Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Anything or anyone that is allowed the first place in our affections, will ultimately engage our utmost attentions and energies, and if it is not Christ or the interests of His kingdom, we may know for certain that separation has already begun. [Patriarchs & Prophets pp 717] As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only Source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man's carnal nature.
The word “arouse” must be given due consideration at this time, because something cannot be aroused except it be present and/or dormant. For example: “The pit-bull was “aroused” when it heard the mail-man at the front door”. The pit-bull in question would first have to be present, in order for it to be “aroused”
As it pertains to phantom temptations, every sinful tendency and craving that is cherished, which then remains in a latent state within our minds, can and will absolutely be aroused into action whenever the right set of circumstances converge.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!