What does the Bible say about lust?

The Bible has a great deal to say about lust, warning against its dangers and providing guidance on how to overcome it. Lust is considered a serious sin because it corrupts the heart and leads to actions that are contrary to God’s will. Here are key teachings from the Bible about lust:

1. Lust Is a Sin of the Heart:

   • Jesus emphasized that lust is a sin that begins in the heart. Matthew 5:28 NKJV says, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
   • Explanation: Jesus teaches that sin is not just about external actions but about the condition of the heart. Lustful thoughts are just as sinful as physical actions because they reveal a heart that is not pure before God.

2. Lust Leads to Destructive Consequences:

   • The Bible warns that lust leads to harmful consequences, both spiritually and physically. James 1:14-15 NKJV says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
   • Explanation: Lust, when entertained, leads to sin, and sin ultimately leads to spiritual death. This highlights the importance of addressing lustful desires before they result in sinful actions.

3. Lust Is Contrary to God’s Will:

   • God’s will is for His people to live in purity, avoiding the corrupting influence of lust. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NKJV says, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God."
   • Explanation: God calls His people to live in holiness and honor, avoiding the passionate lusts that are characteristic of those who do not know Him. This involves controlling one’s body and desires in a way that honors God.

4. Lust Leads to Idolatry:

   • Lust can become an idol, taking the place of God in a person’s life. Colossians 3:5 NKJV says, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
   • Explanation: When we allow lust to control us, it becomes an idol, leading us away from God and His purposes. Overcoming lust involves putting it to death and refusing to let it have power over us.

5. Lust Is to Be Fled From:

   • The Bible commands believers to flee from lust and sexual immorality. 2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV says, "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
   • Explanation: Fleeing from lust means actively avoiding situations, environments, or relationships that could lead to sin. It also involves pursuing virtues that reflect God’s character, such as righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

6. Lust Is Overcome by the Power of the Holy Spirit:

   • Living by the Spirit is essential to overcoming the desires of the flesh, including lust. Galatians 5:16 NKJV says, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
   • Explanation: The key to overcoming lust is to walk in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, actions, and desires. The Spirit empowers believers to resist temptation and live according to God’s will.

7. Lust Can Be Healed Through Repentance and Renewal:

   • The Bible teaches that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse those who repent of their sins, including lust. 1 John 1:9 NKJV says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
   • Explanation: Through confession and repentance, God offers forgiveness and healing from the effects of lust. He renews the heart and mind, helping believers to live in purity and holiness.

8. Lust Is Contrary to True Love:

   • True love, as defined by the Bible, is selfless and seeks the best for others, while lust is selfish and seeks personal gratification. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NKJV says, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil."
   • Explanation: Lust and love are fundamentally different. Love seeks the good of others and is patient, kind, and selfless, while lust is self-centered and often leads to harm and destruction.

9. Lust Distorts God’s Design for Sexuality:

   • God designed sexuality to be enjoyed within the context of marriage, but lust distorts this design by seeking fulfillment outside of His boundaries. Hebrews 13:4 NKJV says, "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."
   • Explanation: Lust leads to sexual immorality, which dishonors God’s design for marriage. To honor God, believers must keep their desires within the boundaries He has set.

10. Lust Is Defeated by Focusing on What Is Pure and Holy:

    • Overcoming lust involves focusing the mind on what is pure, holy, and pleasing to God. Philippians 4:8 NKJV says, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
    • Explanation: The battle against lust is won in the mind. By filling our thoughts with what is pure and godly, we can resist the pull of lust and live in a way that honors God.

In conclusion, the Bible is clear that lust is a destructive force that leads to sin, idolatry, and separation from God. However, through repentance, the power of the Holy Spirit, and a focus on living according to God’s Word, believers can overcome lust and live in purity and holiness.