Discussion: The problem with Lust

[david]

Dude, that was in my post in the first page...

You did say, "Lust is an emotion that longs to satisfy the cravings of the individual; “I want”, “I need”, “I covet”...this is lust,"
but you did not use scriptural evidence.

You know what the problem is with the english language? It is confusing! Why not have one-to-one word to meaning mapping? instead of one-to-two? or four-to-one?!

[andrew_no_one]

You know what the problem is with the english language? It is confusing! Why not have one-to-one word to meaning mapping? instead of one-to-two? or four-to-one?!

I completely agree with you brother.

[Brother Mark]

It's not just the English language. But God wrote the word in such a way that he too uses interchangeable words. It can be confusing. That is one reason we need Him and the Spirit to teach us. If we get locked in and say we see, we may miss what God is trying to teach us. All too often we get zeroed in on the trees thinking we know, and we miss the forest. Sometimes, taking a step back and seeing the big picture helps a lot.

[david]

I agree with you guys. But I say we should drop all words that are not found in the word (even the bible) in order to start learning the word. You agree with me that we do not need to learn words that are not found in the scriptures in order to learn what the word says, right?

About covet: so you cannot covet something if it is yours already, right?

[andrew_no_one]

So you cannot covet something if it is yours already, right?

What would be the point? It already belongs to you!

[david]

LOL, i really hope there is no such thing as covetting yourself. Covetting your life, maybe?

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
Luke 17:33 (ESV)

edit: actually, nevermind, we already lost our lives to jesus, which means we get to keep our lives.

[NobleSavage]

Love the conversation, everyone. I struggle with this everyday, especially with the access given to me by mobile devices. It's almost a daily habit, but I don't want to call it an addiction, even though I know it probably is. I would love advice from people who have been there, since we're on the topic. I don't want my lust ruining my relationship with God or anyone else, but I think the problem is I enjoy it too much, and hate myself for it.

What do I do?

[fees]

(Rom 7:7) What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

(Rom 13:9) For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

(1Co 12:31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

(1Co 14:39) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

(Mat 5:28) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

(Rom 1:27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

(Rom 7:7) What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

(1Co 10:6) Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

(Gal 5:16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

(1Th 4:5) Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

(Jas 1:14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

(Jas 1:15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

(Jas 4:2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

(2Pe 1:4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(2Pe 2:10) But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

(1Jn 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

(1Jn 2:17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.



Correct me if I am wrong...... To lust means to desire what is wrong(unlawful). To covet means to desire something good or bad.
We are told to covet spiritual gifts and not to covet what is wrong.
So I have to go and look what the bible says I should not Lust or Covet and what I can covet/desire?
Many people say you shall not covet but they never instruct other people what should be coveted and what not.
Like sexual immorality. Does this not mean what is sexually wrong. People say things are sexually immoral but they can give no scriptural basis why they say it is sexually immoral.
We must go and look to see what the bible classifies under what is sex. imm. and not place unnecessary yokes on peoples shoulders.
We must then admit certain areas are grey areas where each person has to decide before the Lord in prayer what is wrong/right?
Some wont admit there is no clear biblical proof for some issues and they tell you the Spirit told them the way it must be handled.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

[DDGresham1]

Love the conversation, everyone. I struggle with this everyday, especially with the access given to me by mobile devices. It's almost a daily habit, but I don't want to call it an addiction, even though I know it probably is. I would love advice from people who have been there, since we're on the topic. I don't want my lust ruining my relationship with God or anyone else, but I think the problem is I enjoy it too much, and hate myself for it.

What do I do?

Daily? Yes, you have a problem. Not knocking you. Just being honest. We all have sin, but daily indicates a serious problem with the spirit and yes, I have been there. I would refer to the word for thoughts on this.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34

When we are slaves to sin, where is our focus? Have we turned it away from God?

Also, when we look at these women, where is the love?

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Mt 22:37-39

When we lust, love isn't involved. Love with my wife is not lust and yes, there is a difference. If you think back you will find that many of the lustful ideas about women were put into your mind when you were a young man or perhaps a boy. These are ideas that the world has about the way we view women, not the way God wants us to view them. If you have a wife, she is sufficient. Put all other lust out of your mind. Trust me brother, it is poison and will lead you down the road to death. It will kill your spirit.

Colossians 3:1-3,5: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Mortify (restrain) your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Lust distracts us from God and makes us slaves to sin. The Bible says to FLEE from lust and women who are not Godly. It says it will lead us to death...a spiritual death.

[svfox]

Lust is an addiction.
They have noted the chemicals in the brain that move you toward lustful thoughts.

Your only hope is to keep your eyes on Christ and as the months go by slowly you will find it easier and easier to avoid porn.
The process unfortunately will take a long time. use any material trick you can, cold showers, play a game, take a walk. If there is a female that you trust and understands your problem you will get incredible advice from her. She will help you respect women and not see them as just for sexual pleasure.

[TruthFaith]

break the cycle. get some outdoor activity going.

[drn123]

Jesus is definately Lord and also Savior. When Jesus died on the cross FOR us he bought us all "lock, stock,and barrel." That word FOR not only means In our stead, but also FOR the posession of us all.

[drn123]

Masturbation is not sin. I don't remember what book it was in, but it does say that it is better to release ones self than to let it back up. Even doctors will tell you that it is bad for your prostate gland not to have some release.

[svfox]

It is the thoughts in the mind that is the sin. Like thinking about adultery you have already commited the sin.
In this case the mind is lusting after something, like a woman you are not married to. A sin.
That is where the battle is being lost. Satan is such a great temptor. At least we know God will deal with him at the end.

[Gentile]

Masturbation and Porn are not mentioned in the bible. I personally don't think masturbation is a sin as well. I know for a fact that bible does not touch upon masturbation. God created us, there are reasons for masturbation.