Lust | Desirendevotion

Spirit of Lust

The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible speaks extensively about lust, identifying it not merely as a physical act but as a powerful, internal evil that corrupts the heart and has serious spiritual consequences. The scriptures on this topic are among the most direct and potent warnings in the Bible.

Here are some of the most significant scriptures about lust from the NIV:

1. The Heart of the Matter: The Teaching of Jesus

Jesus' teaching on lust in the Sermon on the Mount is arguably the most fundamental and profound statement on the topic. He goes beyond the outward act of adultery to the inner condition of the heart.

Matthew 5:28 (NIV): "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This verse shows that lust is a heart-level sin.

Jesus raises the standard of righteousness to an internal level, teaching that impure thoughts are as morally significant as the physical act.

Matthew 5:29-30 (NIV): "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." This is a powerful metaphor for the radical measures required to deal with lust.

Jesus is not calling for literal self-mutilation but for a person to be willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate the source of temptation and sin from their life including through prayer and fasting.

2. Lust as a "Work of the Flesh" and "Worldly Passion"

The Apostle Paul and other biblical writers consistently categorize lust as a manifestation of the sinful nature ("the flesh") that is opposed to the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV): "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery...drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Lust is implicitly and explicitly part of these categories, which are all driven by a lack of self-control and an indulgence of sinful desires.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NIV): "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." This verse contrasts the life of a believer with that of a "pagan" who is ruled by "passionate lust."

It makes it clear that living a life free from lust is part of God's will for His people.

1 Peter 2:11 (NIV): "Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul." Lust is a "sinful desire" that is engaged in a battle for control over a person's soul.

3. The Source of Lust

The Bible reveals that lust comes from the heart and is a part of the "world system" that is hostile to God.

James 1:14-15 (NIV): "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 when sin is full-grown, it gives birth to death." This passage provides a clear process: evil desire (lust) is the source of sin, and sin ultimately leads to spiritual death.

1 John 2:16 (NIV): "For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world." This verse identifies "the lust of his eyes" as a core component of the worldly system.

4. Practical Instructions and Warnings

The NIV also provides practical instructions for how to deal with lust and its consequences.

2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV): "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." This is a direct command to "flee" from lust and to instead "pursue" a life of righteousness. It also suggests that having a pure-hearted community is essential in the battle.

Proverbs 6:25 (NIV): "Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes." This verse from the Old Testament provides a similar warning to Jesus' teaching, showing that the issue of lust is timeless and has always been a danger to the human heart.

Colossians 3:5 (NIV): "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." This is a strong and active command to "put to death" the sinful desires of the flesh, which includes lust.

Principles of Lust

The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible provides a comprehensive and practical set of solutions and principles for overcoming lust.

These are not merely suggestions but are presented as core components of the Christian life. The antidote to lust involves a combination of radical self-discipline, spiritual warfare, and a transformed mindset.

Here are the best principles and solution scriptures regarding lust from the NIV:

1. The Principle of Radical Action

Jesus' teaching on the matter is the most extreme and powerful call to action. It emphasizes the need for a total and ruthless approach to dealing with the sin of lust.

Matthew 5:29-30 (NIV): "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." While this is a metaphor, the principle is clear: take radical, immediate, and painful steps to eliminate the sources of temptation.

This could mean getting rid of media, friendships, or habits that consistently lead to lustful thoughts.

2. The Principle of Fleeing

The Bible does not advise us to stand and fight against every temptation to lust. Instead, it commands us to run away from it.6

Timothy 2:22 (NIV): "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." This is a direct, action-oriented command. The solution is not to "will yourself" into purity, but to physically and mentally remove yourself from situations and influences that provoke lust.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV): "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against their own body." Paul’s command to "flee" implies an urgent, non-negotiable departure from anything that could lead to sexual sin, including lustful thoughts.

3. The Principle of a Renewed Mind and Spiritual Warfare

Lust begins in the mind, so the battle must be won there. The solution involves taking control of your thoughts and replacing sinful ones with pure ones.

Romans 13:14 (NIV): "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." This verse provides a two-part solution: a positive command ("clothe yourselves with Christ") and a negative one ("do not think about how to gratify...").12 The battle against lust requires both a proactive pursuit of Christ and a defensive refusal to dwell on sinful desires.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV): "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This is a powerful metaphor for mental discipline. The solution to lust is to actively fight against impure thoughts, refusing to let them take root, and instead making them submit to the will of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV): "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." This verse provides a positive, preventative measure. The best way to overcome lust is to proactively fill your mind with things that are holy and good.

4. The Principle of Walking in the Spirit

The most fundamental solution to all "works of the flesh," including lust, is to live a life controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 (NIV): "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This is the core spiritual principle for overcoming lust. By yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance, a person's desires change, and they gain the power to resist and overcome their sinful cravings. The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) are the direct opposite of lust.

5. The Principle of Prayer and Community

The fight against lust is not meant to be fought alone. Prayer and accountability are essential tools.

Psalm 51:10 (NIV): "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." This is a perfect prayer for someone struggling with lust. It acknowledges that a pure heart is a gift from God, and it asks Him to do a work of transformation within you.

James 5:16 (NIV): "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." Confession and accountability within a trusted community can be a vital part of the healing process.

In summary, the Bible's solution to lust is multifaceted. It involves radical action to remove temptations, fleeing from sin, renewing your mind with pure thoughts, walking by the Spirit to empower you, and seeking help through prayer and community.