Chapter 1, Questions 4 & 5

4. The Bible describes three ways Satan tried to lure us away from loving God: cravings, lust of the eyes, and boasting (1 John 2:15 - 16). Lysa explains how Satan used these tactics with both Eve and Jesus (p. 22-23). Using the list below, think back over the last twenty-four hours or the last few days to see if you recognize how you may have been tempted in similar ways.

• Cravings: meeting physical desires outside the will of God. In waht ways were you tempted by desires for things such as food, alcohol, drugs or sex?


• Lust of the eyes: meeting material desires outside the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires for material things-clothing, financial portfolio, appliances, vacation plans, cosmetics, home decor, electronics, etc.?


• Boasting: meeting needs for significance outside the will of God. In what ways were you tempted by desires to prop up your significance-perhaps by name dropping, exaggerating, feigning humilty or other virtues, doing something just because you knew it would be observed by others, etc.?

I have been tempted so much by food... something inside tells me that God 's will doesn't cover food, but I know that's a lie. Just this morning I gave in to the temptation to eat a buttered waffle after I had already had cereal. Right now I can't stop thinking about the muffins in the display case at the cafe in the back. There are times when I would really like the taste of a cold beer -- even just last night.

I like to day dream about a redone kitchen, and a finished basement. Is this outside the will of God? The plans for the basement are included in our budget, but the kitchen is really a dream. I also was very envious of the home in which we stayed in Florida - the size, the decorations, and the fact that it was CLEAN.

I don't think I am as tempted by the desire for significance outside God's will. Sometimes I feel like I'm hiding the fact of my brokenness, and everyone thinks I'm so spiritual, when really I am so carnal.

I guess then the easiest to resist is the boasting, and then the hardest is the physical.

5. Jesus quotes the truth of scripture to defeat temptation (p. 22). Have you ever used Scripture in this way? What was the result? How do you feel about the idea of using this approach to address your unhealthy eating patterns?

On first read, I know that quoting scripture is the best way to defeat these cravings, but I doubt that I will be successful. I haven't been able to stick with this strategy for any length of time, why will this be different?