Topical Encyclopedia Lust, as understood within the biblical context, is a powerful and often destructive desire that can lead individuals away from God's will and into sin. It is a craving or longing, particularly for what is forbidden, and is frequently associated with sexual immorality but can extend to other areas of life, such as covetousness and idolatry.Biblical Definition and Context The Bible addresses lust as a condition of the heart that can manifest in various sinful behaviors. In the New Testament, Jesus expands the understanding of adultery to include lustful thoughts, emphasizing the internal nature of sin. In Matthew 5:28 , Jesus states, "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 teaching underscores the seriousness of lust as a sin that begins within and can lead to outward transgressions. Old Testament Insights The Old Testament provides numerous examples of lust leading to sin. One of the most notable is the account of David and Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 11, King David's lust for Bathsheba leads him to commit adultery and subsequently orchestrate the murder of her husband, Uriah. This narrative illustrates how unchecked lust can result in a cascade of sinful actions, affecting not only the individual but also those around them. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the dangers of lust. In 1 John 2:16 , the apostle John warns, "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 stands in opposition to the will of God. The apostle Paul also speaks to the issue in Galatians 5:16-17 , advising believers to "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." Consequences of Lust The Bible is clear about the consequences of succumbing to lust. James 1:14-15 explains the progression of sin: "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 highlights the destructive path that begins with lust and ultimately leads to spiritual death. Overcoming Lust Scripture provides guidance for overcoming the sin of lust. Believers are encouraged to pursue purity and holiness, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , Paul instructs, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God." This call to self-control and sanctification is central to the Christian life. Practical Steps and Spiritual Disciplines To combat lust, Christians are urged to engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and the study of Scripture. Psalm 119:9-11 offers wisdom: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." By immersing oneself in God's Word and seeking His strength, believers can resist the temptations of lust and live in accordance with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 1:15Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library That it is Said that Paul and the Rest of the Apostles were ... The Censuring of Lust is not a Condemnation of Marriage; Whence ... Whether Generation Should have Taken Place Even in Paradise had ... 'Fruit which is Death' James i. 12-15 The Pelagians Try to Get Rid of Original Sin by their Praise of ... On Filthy Speaking. The True Excellence of Man. Whether the Sin of Morose Delectation is in the Reason? This Conflict None Experience in Themselves, Save Such as War on ... Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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