Rethinking Lust: Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and praise the Lord, acknowledging His enduring mercy and goodness. We sang songs of gratitude and celebrated the blessings God has bestowed upon us. As we transitioned into the sermon, we delved into the topic of "rethinking lust," focusing on Jesus' teachings from Matthew 5:27-30. Jesus challenges us to understand that lust is not merely about physical actions but begins in the heart and mind. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our thoughts and actions, rather than blaming others for our struggles.
We explored the concept of radical removal, where Jesus uses extreme language to illustrate the need for drastic measures to avoid sin. This involves cutting off access to things that lead us into temptation, whether it be certain media, relationships, or environments. We also discussed the broader implications of lust, extending beyond sexual desire to include the lust for power, status, and possessions. Jesus calls us to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring that our desires align with God's will.
The sermon concluded with practical steps to combat lust, emphasizing the importance of community, accountability, and filling our hearts with God's love. We were reminded that victory over lust is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, we can experience true freedom and live a life that honors God and others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Rethink Responsibility: Jesus teaches that lust begins in the heart and mind, and we must take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. Blaming others for our struggles only perpetuates the problem. Instead, we should seek God's help to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring our desires align with His will. [01:09:07]
2. Radical Removal: Jesus uses extreme language to emphasize the need for drastic measures to avoid sin. This involves cutting off access to things that lead us into temptation, whether it be certain media, relationships, or environments. We must be willing to take these steps to protect our spiritual walk. [01:15:09]
3. Broader Implications of Lust: Lust is not limited to sexual desire; it includes the lust for power, status, and possessions. This gnawing dissatisfaction can dominate our lives, keeping us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. We must guard against all forms of lust to live a life that honors God. [01:05:41]
4. Community and Accountability: Lust grows in isolation, but healing comes in community. Surrounding ourselves with trustworthy friends and accountability partners can help us stay on the right path. Sharing our struggles and receiving support from others strengthens our resolve to overcome temptation. [01:23:42]
5. Filling Our Hearts with God's Love: When our hearts are full of Jesus, there is no room for lust. By falling in love with Jesus and focusing on His love, we can overcome the desires that lead us astray. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in purity, self-control, and love, leading to true freedom. [01:27:03]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [11:32] - Praise and Worship
3. [15:21] - Greeting and Fellowship
4. [17:56] - Declaration of Faith
5. [22:19] - God's Blessings
6. [24:54] - Preparing for Prayer
7. [58:37] - Introduction to Rethinking Lust
8. [59:27] - Personal Testimony
9. [01:02:43] - Jesus' Teachings on Lust
10. [01:04:12] - Broader Implications of Lust
11. [01:07:28] - Rethink Responsibility
12. [01:15:09] - Radical Removal
13. [01:20:06] - Practical Steps to Combat Lust
14. [01:27:03] - Filling Our Hearts with God's Love
15. [01:33:43] - Invitation to Surrender to the Holy Spirit
16. [01:37:45] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:27-30 (NIV): "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 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. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 5:27-30, what does Jesus say about the origins of adultery and lust?
2. What extreme measures does Jesus suggest to avoid sin, and what might these measures symbolize? [01:15:09]
3. How does the sermon describe the broader implications of lust beyond just sexual desire? [01:05:41]
4. What role does community and accountability play in overcoming lust according to the sermon? [01:23:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that lust begins in the heart and mind rather than just being a physical act? [01:02:43]
2. How can the concept of "radical removal" be applied in modern-day contexts to avoid sin? [01:15:09]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that lust can manifest beyond sexual desire, and how does this affect our spiritual lives? [01:05:41]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of filling our hearts with God's love to combat lust? [01:27:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there specific thoughts or actions you need to take responsibility for instead of blaming others? How can you seek God's help in this area? [01:09:07]
2. Identify one "radical removal" you can implement this week to avoid temptation. This could be related to media, relationships, or environments. What steps will you take to make this change? [01:15:09]
3. Beyond sexual desire, is there an area in your life where you experience a gnawing dissatisfaction, such as a lust for power, status, or possessions? How can you guard your heart against these desires? [01:05:41]
4. Do you have a community or accountability partner to support you in your spiritual walk? If not, who can you reach out to this week to build that support system? [01:23:42]
5. How can you actively fill your heart with God's love this week? Consider specific practices like prayer, worship, or reading Scripture. [01:27:03]
6. Think about a time when you felt isolated in your struggles. How did that affect you, and how can you ensure you stay connected to a supportive community moving forward? [01:23:42]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure your desires align with God's will? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this journey? [01:27:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Taking Responsibility for Our Thoughts and Actions
Description: Jesus teaches that lust begins in the heart and mind, and we must take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. Blaming others for our struggles only perpetuates the problem. Instead, we should seek God's help to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring our desires align with His will. Jesus' words in Matthew 5:27-30 challenge us to look inward and recognize that the battle against lust is fought in the realm of our thoughts and intentions. By acknowledging our own role in this struggle, we can begin to take proactive steps to align our desires with God's will. [01:09:07]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What specific thoughts or attitudes do you need to take responsibility for today? How can you seek God's help to align these with His will?
Day 2: Radical Removal of Temptations
Description: Jesus uses extreme language to emphasize the need for drastic measures to avoid sin. This involves cutting off access to things that lead us into temptation, whether it be certain media, relationships, or environments. We must be willing to take these steps to protect our spiritual walk. The concept of radical removal is about recognizing the sources of temptation in our lives and taking decisive action to eliminate them. This might mean making difficult choices, but it is essential for maintaining our spiritual health and integrity. [01:15:09]
Matthew 18:8-9 (ESV): "And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire."
Reflection: What is one specific source of temptation in your life that you need to remove? What practical steps can you take today to eliminate this source of temptation?
Day 3: Understanding the Broader Implications of Lust
Description: Lust is not limited to sexual desire; it includes the lust for power, status, and possessions. This gnawing dissatisfaction can dominate our lives, keeping us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. We must guard against all forms of lust to live a life that honors God. By recognizing the broader implications of lust, we can see how it affects various aspects of our lives and relationships. This awareness helps us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against all forms of unhealthy desire. [01:05:41]
1 John 2:16 (ESV): "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself desiring power, status, or possessions? How can you shift your focus to align with God's will and experience His blessings?
Day 4: The Importance of Community and Accountability
Description: Lust grows in isolation, but healing comes in community. Surrounding ourselves with trustworthy friends and accountability partners can help us stay on the right path. Sharing our struggles and receiving support from others strengthens our resolve to overcome temptation. Community and accountability are vital for spiritual growth and overcoming struggles with lust. By being open and honest with others, we can receive the encouragement and support we need to stay strong in our faith. [01:23:42]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who are the trustworthy friends or accountability partners in your life? How can you reach out to them today to share your struggles and seek their support?
Day 5: Filling Our Hearts with God's Love
Description: When our hearts are full of Jesus, there is no room for lust. By falling in love with Jesus and focusing on His love, we can overcome the desires that lead us astray. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in purity, self-control, and love, leading to true freedom. Filling our hearts with God's love is the key to overcoming lust and living a life that honors Him. By focusing on our relationship with Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, we can experience true freedom and transformation. [01:27:03]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally focus on filling your heart with God's love today? What specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life?
Quotes
1. "Attraction is natural, right? It's normal and even expected to notice beautiful things. Amen. It's all right to say that a man looks good. Amen. It's all right to say that a woman looks beautiful. Amen. That's a human thing. Attraction becomes a problem, however, when it moves into a desire for something or somebody that does not belong to you, a desire that dominates you, a desire that controls you, a desire that corrupts you and keeps us in dysfunctional cycles." [01:02:43] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is saying straight up, y'all, he's making it so plain. He's like, if you have ever fantasized about somebody else in a way that disrespects your relationship, if you've thought about a person as less than who they are, as just an object for your pleasure, then you've already compromised your commitment. You've already compromised your commitment to your spouse if you're married, you've already compromised your commitment to yourself, and you've definitely compromised your commitment to God." [01:02:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Lust is not just about sexual desire. It's that gnawing deep dissatisfaction, that hunger that has you constantly wanting more and more and more and more and you're never content. Now that's lust. It's when you're living a life dominated by what you see, driven by what you crave, and that lustful spirit is keeping you from living a life of lust, keeping you from living in the fullness of what God has for us." [01:05:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is saying to the believer that we all are responsible for our thoughts about that person. We are responsible for what's happening in our hearts when you see somebody that stirs up something on the inside of you. In other words, your self-control is not somebody else's responsibility. It's called self-control." [01:10:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Lust will have you thinking you can handle what's in Timnah instead of avoiding it. Lust will have you thinking that you can handle what's down in Timnah instead of cutting off that thing. Who is with me today? And I just want to remind us that when you get serious about avoiding what can lead you astray, when you get serious about avoiding what can lead you toward lustful desires, you are going to avoid certain things." [01:20:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Feed your heart with God's love and lust will eventually stop. Listen, listen, when your heart is full of Jesus, there ain't no room for lust. Anybody want to fall in love with Jesus today? Anybody, anybody, listen, it's like not only falling in love with Jesus, but it's falling in love with your spouse again. It's falling in love with your family. Falling in love with purity. Falling in love with self-control and holiness and peace of mind and joy. But most of all, fall in love with Jesus." [01:26:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You can't have victory over lust without the Holy Ghost. You cannot have victory over the thing called love without the Holy Ghost. They are my own. Go that way. The Holy Ghost told me that everything is going to be all right. As long as we allow ourselves to yield to the power of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is going to make you rethink your responsibilities. The Holy Ghost is going to make you rethink. Radical removal of some stuff." [01:27:03] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus is saying, we need to take drastic measures to deal with the things that lead us to sin. Let me put it like this. Let me put it like this. Years ago, I was late to choir rehearsal at another church years ago, and I left my car door unlocked. I was rushing. And I came back to my car. I had my car door open, and some thieves came in there, took some money, and took my iPod. I didn't have those anymore. The iPod, right? They stole that, had all my songs that I had written, like my little song ideas I had on there, took it, couldn't find it. I learned real quick, I learned real quick, thanks to God, that car locks mean nothing if I keep forgetting to lock the door." [01:15:09] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If it's tempting you, it doesn't mean that everybody has to stop watching scandal. Just because I can't watch it, don't mean that everybody can't watch it. This is between you and the Lord. This Go down and you're going to do what you want to do. This is something that you are supposed to do. You're given this card and you're miał established in what you're going to do today. You're going to stop watching. What's stopping you today. Is coming back today. Is it about the camera on your say, I've already fallen asleep. I've been up dying every day. This coming morning." [01:25:33] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Lust can't grow where love is. Lust can't grow where love is. Here's what I want to leave you with today. You can't have victory over lust without the Holy Ghost. You cannot have victory over the thing called love without the Holy Ghost. They are my own. Go that way. The Holy Ghost told me that everything is going to be all right. As long as we allow ourselves to yield to the power of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is going to make you rethink your responsibilities. The Holy Ghost is going to make you rethink. Radical removal of some stuff." [01:27:03] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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