Definition and Context:
The term "lustfully" refers to the intense and often inappropriate desire or craving, particularly in a sexual context. In the Bible, lust is frequently addressed as a sinful inclination that leads individuals away from God's will and righteousness. It is often associated with covetousness and idolatry, as it places personal desires above God's commandments.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 5:28 :
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
In this passage, Jesus expands the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts to include the intentions and thoughts of the heart. This teaching emphasizes the seriousness of lustful thoughts and the need for purity in both action and intention.

2. 1 John 2:16 :
"For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world."
Here, the Apostle John categorizes lust as part of the worldly desires that are contrary to the will of God. Lust is seen as a manifestation of the flesh that distracts believers from their spiritual calling.

3. James 1:14-15 :
"But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
James outlines the progression from temptation to sin, highlighting how unchecked lustful desires can lead to spiritual death. This passage serves as a warning to guard one's heart and mind against such temptations.

4. Galatians 5:16-17 :
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want."
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to live by the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh, including lust. This dichotomy between the flesh and the Spirit underscores the ongoing spiritual battle within each believer.

Theological Implications:

Lust is often viewed as a gateway sin that can lead to more overt acts of immorality. It is a condition of the heart that requires vigilance and spiritual discipline to overcome. The Bible consistently calls for believers to pursue holiness and purity, recognizing that lustful thoughts and actions are incompatible with a life devoted to God.

Practical Applications:

1. Guarding the Heart and Mind:
Believers are encouraged to be mindful of what they consume through media and relationships, as these can influence thoughts and desires. Philippians 4:8 advises focusing on what is true, honorable, and pure.

2. Accountability and Community:
Engaging in a community of faith provides support and accountability. Confessing struggles with lust to trusted individuals can help in overcoming these challenges, as suggested in James 5:16.

3. Prayer and Scripture:
Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture are vital in combating lustful thoughts. Psalm 119:11 states, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You," highlighting the power of God's Word in resisting temptation.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of lustful desires, it also provides a pathway to overcome them through the power of the Holy Spirit, community support, and adherence to God's Word. Believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, striving to align their desires with His will.

Idolatry in Its More Limited Sense. Its Copiousness.
... Lord assigns to those crimes we are sure: when He defines adultery to consist even
in concupiscence, [168] "if one shall have cast an eye lustfully on," and ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter ii idolatry in its more.htm

Apollo the Soothsaying and False.
... Him the virgin burnt up with her beauty, whom he ought to have burnt up; while she
ought first of all to have loved the god who thus lustfully began to love ...
/.../the instructions of commodianus/xi apollo the soothsaying and false.htm

1 John ii. 17-Dec
... And men drink themselves drunken, and perish, and forget their own Creator: while
not temperately but lustfully they use the things created, the Creator is ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily ii 1 john ii.htm

A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... For, says the Scripture, "He who looks at a woman lustfully, has already committed
adultery in his heart." [950] We may look only on those things for which God ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/a plea regarding christians by.htm

Lustfully (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lustfully (2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV NIV). Job 31:1 "I made
a covenant with my eyes, how then should I look lustfully at a young woman? ...
/l/lustfully.htm - 6k

Lustful (10 Occurrences)

/l/lustful.htm - 9k

Lustfulness (2 Occurrences)

/l/lustfulness.htm - 7k

Gaze (46 Occurrences)
... I stand up, and you gaze at me. (WEB ASV). Job 31:1 "I made a covenant with my eyes,
how then should I look lustfully at a young woman? (See NAS). ...
/g/gaze.htm - 19k

Girl (71 Occurrences)
... at her. (See NIV). Job 31:1 "I made a covenant with my eyes, how then should
I look lustfully at a young woman? (See NIV). Proverbs ...
/g/girl.htm - 28k

Hotly (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) In a hot or fiery manner; ardently; vehemently; violently; hastily;
as, a hotly pursued. 2. (a.) In a lustful manner; lustfully. ...
/h/hotly.htm - 8k

Is it a sin to look at a woman's body? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to make a covenant with your eyes? | GotQuestions.org

Is cyber-sex / phone sex a sin? | GotQuestions.org

Lustfully: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus