Overcoming Lust: A Battle for the Soul

Devotional

Day 1: Lust's Deceptive Nature and Universal Impact

Lust is a pervasive issue that affects both men and women, manifesting differently but equally destructive. It is rooted in deceit and ignorance, leading us away from the truth of God. Understanding this helps us recognize the need for a deep knowledge of God to combat lust effectively. Lust is not merely a personal struggle but a universal one, affecting individuals across genders and cultures. It thrives on ignorance and deception, drawing people away from the truth and leading them into a cycle of sin. Recognizing the deceitful nature of lust is the first step in overcoming it. By acknowledging that lust is a common struggle, individuals can begin to seek the knowledge of God as a powerful strategy to combat it. This understanding helps elevate one's life above the destructive allure of lust, allowing the grace of God to bring freedom and healing. [01:29]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what ways have you seen lust manifest in your life, and how can you seek a deeper knowledge of God to combat it today?

Day 2: Living by Faith in Future Grace

Overcoming lust requires living by faith in future grace, which involves immersing ourselves in the knowledge of God's promises and the superior pleasures found in Him. This knowledge elevates us above the deceitful allure of lust, allowing us to experience true freedom. Faith in future grace means trusting in the promises of God and finding satisfaction in His presence. By focusing on the superior pleasures found in God, individuals can rise above the temporary and deceitful allure of lust. This approach requires a commitment to knowing God deeply and relying on His grace to transform desires. As believers immerse themselves in the knowledge of God's promises, they find the strength to resist lust and experience the true freedom that comes from living in alignment with His will. [05:23]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: What specific promises of God can you meditate on today to help you overcome the allure of lust and find satisfaction in Him?

Day 3: The Misconception of Sexual Experience

The misconception that sexual experience is essential to being fully human is challenged by the example of Jesus Christ, who lived a fully human life without engaging in sexual intercourse. This truth liberates single individuals, affirming that chastity is a path to divine fulfillment. Society often promotes the idea that sexual experience is necessary for a complete and fulfilling life. However, the life of Jesus Christ serves as a powerful counterexample. Jesus lived a fully human and fulfilling life without engaging in sexual activity, demonstrating that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God. This understanding liberates individuals, especially those who are single, from societal pressures and affirms that chastity is not a deprivation but a path to divine fulfillment. By following the example of Christ, believers can find contentment and purpose in their walk with God. [14:33]

1 Corinthians 7:32-34 (ESV): "I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided."

Reflection: How can you embrace the example of Jesus in your own life, finding fulfillment in your relationship with God rather than societal expectations?

Day 4: Cherishing God Over Fleeting Pleasures

The battle against lust is not just about avoiding sin but about cherishing God more than fleeting pleasures. By valuing God's beauty and glory above all else, we can sever the root of lust and experience the fullness of His joy. Lust often presents itself as a source of pleasure, but it ultimately leads to emptiness and destruction. The true antidote to lust is not merely avoiding sin but cultivating a deep love and appreciation for God. By cherishing God's beauty and glory above all else, individuals can find satisfaction in Him and sever the root of lust. This approach requires a shift in focus from temporary pleasures to the eternal joy found in a relationship with God. As believers prioritize their love for God, they experience the fullness of His joy and the freedom that comes from living in His presence. [16:41]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to cherish God more deeply and find satisfaction in His presence rather than in fleeting pleasures?

Day 5: Making War Against Sin

Unfought lust can destroy the soul, and Jesus' teachings urge us to take drastic measures to rid ourselves of temptations. The story of Donald Wyman serves as a metaphor for the lengths we must go to preserve our spiritual well-being, emphasizing the importance of making war against sin. The battle against lust is a serious one, requiring vigilance and determination. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:28-29 highlight the need to take drastic measures to avoid sin and preserve spiritual well-being. The story of Donald Wyman, who cut off his leg to save his life, serves as a powerful metaphor for the lengths individuals must go to in order to combat lust. This battle requires a proactive approach, making war against sin and relying on God's grace for strength. By taking decisive action and seeking God's help, believers can find victory over lust and live in the fullness of His joy. [19:46]

Colossians 3:5-6 (ESV): "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming."

Reflection: What drastic measures can you take today to combat lust in your life and preserve your spiritual well-being?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the pervasive issue of lust, emphasizing that it is not a struggle exclusive to men but one that affects both genders, albeit in different ways. Lust, defined as the pursuit of illicit thoughts or images to stimulate sexual pleasure, is a deceitful force that can lead us away from the truth of God. It is crucial to understand that lust is rooted in ignorance and deception, and overcoming it requires a deep knowledge of God and His promises.

The key to defeating lust lies in living by faith in future grace, which involves a profound understanding of God's promises and the superior pleasures found in Him. Ephesians 4:22 and 1 Peter 1:14 remind us that lust is tied to deceit and ignorance, and thus, knowing God is a powerful strategy for overcoming it. By immersing ourselves in the knowledge of God, we can elevate our lives above the mud of lust, allowing the tide of God's grace to lift us to freedom.

Furthermore, we discussed the societal misconception that sexual experience is essential to being fully human. Jesus Christ, who lived a fully human life without engaging in sexual intercourse, serves as a liberating example for single individuals. Psalm 84:11 assures us that God withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly, affirming that chastity is not a deprivation but a path to divine fulfillment.

The battle against lust is not just about avoiding sin but about cherishing God more than fleeting pleasures. Unfought lust can destroy the soul, and Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:28-29 urge us to take drastic measures to rid ourselves of temptations that lead us astray. The story of Donald Wyman, who cut off his leg to save his life, serves as a metaphor for the lengths we must go to preserve our spiritual well-being.

Ultimately, the fight against lust is a war for our souls, and we must be vigilant in making war against sin. As John Owen famously said, "Be killing sin or it will be killing you." This battle requires constant effort, but with God's grace and the knowledge of His promises, we can find victory and live in the fullness of His joy.

Key Takeaways

1. being, emphasizing the importance of making war against sin. [19:46]
** [19:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Understanding Lust Beyond Gender
[01:29] - Definition and Nature of Lust
[02:40] - The Root of Lust: Deceit and Ignorance
[05:23] - Living by Faith in Future Grace
[06:42] - Knowing God as a Strategy
[09:52] - The Power of God's Promises
[11:07] - Misconceptions About Sexual Experience
[14:33] - Jesus as the Model of Humanity
[16:41] - Cherishing God Over Fleeting Pleasures
[17:20] - The Dangers of Unfought Lust
[19:46] - The Metaphor of Donald Wyman
[20:28] - Making War Against Sin
[21:31] - The Call to Be Killing Sin
[22:20] - Practical Steps to Combat Lust

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Overcoming Lust Through Faith and Knowledge of God

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 4:22 - "Lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit."
1 Peter 1:14 - "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance."
Psalm 84:11 - "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly."

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Observation Questions:

How does the sermon define lust, and what are the different ways it manifests in men and women? [01:29]
According to the sermon, what is the relationship between lust and ignorance or deceit? [03:17]
What example does the sermon provide to illustrate the drastic measures one might take to overcome sin, and how does it relate to Jesus' teachings? [19:46]
How does the sermon describe the societal misconception about sexual experience and being fully human? [12:27]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean to "live by faith in future grace," and how does this concept help in overcoming lust according to the sermon? [05:23]
How does the sermon suggest that knowing God can be a strategy for overcoming lust, and what does it mean to truly know God? [06:42]
In what ways does the sermon challenge the belief that sexual experience is essential to being fully human, and how does Jesus' life serve as a model in this context? [14:33]
How does the metaphor of Donald Wyman cutting off his leg relate to the spiritual battle against lust, and what does it suggest about the lengths we should go to preserve our spiritual well-being? [19:46]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be deceived or ignorant about the nature of lust? How can you seek a deeper knowledge of God to combat this? [03:17]
The sermon emphasizes living by faith in future grace. What are some practical steps you can take to immerse yourself in the knowledge of God's promises this week? [05:23]
Consider the societal pressures around sexual experience. How can you find fulfillment in your identity in Christ rather than in societal expectations? [12:27]
Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:28-29 urge us to take drastic measures against sin. What are some "drastic measures" you might need to take to avoid temptations in your life? [17:35]
The sermon mentions cherishing God more than fleeting pleasures. What are some specific ways you can cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's beauty and glory in your daily life? [16:41]
Reflect on the metaphor of Donald Wyman. Are there "parts" of your life that you need to "cut off" to preserve your spiritual well-being? What steps can you take to do this? [19:46]
John Owen's quote, "Be killing sin or it will be killing you," is a call to action. What is one specific sin you need to make war against, and what is your plan to combat it this week? [21:31]

Sermon Clips

Lust grows out of suppressing the knowledge of God and his promises, most people in the world don't have a clue that that's the case and some Christians don't believe that that's the case but look at these texts Ephesians 4:22 lay aside the old self which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of Deceit. [00:02:52]

Lust feels very much different from ideas in the head feels very much like convictions of the soul but it is not out of touch with these my my my concern is not merely to provide some little shortterm here's a way to stop that here's a way to stop that but rather to build a substructure of life into your mind and heart. [00:04:34]

I want to create such a an awareness of a deep knowledge of an allegiance to the superior pleasures of God in Christ over against the dangers of hellish lust that men and women find their boats floating free and don't as often need to use the crane of technique just kind of a a growing abide in Victory. [00:05:28]

If you yield to a life driven by lustful passion you act like you don't know God if that's true then knowing god is a good strategy for overcoming lust it is knowing god I mean really knowing him there a lot of guys and gals who when they fight the fight they try to you know bring some theological or bibl thought to mind. [00:06:31]

His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life godliness through the true knowledge okay now watch that his power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness okay that would be good I would like that I would like that power to produce godliness in me how does it come to me it gives us some channels. [00:07:54]

The Lord God is a son and shield the Lord gives Grace and Glory no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly wow do you believe that no good thing does he withhold from those who walk chaste and uprightly which means that if you are not married and you walk uprightly in Chastity the Lord withholds holds no good thing from you. [00:13:26]

I hear you saying that you want to be fully human I affirm that I know one person who was fully human Jesus Christ he never had sex I think that's a very liberating thought to single people should be Jesus Christ came into the world to model the infinite Beauty and fullness of humanity and he never had sexual intercourse. [00:14:18]

Unfought lust will destroy the soul I skipped over the warnings on anxiety I won't skip over this one warnings are the flip side of promises they are gracious they're they they they make us scared but Jesus uses them we should use them Matthew 5:28 I say to you that every one who looks at a woman with Lust For Her has already committed adultery. [00:16:44]

A man will cut off his leg to save his life will you cut off your leg and gouge out your eye to save your eternity that's what Jesus says be thrown into hell we should fight this lust thing with hellish proportions hell and heaven I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against your soul. [00:20:04]

Be killing sin or it will be killing you we don't always succeed but we better make war the evidence of being born of God is that you make war on your sin you don't win every battle but you make war. [00:21:48]

The evidence of being born of God is that you make war on your sin you don't win every battle but you make war. [00:22:14]

I fight in the moment of lust but I think I've said enough about lust I'd like to move on so Anthem if you type in Anthem at desiringgod.org you will get this ACC ACM I find it very helpful in the moment when the thought that you don't want in your head comes in your head and you're trying to figure out how to get it out. [00:22:56]

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Overcoming Lust: A Battle for the Soul

Devotional

Day 1: Lust's Deceptive Nature and Universal Impact

Day 2: Living by Faith in Future Grace

Day 3: The Misconception of Sexual Experience

Day 4: Cherishing God Over Fleeting Pleasures

Day 5: Making War Against Sin

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Overcoming Lust: A Battle for the Soul

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