Lust on SermonAudio

Opening a series on the seven dispensations, the preacher defines a dispensation as God dispensing light and truth to humanity rather than merely a block of time, and takes up the first of them, innocence, from Genesis 1:1 through Genesis 3:6. He walks through the creation account to show a triune God who creates only good, divides light from darkness, and forms man from dust yet gives him value by breathing into him the breath of life. Man is made in God's image as a triune, autonomous, free-willed being, given dominion over the earth, given work in the garden as a blessing rather than a curse, and given marriage as a lifelong bond between one man and one woman. The message argues that evil comes not from God but from rebellion against His word, and traces the serpent's tactics of questioning the word, denying it, and beautifying sin, culminating in the threefold temptation of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It closes by noting from Deuteronomy 1:39 that Scripture makes provision for those who have no knowledge between good and evil, while every generation still reaps the consequences of Adam's choice.

In this message, Keith Voyles preaches about the temptations that Christians commonly fall into and the danger of allowing the flesh to gain control. The sermon explains that temptation itself is not sin, but yielding to it leads a person into sin. Temptation often appeals to a believer's own desires, weaknesses, and appetites. What begins as a thought, attraction, or seemingly small compromise can grow into sinful action when it is entertained instead of resisted. Keith warns Christians not to become overconfident in their own strength. A believer who thinks he cannot fall is already in danger. The message calls God's people to recognize their weak areas, remain watchful, pray, avoid situations that feed temptation, and depend upon the Lord rather than the flesh. The sermon also emphasizes that God provides a way of escape in temptation. Victory comes through submission to God, obedience to Scripture, and walking in the Spirit. Christians must call temptation and sin what God calls them and refuse to excuse carnal behavior. Primary texts: James 1:13–16 and 1 Corinthians 10:12–13. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." — James 1:14, KJV "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." — 1 Corinthians 10:12, KJV

In Part 3 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles continues examining how the flesh influences a Christian's thinking, decisions, attitudes, and conduct. The message warns that carnality is not limited to outward or scandalous sins. It begins when believers follow their own desires, reasoning, emotions, and appetites instead of submitting themselves to the Word of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When the flesh is continually fed, spiritual discernment weakens, temptation becomes harder to resist, and sinful behavior begins to appear normal or excusable. Keith challenges Christians to identify the areas where the flesh has gained influence, quit defending disobedience, and deliberately walk in the Spirit. Spiritual victory requires honest self-examination, repentance, prayer, separation from influences that strengthen temptation, and obedience to Scripture. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16, KJV Key texts: 1 Corinthians 3:1–3; Romans 8:5–8; Galatians 5:16–17. Strong's: "Carnal" in 1 Corinthians 3:3 is G4559, sarkikos, meaning fleshly—governed by human nature rather than by the Spirit. First mention: The first KJV use of "carnal" is Romans 7:14: "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin."

In Part 8 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles preaches from James 4 about troubled fellowship caused by unchecked lust, envy, pride, and selfish ambition. He explains that outward wars begin with an inward war in the heart, and that carnal desires can divide homes and churches. The message calls believers to humble themselves, submit to God, resist pride, and depend upon the greater grace God gives to overcome the flesh. Primary text: James 4:1–10.

In Part 2 of "Calling Out Carnality," Keith Voyles continues warning Christians—especially young people—about the danger of yielding to temptation and living according to the flesh. The message explains that carnality develops when a believer allows fleshly desires, worldly influences, and sinful temptations to control his decisions. Temptation often begins in the mind and grows when it is entertained, excused, or hidden rather than immediately resisted. Keith challenges young Christians not to assume they are strong enough to remain close to sin without falling. The believer must recognize personal weaknesses, guard what enters the heart and mind, separate from influences that encourage sin, and flee temptation rather than attempting to manage it. The sermon emphasizes that victory cannot be achieved through willpower alone. Christians must depend upon the Lord, submit themselves to God, fill their minds with Scripture, and walk in the Spirit. A carnal life brings spiritual weakness and damages a believer's testimony, while obedience produces spiritual growth and usefulness to God. Primary themes: temptation, resisting the flesh, spiritual watchfulness, separation from sinful influences, and dependence upon God. Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:12–13; James 1:14–16; Galatians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:22. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace…" — 2 Timothy 2:22, KJV

What do you do if your little boy comes downstairs wearing his sister's dress, and says he wants to be a girl? Kevin talks to Aaron Boldman from HelpMyBoy.com about effeminacy, and helping boys to ground their mindset and feelings in God's reality. They discuss the difference between body envy and lust…the power of nurture over nature in our present culture…and how dads can disciple boys to live out their sexuality in honor of God.

God's people, clean and alive, worship God in part by punishing immorality and promoting purity.

The sermon condemns the spiritual slumber and religious formalism that have blinded modern America, arguing that reliance on human scholarship and cultural traditions obscures the truth of God's Word. It asserts that true understanding comes not from external authorities or study aids, but through the direct anointing of the Holy Ghost and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The preacher emphasizes that rebellion and lust cause hearts to turn away from God, resulting in a sealed vision that only divine intervention can unravel. By contrasting Pharisaical rule-making with the transformative power of the Gospel, the message calls believers to reject empty religion and seek clarity through Scripture alone. Ultimately, it presents Jesus as the sole source of light, deliverance, and doctrinal truth for those willing to humble themselves before Him.

The sermon explores the Sermon on the Mount, contrasting the Old Testament law with the higher standard of grace found in Jesus' teachings. It emphasizes that true righteousness extends beyond outward actions to include internal attitudes such as anger, lust, and hatred. The preacher argues that while the moral principles of the law remain valid, Jesus calls believers to a heart-level transformation that exceeds mere legal compliance. Key topics include the sanctity of life, the purity of thought, the integrity of speech, and the call to love enemies rather than seek revenge. Ultimately, the message urges Christians to live according to the spirit of the law through the power of the Holy Spirit.