Gen 2:8-9  Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made.  The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Gen. 2:15-17 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.  But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—  except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

Gen 3:1-7  The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”  “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”  The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.  At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

#1. Temptation diminishes our view of God.

Psalm 119

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.   Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.   They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.   You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.   Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!   Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.   As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!   I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.   I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

#2. Temptation downplays sins Consequences.

Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.  And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

#3. Temptation elevates me over Him.

Proverbs 4:20-27 (NLT)

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.