Battle Plan: Lust
Introduction:
Lust is a powerful temptation that many people face, but as followers of Christ, we are called to live lives of purity and honor. Assemblies of God believes in the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against lustful desires, and in this article, we'll explore how you can overcome lust and choose purity in your thoughts and actions.
Understanding Lust:
Lust is a strong desire or craving for something, often of a sexual nature, that goes beyond what is appropriate or healthy. It can lead us to objectify others, view them as objects for our own pleasure, and ultimately, it can harm our relationships and our own well-being.
God's Design for Sexuality:
God created sexuality as a beautiful gift to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. In Genesis 2:24, it says, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." God designed sex to be a sacred bond between a husband and wife, where intimacy and love flourish in a committed relationship.
Resisting Temptation:
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." God promises to provide a way out when we are tempted. When faced with lustful thoughts or desires, turn to God in prayer and seek His strength to resist temptation.
Guarding Your Heart:
In Proverbs 4:23, it says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Guarding your heart means being intentional about what you allow into your mind and spirit. Surround yourself with positive influences, avoid situations that may lead to temptation, and focus on things that are pure, lovely, and honorable.
Renewing Your Mind:
In Romans 12:2, it says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Fill your mind with God's Word and meditate on His truth daily. As you renew your mind with God's Word, you'll be better equipped to resist the lies of lust and choose purity instead.
Seeking Accountability:
In James 5:16, it says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Don't be afraid to seek accountability from a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor. Confess your struggles and ask for prayer and support as you strive to overcome lust and walk in purity.
Choosing Purity:
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, it says, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God." God calls us to a life of holiness and purity, honoring Him with our bodies and our minds.
Conclusion:
Lust is a common temptation that many people face, but as followers of Christ, we are called to live lives of purity and honor. By seeking God's strength, renewing our minds with His Word, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can overcome lust and choose purity in our thoughts and actions. Remember, God's grace is always available to help us in our time of need. Choose purity, and experience the joy and freedom that comes from honoring God with your life.
Lust is a powerful temptation that many people face, but as followers of Christ, we are called to live lives of purity and honor. Assemblies of God believes in the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against lustful desires, and in this article, we'll explore how you can overcome lust and choose purity in your thoughts and actions.
Understanding Lust:
Lust is a strong desire or craving for something, often of a sexual nature, that goes beyond what is appropriate or healthy. It can lead us to objectify others, view them as objects for our own pleasure, and ultimately, it can harm our relationships and our own well-being.
God's Design for Sexuality:
God created sexuality as a beautiful gift to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. In Genesis 2:24, it says, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." God designed sex to be a sacred bond between a husband and wife, where intimacy and love flourish in a committed relationship.
Resisting Temptation:
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." God promises to provide a way out when we are tempted. When faced with lustful thoughts or desires, turn to God in prayer and seek His strength to resist temptation.
Guarding Your Heart:
In Proverbs 4:23, it says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Guarding your heart means being intentional about what you allow into your mind and spirit. Surround yourself with positive influences, avoid situations that may lead to temptation, and focus on things that are pure, lovely, and honorable.
Renewing Your Mind:
In Romans 12:2, it says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Fill your mind with God's Word and meditate on His truth daily. As you renew your mind with God's Word, you'll be better equipped to resist the lies of lust and choose purity instead.
Seeking Accountability:
In James 5:16, it says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Don't be afraid to seek accountability from a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor. Confess your struggles and ask for prayer and support as you strive to overcome lust and walk in purity.
Choosing Purity:
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, it says, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God." God calls us to a life of holiness and purity, honoring Him with our bodies and our minds.
Conclusion:
Lust is a common temptation that many people face, but as followers of Christ, we are called to live lives of purity and honor. By seeking God's strength, renewing our minds with His Word, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can overcome lust and choose purity in our thoughts and actions. Remember, God's grace is always available to help us in our time of need. Choose purity, and experience the joy and freedom that comes from honoring God with your life.
Battle Verses
Matthew 5:28
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Encouragement: Guard your heart and mind against lustful thoughts, for they can lead to destructive actions. Instead, focus on cultivating respect and honor for others.
Galatians 5:16
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Encouragement: Lean on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. When you walk in step with God's Spirit, He empowers you to overcome sinful desires, including lust.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God."
Encouragement: Pursue holiness and honor in your thoughts and actions. God has called you to live a life set apart from the ways of the world, finding fulfillment in His will rather than in fleeting pleasures.
James 1:14-15
"But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Encouragement: Recognize the danger of giving in to sinful desires. Stay vigilant and rely on God's strength to resist temptation, knowing that sin leads to spiritual death but obedience leads to life.
2 Timothy 2:22
"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
Encouragement: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage you to pursue righteousness and purity. Together, seek after God's heart and find strength in unity.
1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Encouragement: Take comfort in the faithfulness of God. He knows your struggles and will always provide a way for you to overcome temptation. Trust in His strength to see you through.
Proverbs 6:25
"Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes."
Encouragement: Be mindful of where you fix your gaze and guard your heart against the allure of worldly beauty. Find beauty in God's creation and seek relationships built on mutual respect and love.
Colossians 3:5
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
Encouragement: Choose to put to death sinful desires, including lust, and instead, focus on pursuing righteousness and holiness. Remember that your identity is found in Christ, not in worldly desires.
Matthew 15:19
"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."
Encouragement: Guard your heart against evil thoughts and desires, recognizing that they can lead to sinful actions. Fill your heart and mind with things that are pure, noble, and true.
Romans 13:14
"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."
Encouragement: Clothe yourself with the character of Christ, allowing His love and righteousness to shape your thoughts and actions. Fix your eyes on Him, and the desires of the flesh will lose their power over you.
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Encouragement: Guard your heart and mind against lustful thoughts, for they can lead to destructive actions. Instead, focus on cultivating respect and honor for others.
Galatians 5:16
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Encouragement: Lean on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. When you walk in step with God's Spirit, He empowers you to overcome sinful desires, including lust.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God."
Encouragement: Pursue holiness and honor in your thoughts and actions. God has called you to live a life set apart from the ways of the world, finding fulfillment in His will rather than in fleeting pleasures.
James 1:14-15
"But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Encouragement: Recognize the danger of giving in to sinful desires. Stay vigilant and rely on God's strength to resist temptation, knowing that sin leads to spiritual death but obedience leads to life.
2 Timothy 2:22
"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
Encouragement: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage you to pursue righteousness and purity. Together, seek after God's heart and find strength in unity.
1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Encouragement: Take comfort in the faithfulness of God. He knows your struggles and will always provide a way for you to overcome temptation. Trust in His strength to see you through.
Proverbs 6:25
"Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes."
Encouragement: Be mindful of where you fix your gaze and guard your heart against the allure of worldly beauty. Find beauty in God's creation and seek relationships built on mutual respect and love.
Colossians 3:5
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
Encouragement: Choose to put to death sinful desires, including lust, and instead, focus on pursuing righteousness and holiness. Remember that your identity is found in Christ, not in worldly desires.
Matthew 15:19
"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."
Encouragement: Guard your heart against evil thoughts and desires, recognizing that they can lead to sinful actions. Fill your heart and mind with things that are pure, noble, and true.
Romans 13:14
"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."
Encouragement: Clothe yourself with the character of Christ, allowing His love and righteousness to shape your thoughts and actions. Fix your eyes on Him, and the desires of the flesh will lose their power over you.