Easter Sunday
“But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.”
Where Does Temptation Come From?
Understanding the Root of Desire, the Nature of Sin, and How to Overcome Temptation in Christ
Temptation is one of the most universal experiences in the human condition, yet it’s often misunderstood. Many believers wrestle with shame or confusion, wondering why they struggle with certain thoughts or urges, assuming something is inherently wrong with them. But the Bible paints a more nuanced picture.
At its root, every desire we have is part of God's design. God created humans with longings—for connection, meaning, influence, creativity, sexuality, food, purpose, love. These desires are not sinful in and of themselves. In fact, they are reflections of our design in God's image. But because we live in a fallen world, and because of personal trauma, abuse, or cultural perversion, we often begin to express those God-given desires in broken or sinful ways.
As James 1:13–15 (NKJV) explains:
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
This passage shows clearly that temptation begins inside us. The enemy doesn’t plant foreign desires into our hearts. He tempts us by leveraging the desires we already have—and trying to twist or shortcut the way we meet those desires.
The Temptation of Jesus: A Blueprint
Let’s look at how temptation works by observing Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). This moment in Jesus’ life offers one of the clearest demonstrations of both the strategy of the enemy and the way of victory.
After His baptism, Jesus received public affirmation from the Father:
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Immediately after this powerful moment of identity, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted. And what was the first thing Satan said?
“If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3)
The enemy attacked Jesus’ identity—the very truth the Father had just spoken. Jesus’ desire to walk as God’s beloved Son was pure and good. But the enemy tried to sow doubt and lure Him to prove who He was outside of trust in the Father. This is how temptation works: it targets our identity and offers a shortcut.
The next temptation came after forty days of fasting. Jesus was hungry. So Satan said:
“Command that these stones become bread” (Matthew 4:3)
Again, the desire was legitimate—hunger is natural. But Satan tried to entice Jesus to misuse His divine power to meet a valid need in an illegitimate way, breaking His fast prematurely and stepping outside of God's leading. Jesus responded:
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)
Finally, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world—if He would worship him (Matthew 4:8–9). Why would this tempt Jesus? Because Jesus knew the Father had promised Him the nations. Psalm 2:8 says:
“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”
Jesus had read the Scriptures. He knew He was destined to reign, to be King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). But again, Satan offered Him a shortcut—to claim the promise without the cross.
This is the essence of sinful temptation:
a shortcut to fulfill a godly desire in an ungodly way.
Why We Sin: Broken Expression of Good Desire
Unbelievers sin because it’s their nature. New creations in Christ sin not because we’re evil by nature in Christ, but because we choose to express our desires in broken ways. Lust is a shortcut to intimacy. Greed is a shortcut to provision. Pride is a shortcut to influence. Jealousy is a shortcut to belonging. All sin is misdirected desire, and temptation works by enticing us to satisfy a legitimate need or longing apart from God’s way.
But in Christ, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we don’t have to follow the pattern of the flesh anymore. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6–7).
How Do You Overcome Temptation?
Let’s follow Jesus’ model and Scripture’s instruction:
Keep your heart pure before God.
Proverbs 4:23 says:“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Be honest with God about your desires. Let Him search and heal the broken places.Know what is written.
Jesus resisted temptation by quoting Scripture. The Word of God is your sword (Ephesians 6:17). Whatever area you struggle with—whether it’s sexual sin, anger, control, insecurity—find out what God says about it. The Word transforms desire.Know your identity in Christ.
Jesus didn’t perform to prove who He was—He stood on what the Father said. You are God’s beloved child (1 John 3:1). You have everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Temptation loses power when you're rooted in your identity.Rely on grace in the moment.
Hebrews 4:15–16 says:“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”Grace is not just forgiveness after the fact—it’s power in the moment to do what’s right from the heart.
God’s Goal: Fulfilled Desires, God’s Way
God is not trying to strip you of desire. He wants to fulfill the desires of your heart—in a holy, life-giving way.
Psalm 37:4 says:
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
That doesn’t just mean you get what you want. It means He shapes your desires and satisfies them with Himself.
So when you're tempted, remember:
It starts with a good desire.
The enemy offers a shortcut.
The Word offers a way of escape.
Your identity in Christ secures your victory.
Grace empowers you to walk it out.
If you stay rooted in God’s truth, your desires will not destroy you. They’ll lead you into deeper intimacy with God, and you’ll learn to walk in victory, expressing every desire in a way that glorifies Him.
