Definition and Nature:
Lusting, in a biblical context, refers to an intense and unrestrained desire, often of a sexual nature, that is contrary to God's will. It is considered a sin that originates in the heart and can lead to further sinful actions. Lusting is not limited to sexual desires but can also encompass coveting anything that belongs to another, such as wealth or possessions.

Biblical References:
The Bible addresses the issue of lusting in various passages, emphasizing its sinful nature and the need for believers to guard their hearts against it.

· Matthew 5:28 : "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This verse highlights that lust is not merely an external act but an internal sin that equates to adultery in the eyes of God.

· 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, lust is categorized as a worldly desire that is opposed to the will of God.

· 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." This passage illustrates the progression from lustful desire to sin and ultimately to spiritual death.

Old Testament Context:
The Old Testament also addresses the issue of lust, often in the context of coveting what belongs to others.

· Exodus 20:17 : "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This commandment explicitly forbids coveting, which is closely related to lusting after what is not rightfully one's own.

· Proverbs 6:25 : "Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes." This proverb warns against the seductive power of lust and the importance of maintaining purity of heart.

Consequences of Lusting:
The Bible warns of the destructive consequences of lusting, both spiritually and relationally. Lust can lead to broken relationships, loss of integrity, and separation from God.

· Galatians 5:19-21 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Lust is listed among the acts of the flesh that prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God.

Overcoming Lust:
The Bible provides guidance for overcoming lust through the power of the Holy Spirit and the renewal of the mind.

· Romans 12:2 : "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Renewing the mind is essential in resisting the temptations of lust.

· Galatians 5:16 : "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Walking by the Spirit empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh, including lust.

· Job 31:1 : "I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?" Job's commitment to purity serves as an example of setting boundaries to avoid lustful thoughts and actions.

Practical Steps:
Believers are encouraged to take practical steps to guard against lust, such as avoiding tempting situations, seeking accountability, and focusing on what is pure and honorable.

· Philippians 4:8 : "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." Focusing on virtuous thoughts helps in resisting lustful temptations.

Lusting, as depicted in the Bible, is a serious sin that requires vigilance and reliance on God's strength to overcome. Through the guidance of Scripture and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers can strive to live lives that honor God in thought and deed.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lust.4122. pleonekteo -- to have more, to overreach
... improper) gain. 4122 ("covet, defraud") shows desire, especially lusting
for what belongs to someone else. See 4124 (). Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4122.htm - 7k

4124. pleonexia -- advantage, covetousness
... 4124 (a feminine noun derived from 4119 , " more" and 2192 , "have") -- properly,
the desire for (), ie lusting for a greater of things that go beyond what God ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4124.htm - 7k

8378. taavah -- a desire
... intensely (1), what is desirable (1). dainty, desire, exceedingly, greedily,
lusting, pleasant. From 'avah (abbreviated); a longing ...
/hebrew/8378.htm - 6k

If any Man Lusting after a Woman Purposes to Lie with Her...
... Canon IV. If any man lusting after a woman purposes to lie with her? If
any man lusting after a woman purposes to lie with her ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iv if any man.htm

The Battle Within
... Paul says, 'The flesh in us lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the
flesh.' And what do we gain by the spirit in us lusting against the flesh, and ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxvi the battle within.htm

There is Another Evil of the Day, which I Would were Sufficient ...
... deliver me out of all temptation. I fear not uncleanness of meat, but the
uncleanness of lusting. I know; that Noah was permitted ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxxi there is another.htm

The Opposite Opinion is Approved by None of the Ancient Doctors of ...
... And they explain the evil by that very deed which is committed, with the consent
of the will, through the lusting of the flesh against the lusting of the Spirit ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/the opposite opinion is approved.htm

The Conclusion an Examination and Comparison of Each of the Three ...
... But these verbs to do,' in this chapter do not signify an internal act of lusting,
but, properly, the external act of doing those things which have been lusted ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/the conclusion an examination and.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... Such was the reward of their concupiscence, which Paul here aptly explains
as "lusting after evil things.". 13. Truly it is but lusting ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

On Sin in Believers
... A man may have the Spirit of God dwelling in him, and may "walk after the Spirit,"
though he still feels "the flesh lusting against the Spirit.". ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

Concerning Christian Liberty
... statements are made concerning the same man, the fact being that in the same man
these two men are opposed to one another; the flesh lusting against the spirit ...
/.../luther/concerning christian liberty/concerning christian liberty.htm

Honour Your Youthful Bishop.
... age, became possessed of the divine Spirit, and convicted the elders, who in vain
carried their grey hairs, of being false accusers, and of lusting after the ...
/.../chapter iii honour your youthful bishop.htm

The Battle of Life
... But what do they gain? 'The works of the flesh,' the fruit of this selfish lusting
after mere earthly happiness, 'are manifest, which are these:'"not merely ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon vii the battle of.htm

Lusting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lust. Multi-Version Concordance
Lusting (1 Occurrence). Numbers 11:4 And the mixed ...
/l/lusting.htm - 6k

Lusts (28 Occurrences)

/l/lusts.htm - 14k

Lustieth (1 Occurrence)

/l/lustieth.htm - 6k

Psalms (44 Occurrences)
... and avenging demon." David was a many-sided man, with a character often at war with
itself, a man with conflicting impulses, the flesh lusting against the ...
/p/psalms.htm - 54k

Anem (1 Occurrence)

/a/anem.htm - 101k

What is wrong with viewing pornography, if I don't lust after the person? | GotQuestions.org

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Lusting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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