What is lust?
- Lust is an intense, disordered desire, usually referring to sexual craving outside God’s design for marriage. In Scripture, it represents uncontrolled passion that corrupts the heart and dishonors God.
- The sin of lust is inherently selfish
- Lust is the origin of all sexual sin
What types of actions are based in lust?
- Pornography
- Sexual acts outside of marriage
- Masturbation
- Simply looking at someone with sexual intent!
Jesus' stance on lust:
He takes a hard stance against lust. We must take a hard stance against lust.
Matthew 5:27-29 “27 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
Lust in Marriage
Biblical example: David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)
- Consequences of lust are severe!
James 1:14-15 “14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
- Lust literally led to death
- David's life was never the same
Consequences for David:
- Murder was a constant threat for the rest of his life
- David's household rebelled against him
- His wives were given to another in public view
- His first child by Bathsheba died
- These affected both David and those around him.
Lust when single
Consequences are still bad:
- Distance from God
- Prevents relationships
- Takes focus off of Jesus
Practical ways to avoid lust:
- Stay in community
- Confess and reveal sin
- Avoid temptation
Lust as an ongoing struggle
- Temptation of lust may never go away completely
- We should be conscious of those around us who may struggle with this
