The World, the Flesh, the Devil, and Sin in Our Members: Another Temptation Scenario
Temptation is not always blatant or dramatic; often, it comes subtly, in everyday moments. In our last scenario, we examined how a believer might struggle with recognition and self-worth in the workplace. This time, let’s examine a different battle—a temptation of lust and moral compromise—to see how the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin that dwells in our members each play a role in the struggle.
By dissecting this experience, we will see that understanding the source of temptation helps us respond not with self-effort but by yielding to the life of Christ within us.
The Fourfold Battle: A Real-Life Metaphor
Our subject, Michael, is a married man who has been growing in his walk with Christ. He loves his wife and wants to honor God in his marriage.
One day, while traveling for work, Michael meets a charming woman at a business dinner. She is friendly, engaging, and attractive. The conversation flows naturally, and there’s an undeniable chemistry. As the evening progresses, he feels a growing temptation.
Let’s analyze how the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin in his members contribute to this battle.
1. The World: The External System That Normalizes Sin
Definition: The world (kosmos) refers to the collective system of human thought, culture, and values that function independently of God and are hostile to His ways.
Key Verses:
"The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:17)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
"The whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (1 John 5:19)
How the World Tempts Michael:
The culture surrounding Michael is steeped in messages that downplay fidelity and exalt self-gratification. Society tells him:
“What happens on a business trip stays on a business trip.”
“No one will ever know.”
“You deserve to enjoy yourself.”
Movies, TV shows, and even his co-workers’ casual attitudes reinforce this worldly mindset. Without realizing it, he begins to see the situation through the world’s lens, making sin seem less serious.
Response: Michael must recognize that these messages are not neutral—they are part of a fallen system designed to pull him away from Christ. Instead of conforming, he must renew his mind with God’s truth (Romans 12:2) and remember that he is set apart for Christ (1 Peter 1:14-16).
2. The Flesh: The Internal Pull Toward Self-Satisfaction
Definition: The flesh (sarx) refers to the ingrained patterns of self-reliance, coping mechanisms, and old thought processes that remain from life before Christ.
Key Verses:
"The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh." (Galatians 5:17)
"Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." (Romans 13:14)
"Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:8)
How the Flesh Tempts Michael:
Before he came to Christ, Michael often sought validation from women. Flirting made him feel admired, and approval from attractive women boosted his confidence.
Even though he is now a new creation in Christ, these old patterns remain ingrained in his flesh. The moment this woman gives him attention, the flesh stirs up thoughts like:
“She thinks I’m interesting. It’s harmless to enjoy the attention.”
“I’m not doing anything wrong—just enjoying a conversation.”
The flesh subtly moves him toward rationalization.
Response: Michael must not try to "discipline" or "improve" the flesh. It cannot be trained into godliness. Instead, he must deny it (Luke 9:23) and remember that it has no power over him unless he yields to it (Romans 6:12-14).
3. The Devil: The External Tempter and Deceiver
Definition: The devil (diabolos, meaning accuser or slanderer) actively seeks to deceive, tempt, and lead believers away from their dependence on Christ.
Key Verses:
"Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)
"Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
"Resist him, firm in your faith." (1 Peter 5:9)
How the Devil Tempts Michael:
Seeing that Michael is already being influenced by the world and the flesh, Satan whispers insidious lies:
“God won’t really mind—it’s just a little fun.”
“You’ve been faithful for so long—you deserve to loosen up.”
“Look at all the men who get away with far worse.”
Satan’s goal is to make sin seem small and manageable—just like he did with Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-5).
Response: Michael must not entertain these thoughts or argue with them. He must resist the devil, standing firm in faith (James 4:7). Instead of giving the enemy a foothold, he can proclaim truth: "I am not my own—I belong to Christ" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
4. Sin That Dwells in My Members: The Internal Impulse to Act
Definition: Sin that dwells in my members refers to the principle of sin at work in the body, which produces desires contrary to the Spirit’s leading.
Key Verses:
"It is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." (Romans 7:17)
"I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind." (Romans 7:23)
"The body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:10)
How Sin in His Members Tempts Michael:
Even after rejecting the world’s messages, denying the flesh, and resisting Satan’s lies, Michael suddenly feels a strong physical pull toward sin. His body reacts instinctively to the presence of this woman—his heart beats faster, and he experiences a chemical reaction of attraction.
This is not because he is evil—it is simply the reality of sin still dwelling in his mortal body (Romans 7:23).
Response: Michael does not need to fight this impulse with human willpower. Instead, he reckons himself dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). He does not identify with this urge—it is sin in his members, not who he is. By fixing his mind on Christ (Colossians 3:1-3), the temptation loses its power.
Final Thought: Victory Through Yielding to Christ
Michael’s battle illustrates the unique roles of each enemy:
The World says unfaithfulness is normal.
The Flesh recalls old patterns of seeking validation.
The Devil whispers lies to make sin seem harmless.
Sin in His Members pulls him physically toward action.
Yet Michael is not a slave to any of these forces. By yielding to Christ, he walks in victory—not by striving, but by resting in the truth of his identity.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, we thank You that in Christ, we are not bound by the world, the flesh, the devil, or sin in our members. We stand firm in the truth that Christ is our life. We reject the world's empty values, deny the flesh’s deception, resist the devil’s lies, and reckon ourselves dead to sin. Thank You for living through us today. Amen.