We all need wisdom concerning lust. Lust is not only related to sexual desire, but can be a craving for anything that we don’t have and shouldn’t have. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how we can walk free from all types of lust.
1 John 2:16 “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure (lust of the flesh), a craving for everything we see (the lust of the eyes), and pride in our achievements and possessions (the pride of life). These are not from the Father but are from this world.”
Lust, Greed, and Pride are the three traps the enemy has set for us in this world.
Lust is an unhealthy craving or longing for something you don’t have, can’t have, or shouldn’t have. Lust is fascination turned obsession, with what is not yours.
We can lust after food, fame, power, money, sex, possessions, etc.
In the OT Hebrew its translated “covet” and is the 10th commandment.
Exodus 20:17
Coveting and lusting are the same thing.
Why does God care? Because He is trying to protect you and protect others from you.
1 John 2:17
Lust is a perversion of love. Love is kind, lust is cruel. Love serves others, lust uses others. Love is forever, lust is fleeting.
2 Sam 13:1-19 – Tamar and Amnon
Lust promises pleasure but always leads to pain. Ultimately, someone else will pay the bill for what lust is buying.
How to conquer lust:
- Extinguish lustful thoughts.
Lust starts with a spark. We must extinguish the spark of lust, and not fan the flame.
Colossians 3:5a “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires.”
It’s OK to notice, its not OK to obsess.
The fantasy you entertained yesterday is working hard to become your reality today. Don’t feed the fire of lust. - Flee from anything that sparks lust.
2 Tim 2:22 “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
Don’t put yourself in situations, don’t hang out with people, and don’t put up with influences that awaken lust in your life. - Get busy doing kingdom work.
1 Peter 2:11 “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul”
Inactivity will have you looking around at what everyone else has. Unthankfulness is
inactivity’s 1st cousin. It will have you wanting everyone else’s stuff. - Take lust to the King.
To get lust out of the bedroom, take it to the throne room.
Romans 13:14 “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
Lust is what happens when you don’t trust God’s ability to provide for your needs.
Are you caught in the world’s trap of lust?