The Temptation

Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia

1. The Tempter . The woman was approached by the serpent, Devil (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:2 ).
2. Means . He approached her by speaking in her own language and by Falsely interpreting the law of God (Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44 ).
3. Points Tempted . The woman was tempted in
   1. the lust of the flesh,
   2. the lust of the eye,
   3. and the pride of life (Genesis 3:1-6; 1 John 2:16 ).
4. Results . The woman was deceived (2 Corinthians 11:3 ); the man was not (1 Timothy 2:13-15 ), but the eating of the fruit brought the speedy sentence of death (Genesis 2:16,17; Romans 5:12-19 ). All the guilty parties were involved in the results.
5. General Results .
   1. The serpent was doomed to disgrace and destruction;
   2. the woman was doomed to sorrow in child-bearing and subserviency to her husband;
   3. and the man was doomed to sorrow, disappointment, and hard labor (Genesis 3:14-19 ).
6. Remote Results . Man's will power was doubtless weakened by Transgression, but he still had the power to partake of the tree and Life and live forever (Genesis 3:22-24 ). His memory was doubtless weakened by sin, but he remembered all the circumstances of the temptation and Transgression (Genesis 3:1-13 ). His reason was doubtless weakened by disobedience, but he was able to attempt to shift the responsibility From his shoulders when confronted with the results of his crime (Genesis 3:12,13 ).
7. Causes of Sin and Death . Sin, death, and their terrible consequences were brought about by
   1. hearing,
   2. believing,
   3. and yielding to a lie.

   Beware!