The Bible presents a threefold division of temptation. We read of “the lust of the flesh,” or the desire to enjoy; “the lust of the eyes,” or the desire to obtain; “the pride of life,” or the desire to accomplish, 1 John 2:16. Each refers to an area of normal, Godgiven desire, which can become sin when it goes beyond the limits established in Scripture. It is not a sin to be tempted, because Christ was, but yielding becomes “the transgression of the law,” 1 John 3:4.
Satan used all three of these avenues to the human heart when he tempted Eve, Gen. 3:1-6. Eating the forbidden fruit appealed to the lust of the flesh. The words “your eyes shall be opened,” appealed to the lust of the eyes. The promise, “ye shall be as gods,” appealed to the pride of life. Eve capitulated in all three areas, v. 6.
The devil used the same three approaches in tempting Christ, Luke 4:1-13. He still tempts people today to sin through appetite, avarice, or ambition. Christ has given us the means of deliverance. Like Him, we are to be filled with the Spirit, Eph. 5:18; led by the Spirit, Rom. 8:14; empowered by the Spirit, Rom. 15:13; Luke 4:1, 14.
The Lord triumphed by using the Word of God, quoting the particular verse which suited the occasion. So may we, Eph. 6:17; Jas. 4:7.
William Evans, The Great Doctrines of the Bible, (Chicago: Bible Institute Colportage Assoc., 1912), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Temptation”.