Topical Teachings > L - Q

Lust

Lust is a compelling obsession that may encompass all manner of fleshly or sensual desires, whether physical or intellectual (1 John 2:16). Accompanied by pride (a sense of one's own importance), lust is a product of one's natural tendency to sin.

Paul lists several "works of the flesh," which result by yielding to lust and pride. He states "that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). However, the Bible says that with the help of Jesus, we can rise above our basic human nature with its lusts.

What Scripture Says
Overcoming Lust
As You Pray
Suggested Reading

What Scripture Says

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law" (Galatians 5:16-18).

"For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:16).

"Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts" (Romans 6:12).

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22,23).

[top]

Overcoming Lust

You can trace most problems in life back to the natural sinful state of selfishness, from which come fleshly and intellectual lusts and pride. No matter what form it takes, be aware of the fact that Satan constantly appeals to it. Yet through Christ, you can have a new, changed nature. The power of the Holy Spirit will give you the ability to overcome sin in your life.

Realize the fact that you can be in bondage to lust to the extent that you allow harmful thoughts and activities to fill your mind. This is often the case with sexual lust. Constant thinking or fantasizing about fornication and adultery is sin (Matthew 5:28). To be free, you must repent, ask God for forgiveness and renounce the lust. Pray for the ability to overcome temptation. God is faithful and will forgive your sin (1 John 8,9). There is no sin so bad that He won't cleanse. Even the most scarlet of sins, He will make "white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18).

Basic human nature is not automatically destroyed as a result of salvation. Rather, your human nature is atoned for and pardoned. This means you still need to exercise control over lust and pride, which can be accomplished by renewing your mind through daily reading God's Word and communicating with Him in prayer. Self-control and obedience to God will help you gain control over lust, rather than allowing lust to control you (Galatians 5:22,23; 1 Corinthians 9:25,27).

A person's spirit is fed by what is allowed to enter. In other words, the Bible says that what you sow is what you will reap. So, rather than sow seeds of lustful thoughts and desires, choose to meditate on things that are pleasing to the Lord. He has promised to reward those who diligently seek Him and His ways.

Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." As you read the Scriptures and meditate upon them daily, you will have victory over lust (or anything else which might tend to separate you from the Father). Either sin will keep you from God's Word, or God's Word will keep you from sin.

[top]

As You Pray

Praise and thank God for sending His Son Jesus Christ to help you rise above your lusts. Pray that His perfection will be your perfection, and His holiness will be your holiness.

It is so important to practice praising God. When you minister praise to Him, He will then deliver and minister His peace to you (Isaiah 26:3). To praise Him is to honour and respect Him (1 Samuel 2:30b).

[top]

Lust

What Scripture Says

Overcoming Lust

As You Pray

Suggested Reading

PRAYER CENTRE