people are too proud to admit their need for God. Furthermore, he explains that these temptations belong to the world system, which will pass away, whereas doing God's will brings eternal reward.
Les teaches that Eve faced all three areas at the forbidden tree. The lust of the flesh was evident as she saw that the tree was good for food. The lust of the eyes was present as the fruit was pleasant to look at and appealing. The pride of life was the underlying basis of the temptation, as Satan suggested she could be like God, which appealed to her desire for power and status. Les emphasizes that this same pattern is described in 1 John 2:16.
Les explains that Jesus was tempted in all three categories. The lust of the flesh was evident when Jesus was hungry and Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread. The lust of the eyes was appealed to when Satan showed Him the kingdoms of the world, tempting Him with power and glory. The pride of life was present in the temptation to throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple to prove His identity. Les notes that every temptation we face fits into one of these three categories, just as Jesus experienced.
Les teaches that pride is one of the biggest obstacles to salvation. People are too proud to admit they need something God offers. This pride is a manifestation of the 'pride of life' and often prevents individuals from humbling themselves to accept God's provision. Les connects this to the broader theme of temptation, showing how pride influences many aspects of human behavior.
Three Areas From 1 John 2
Les reads 1 John 2 and identifies the three areas: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life, noting they are not from the Father but are of the world and will pass away.
Eve and Jesus Parallel
Les connects Eve's temptation (lust of the eyes and pride of life) to Jesus' temptations, showing that the same three categories appear.
Defining the Three Areas
Les explains that lust of the flesh includes any appetite, lust of the eyes is alluring appearances, and pride of life is pride that keeps people from salvation.
Eve's Temptation in Detail
Les details how Eve's hunger, the fruit's appearance, and the desire to be like God correspond to the three areas of temptation.
Pride and Power
Les explains that the pride of life appeals to the quest for power, as seen in political ambition, and traces it back to Eve's desire to be like God.
Genesis 2-3 Bible Study: How the Fall of Man Changed Everything
But now Satan is making it look as though that's something to be desired. And again, bring it into our own contemporary situation. What can Satan do with the things of this world that do nothing but destroy us? Oh, he can glamorize it. He can make it look as though if you aren't doing that, you're not living. Isn't it true? Oh, and it'll do nothing but just tear people down.
Jesus Tempted in All Categories
Les states that every temptation a believer faces falls into one of the three categories, and Jesus experienced them all, as Hebrews 4:15 confirms.
Revelation 20 Explained: Satan Bound, the Millennium & Final Judgment
They were never hungry, they were never uncomfortable, they had the most beautiful environment you could imagine. So when the tempter comes along in order to activate that free will that God gave man from creation on, what did they have to have? A choice. They had to have a choice.
1 John 2:16: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
This verse directly enumerates the three areas of temptation that humans face.
Genesis 3:6: And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
This describes Eve's temptation, mirroring the three categories of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.
Hebrews 4:15: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Shows that Jesus experienced all categories of temptation without sinning.
The three areas are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, as stated in 1 John 2:16. These encompass all temptations humans face.
Every temptation a person experiences can be placed into one of these three categories. Whether it's appetites, visual allure, or pride, they all fall under these headings.
Yes, Jesus was tempted in all three categories, as seen in the Gospel accounts. Hebrews 4:15 confirms He was tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin.
Watch the Teaching: The Three Temptations Everyone Faces — Eve to Jesus Explained