This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the
flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap
abuse on celestial beings… 2 Peter 2:10
For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful
desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who
live in error. 2 Peter 2:18
Not all sin requires a tempter. Satan
has an active role in humankind’s destructive ways, but he’s not to blame for
every sin and certainly didn’t need a tempter himself.
If someone dropped a wallet filled with
$100 bills in front of you, Satan does not need to suggest to you that you
could buy some pretty nice stuff with that. You can come up with those tempting scenarios
yourself.
If a naked woman’s picture popped up on
the screen, why would Satan need to step in and suggest something sinful?
Wouldn’t you naturally do that on your own?
Sin is making choices that go against
God’s desire for us. We make that choice based on past choices, sinful desires,
physical desires, society pressure, peer pressure and demonic suggestion.
These two verses from 2 Peter indicate
that the flesh has its own set of desires and needs. It even suggests that we tempt one
another. We are the tempters!
Satan long ago saw the power and glory
God received and thought “I could do better” or “I should get some of that
praise.” He didn't need any suggestion
from outside forces to sin.
Satan makes freewill choices, just like
we do. Satan didn’t need anyone to compel him to sin and so for the same reason
we cannot blame him for all our choices either.
The devil doesn’t always make you do it.