Lust of the eyes examples

      The lust of the eyes is one of the three major temptations mentioned in 1 John 2:16, which states: "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." (NKJV)

      The lust of the eyes refers to the sinful desire to possess things that we see, leading to covetousness, greed, and disobedience to God. This temptation has led many people in the Bible to fall into sin. Below are key examples from Scripture, along with their consequences and lessons we can learn.

1. Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6)

Temptation through Sight

      Eve’s fall into sin began with what she saw:

 "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate." (Genesis 3:6, NKJV)

      The fruit looked good to her eyes, leading her to desire something that God had forbidden. The devil used the lust of the eyes to make her question God’s command, and as a result, she and Adam were cast out of Eden.

Lesson:

      We should be cautious about desiring things just because they look good. Not everything that appears attractive is beneficial or in line with God’s will.

2. Achan’s Greed for Wealth (Joshua 7:20-21)

The Lust for Material Possessions

      After the Israelites defeated Jericho, they were commanded not to take any spoils from the city. However, Achan disobeyed:

 "When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, I coveted them and took them." (Joshua 7:21, NKJV)

      Achan’s desire for wealth caused him to steal what was forbidden, bringing disaster upon himself and Israel. He was eventually punished with death.

Lesson:

      The lust of the eyes can lead to dishonesty and destruction. Desiring wealth in a way that dishonors God leads to negative consequences.

3. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2-4)

The Sin of Lust and Adultery

      One evening, King David was walking on the roof of his palace when he saw Bathsheba bathing:

"Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold." (2 Samuel 11:2, NKJV)

      David’s lustful desire led him to commit adultery with Bathsheba and later have her husband, Uriah, killed to cover up the sin.

Lesson:

      What we allow our eyes to linger on can lead us to sin. Guarding our hearts and eyes from temptation is crucial to maintaining purity.

4. Lot’s Wife Looking Back (Genesis 19:26)

Longing for the Past

      As God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, He commanded Lot’s family not to look back. However, Lot’s wife disobeyed:

"But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26, NKJV)

      Her longing for the sinful city cost her life. She saw what she was leaving behind and couldn’t let go of it.

Lesson:

      The lust of the eyes isn’t just about material things—it can also be about clinging to a sinful past. When God calls us to move forward, we must not look back.

5. Satan’s Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:8-9)

The Temptation of Power and Glory

      Satan tempted Jesus by showing Him all the kingdoms of the world:

"Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’" (Matthew 4:8-9, NKJV)

      Satan tried to tempt Jesus with earthly power and glory, hoping He would bow in exchange for what He saw. However, Jesus resisted, responding with Scripture.

Lesson:

      Not all that glitters is gold. The world offers attractive temptations, but obedience to God is more valuable than anything we see with our eyes.

How to Overcome the Lust of the Eyes

1. Guard Your Eyes and Mind

Psalm 101:3 – "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes."

      Be mindful of what you watch, read, and expose yourself to.

2. Find Contentment in God

1 Timothy 6:6 – "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

      Don’t crave what others have; trust that God provides all you need.

3. Use God’s Word to Resist Temptation

Psalm 119:11 – "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."

      Just as Jesus resisted Satan with Scripture, we must rely on God’s Word.

      The lust of the eyes is a powerful temptation that has led many into sin. From Eve’s fall in the Garden to Achan’s greed, David’s lust, and Lot’s wife’s backward glance, we see how dangerous it is to be controlled by what we see. However, Jesus showed us the way to resist temptation—by keeping our eyes fixed on God’s truth and not being deceived by worldly desires.