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Lust: A Deadly Seed. Matthew 5:27-30. Manifestations of Lust. d efinition: “to long for things forbidden” l ust is at the root of many other sins adultery, fornication, homosexuality, sexual assault, pornography, immodest dress, lasciviousness
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Lust: A Deadly Seed Matthew 5:27-30
Manifestations of Lust • definition: “to long for things forbidden” • lust is at the root of many other sins • adultery, fornication, homosexuality, sexual assault, pornography, immodest dress, lasciviousness • fornication – sexual relationship outside of marriage • immodest dress – clothing which falls short of God’s standards of decency • lasciviousness – activities by which the lusts of the flesh would be stirred, including dancing, mixed swimming, passionate kissing, and many movies, music, and books
The Loving Gift of Marriage • man was rightly created a sexual being • and it was pure (Gen. 2:22-25)(James 1:17) • but only within marriage relationship (Heb. 13:4) • lust perverts God’s good creation (1 Cor. 6:13-20) • perverts the spiritual fellowship we have with Christ • perverts the physical intimacy we have with our spouse (or our future spouse) (1 Cor. 7:2-4)
The Perversion of Marriage • lust takes away from what belongs to each other physical intimacy emotional intimacy “ONE FLESH”
The Perversion of Marriage • lust takes away from what belongs to each other romance novels pornography infidelity emotional intimacy immodest dress
The Perversion of Marriage • lust may also callous us to the good of marriage • being surrounded by sin will greatly impact our ability to recognize other sin (1 Cor. 15:33)(Gal. 6:7-8)(Eph. 5:11-17) • ex: young man claims to have no problem with the immodesty of mixed swimming, being so used to it • if true, then lack of response will carry over into marriage • save your (future) marriage and flee! (2 Tim. 2:22)(Job 31:1) • ex: Lot and his daughters (2 Pet. 2:6-9)(Gen. 19:30-38) adultery immodest dress physical intimacy emotional intimacy fornication lasciviousness “ONE FLESH” pornography etc.
How to Overcome These Dangers • if you are married • remember that the intimacy of marriage is holy and good, and should be a source of joy (Prov. 5:15-19) and a line of defense (1 Cor. 7:5) • if you are single • make a commitment to guard your purity (1 Thess. 4:1-4), and first establish an intimacy with Christ (1 Cor. 7:34) • if you are divorced, i.e., ineligible for marriage • recognize the exceeding value of your relationship with Christ (Eph. 5:22-32), and be especially cautious
How to Overcome These Dangers • if you are or have been guilty of these sins • with acknowledgement and repentance, God promises to forgive us completely (1 Jn. 1:9)(Acts 8:22) • trust that the power of God’s grace and His word can purify your heart, life, and marriage (1 Cor. 6:9-11) • if you are not yet a Christian • you are not yet part of the family of God, and therefore unable to receive cleansing and grace for any sin • make a commitment to a new life of faith through repentance, confession of faith, and baptism (Rom. 6:1-6)