What is lust and how does it affect your life?
Definition of Lust: A very strong and passionate desire for something or someone.
Similar Words: Desire, Passion, Relish, Craving, Sexuality, Concupiscence
Examples of Lust:
What The Bible Says About The Sin Of Lust:• Lust can be known as a strong insatiable desire for sex, pornography, and other sexual vices. • Lust can be an intense longing for something we cannot control.• Your mind is continuously on this one thing and you will do anything to get this fix. • You have a strong desire for power, fame, or knowledge.• You have an uncontrollable desire for drugs or alcohol. • You can even lust after materials – clothes, homes, and cars are just a few things.
Verses About Lust:
Matthew 5:28 – but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world.
Romans 7:5For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
Encouragement Verses For Overcoming Lust:
1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Colossians 3:5 “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
2 Timothy 2:22 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Take Away
Lust can be found in a variety of situations and it’s easy to give our minds over to these desires we are yearning for. When we give our minds over to perusing these fleshly desires, we become engrossed with ourselves and will do anything to obtain the fix our vice gives us. When our focus becomes obtaining this fix, we will stop at nothing regardless of the negative consequences this sin may have. Lust takes our minds captive and we become a slave to this one thing. If you truly ask yourself, I think we would all be surprised at what we have compromised as far as our relationship, time, and commitment to working for God’s kingdom. Taking our mind and desires back starts with confessing our sin to God and giving Him the situation that His yoke is powerful enough to break. Without Him, our flesh is too weak. Once we take these steps, it’s important to renew our mind every day with God’s word and in prayer. When we take those moments of weakness to God, He gives us the strength to fight the urge we may be feeling. Each passing day does get easier, but it is hard to get started and to stay seeking God during the beginning. Once the chains break, we will be free from this sin but it’s a lifetime of embracing a relationship with Jesus every day.
Heavenly Father,
I come before you seeking your wisdom and strength in this area of my life that is overtaken by lust. I commit this area to you and ask that you invade my heart and change me from the inside out. Give me the strength and courage I will need in the days ahead as I continue to live for you fully surrendered.
Questions to Ponder and Life Application Thoughts:
1. What are fixations is your mind is set on and continuously thinking about? 2. What can you do to cultivate your relationship with Jesus?3. Find someone you trust to confide in and to be a support system, it’s always good to find someone to hold us accountable. Ask God to show you who this person might be.
Collective Circle Gathering 