We have to be aware of the different forms that temptations will take so we can fight them accordingly. Step into the ring with me as we take on ‘Lust of the Flesh’ in this round of the wrestling match.
James 1:14–15: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.”
The “flesh” encapsulates all that is not only natural (or physical), but also what is sinful and against God’s design. On our own, out of our own will, we are enticed and guided by the flesh to do as we please, with little to no regard for the will of our Creator. Our nature as humans is sinful because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Just because something feels right doesn’t make it good.
“LUST IS A SIN!”
2 Timothy 2:22: “So flee youthful lust and purse righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Lust of the flesh is a deep, sinful longing that causes us to stray from God. This is an inward sin that stems from cravings that are not pleasing to God. These feelings include sexual immorality, greed, slothfulness, and other longings that may double as addictions. The excuse “this is just the way I am” ignores that God calls us to more than we could ever “ask, think, or imagine. “To sum it up, “the lust of the flesh deteriorates your fear of the LORD and your relationship with Him.”
Whenever we find ourselves giving in to the lust of the flesh, we must take the time to consider, “What caused or triggered me to fall? When am I most vulnerable to this?”
We serve a God who deals in deliverance and believes in us being free.”
Galatians 5:16–17: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other; to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
All this isn’t to discourage you, but to help you be aware. Hiding God’s truth in your heart can help you fight any battle. Our God has already won the victory and wants to help us overcome the everyday battles we face. Fleeing from youthful lust requires us to be honest about our weaknesses to God, ourselves, and those Godly friends whom Christ placed in our lives. We learn from and are encouraged by the testimonies of others, as they help us to repent, forgive, and love ourselves as well as Jesus on a deeper level. Lust of the flesh wants to steal our joy and trap us in what may feel like a never-ending cycle of toxic dependence and regret. We cannot overcome without God.
FREEDOM IS AVAILABLE
Our good God calls us to something bigger—He calls us to freedom in Him and interdependence on His Holy Spirit and our church community. We are not left alone on this enlistment journey. Being able to identify when we are tempted to indulge in the lust of the flesh helps us pursue Christ, which is our ultimate purpose. If you crave a deeper relationship with the Creator, if you want access to Eternity, and if you want to know joy while you’re in the land of the living, confessing to Christ what you are struggling with is the best place to start. Go to a quiet place and cry out from your heart, “Jesus, forgive me for I have sinned. LORD, change my heart to reflect Your will!” Remember, change is a process, so it will not come overnight (check out Jackie Hill Perry’s testimony).
Guess what? You may continue to be tempted for years to come, but be consistent in prayer and replacing behaviours—Jesus makes us new beings. Be encouraged! This is not the end, just the beginning.
____________________________________
Remember to tune in to YouthS.O.U.L. this Friday at 6 p.m. on TBC Radio 88.5/.7/.9 for round two of the fight against temptations. Contact them at [email protected]
