
Lust is a topic that is addressed in the Bible, and it is often associated with worldly desires, particularly those of a sexual nature. The Bible defines lust as a sinful longing or an inward sin that leads individuals away from God. It is characterized by a strong craving or desire, often focused on gratifying oneself without considering the consequences. According to the Bible, lust is not confined to action but also includes thoughts and intentions. For example, in Matthew 5:28, Jesus states that anyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery in their heart. This view contrasts with Jewish tradition, which often taught that only the act of adultery was sinful. The Bible also addresses lust in the Ten Commandments, where people are commanded not to covet their neighbor's possessions, including their house, wife, or servants. Lust is seen as a violation of God's perfect will and is considered a serious offense.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Definition | "Intense or unrestrained sexual craving" or "an overwhelming desire or craving" |
Bible References | Exodus 20:14, 17; Matthew 5:28; Job 31:11-12; 1 John 2:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 10:23; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Matthew 5:29; 2 Timothy 2:22; Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 2:11; James 1:14-15; Proverbs 9:17; Matthew 5:27-28, 29-30; Philippians 4:11-13 |
Nature | A sinful longing or inward sin that leads to falling away from God |
Opposition | Selflessness and holy living |
Impact | Leads to toxic actions, including adultery, to fulfill one's desires without consideration of the consequences |
Overcoming Lust | Admit your weakness, put on the Armor of God, battle with Scripture, establish boundaries |
What You'll Learn
Lust is a sin in both thought and action
Lust is defined as a "strong craving or desire, often of a sexual nature". It is associated with a worldly desire of sexual intent or material possessions. The dictionary definition describes it as an "intense or unrestrained sexual craving" or "an overwhelming desire or craving".
Lust is a sin because it is about gratifying oneself, often leading to toxic actions to fulfil one's desires without considering the consequences. It is about possession and
The Bible speaks of lust in several ways. In Exodus 20:14, 17 (NLT), it says, "Do not commit adultery... Do not covet your neighbour's house. Do not covet your neighbour's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbour owns." Jesus also spoke about lust in his Sermon on the Mount, teaching that "everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).
Lust is a sin that originates in the heart and can lead to sinful actions. It is not just about physical action, but also about the thoughts and desires that lead to those actions. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul admonishes Christians to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ", recognising that lustful thoughts can lead to damaging actions.
Lust is a serious offence to God and can lead to death. James 1:14-15 says, "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."
To overcome lust, one must recognise what they are dealing with and understand the "sexual buzz", which is the electric feeling of pleasure that makes sex enjoyable. While God designed these feelings for good within the context of marriage, misusing this capacity and allowing oneself an illicit sexual buzz is sinful lust.
Lust is a choice, and one must recognise when it happens, as something clicks into place and brings gratification. It is about focusing our attention in a way that is not right, and it is a willful and sinful act.
To summarise, lust is a sin in both thought and action. It is about gratifying oneself and often leads to toxic actions. The Bible speaks strongly against lust, and it is considered a serious offence to God. To overcome lust, one must recognise and understand it, and choose to focus their attention in the right way.
The Bible's Take on Greed: Sinful or Not?
You may want to see also
Lust is a selfish desire
Lust is a sin of the mind and heart, and it leads to toxic actions and a falling away from God. It is a desire that is not inspired by God but by the world and one's own selfish desires. It is a form of greed and possession, where one objectifies another person, reducing them to objects of gratification. This is in direct opposition to the Christian faith, which is about selflessness and holy living.
Lust is not just about the act of adultery but also about the intent and the longing in one's heart. Jesus taught that even looking at someone with lustful intent is a form of adultery in the heart. This is a strong statement that highlights the seriousness of lust as an offence to God.
Lust can lead to toxic actions and a falling away from God. It can lead to sinful behaviour such as pornography, masturbation, and sex outside of marriage. These acts are outside of God's design for sexuality, which is intended for one man and one woman within the bonds of marriage.
To overcome lust, one must admit their weakness, put on the armour of God, battle with Scripture, and establish boundaries. It is important to recognise that lust is a choice and that one can choose to deny oneself illicit gratification.
The Bible and Disposal: Sinful to Throw It Away?
You may want to see also
Lust is a sin that leads to death
Lust is defined as a "strong craving or desire, often of a sexual nature". It is a "sinful longing" that leads to a falling away from God. It is a selfish and greedy act, focused on gratifying oneself, often without regard for the consequences. Lust is a desire for possession and is in direct violation of God's will.
The Bible is explicit in its teaching on lust. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that even looking at someone with lust is committing adultery "in your heart". This is a powerful statement, and a warning that lust is a sin in thought and action. The Bible also states that "sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death".
Lust is a powerful force that can lead to toxic actions and damage lives, families, and fellowships. It is a misuse of the sexual desire that God designed for good. When lust takes control, it becomes an automatic response, and people can feel they have no choice but to act on it. However, it is important to recognise that lustful thoughts and desires do not force us to sin. We have a choice, and we can refuse to commit adultery within our hearts.
Lust is a sin that can be overcome. By admitting weakness and putting on the "Armor of God", we can guard against temptation. We can also use Scripture to strengthen us and establish boundaries to keep us from sin.
What Sin Did Moses Commit in the Bible?
You may want to see also
Lust is a strong craving or desire, often of a sexual nature
Lust is about gratifying and pleasing oneself, often leading to toxic actions to fulfil one's desires without considering the consequences. It is associated with selfishness, greed, and possession. The Bible states that God's intention for sexuality is within the boundaries of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24).
Lust, on the other hand, is a sexual inclination that disregards the value of people and God, falling outside God's design. It includes acts such as pornography, masturbation, homosexuality, and sex outside of marriage or with multiple partners. These acts are considered sinful and offensive to God as they prioritise self-interest over holiness.
The Bible provides clear guidance on lust and sin, stating, "God has called us to be holy, not to live impure lives. Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but rejects God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you" (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8). It encourages believers to turn away from lust and towards selflessness, virtue, and love.
To overcome lust, one must admit their weakness, put on the spiritual armour of God, battle with Scripture, and establish boundaries to guard against temptation. It is important to recognise that sexual desires and thoughts are not inherently sinful, but dwelling on them and allowing them to lead to illicit gratification is where the sin of lust occurs.
Rewriting the Bible: Sin or Modern Adaptation?
You may want to see also
Lust is a sexual inclination that does not include the value of people or God
Lust is a complex topic that has been addressed in the Bible and by various Christian scholars. It is often associated with intense or unrestrained sexual cravings and can lead individuals towards toxic actions and toxic behaviours.
According to the Bible, lust is a sinful longing that leads to a falling away from God. It is described as an inward sin, originating in the heart, and can lead to individuals acting on their impulses. Lust is seen in a negative light in Scripture, associated with a strong desire for sexual immorality or idolatrous worship.
In the Bible, God's design for sexuality is intended for one man and one woman within the bonds of marriage. However, in modern culture, this desire has often been hijacked and turned into a lust issue. Acts such as pornography, masturbation, homosexuality, and sex outside of marriage are considered by some to be outside of God's will, as they do not value people or God but rather serve self-interest.
Lust can lead individuals away from God and towards toxic behaviours. It is important for Christians to recognise this and strive towards holiness, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8, "God has called us to be holy, not to live impure lives. Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but is rejecting God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you."
The Bible and Drugs: Sinful or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, lust is a sin according to the Bible. It is defined as a
Lust is a strong craving or desire, often of a sexual nature. It is associated with gratifying oneself and is usually without regard for the consequences.
The Bible speaks of lust in several ways. In Exodus 20:14, 17 (NLT), it is stated: "Do not commit adultery... Do not covet your neighbour's house. Do not covet your neighbour's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbour owns." In Matthew 5:28, Jesus says: "But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
There are several ways to overcome lust, including admitting your weakness, putting on the Armor of God, battling with Scripture, and establishing boundaries.