7 Great Ways To Ruin Your Life, pt. 6 -

The Lure of Lust

-The Lure of Lust

Lust looks like and feels like a real relationship where you’re fully known and loved unconditionally and not only will it not satisfy you, you will be hooked and drawn away from the One that will satisfy you the most.

-What is the Lure of Lust?

Matt. 5:27

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Deut. 22:22

“If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die the man who lay with the woman and the woman.”

-epithymeō- “strong desire”

“Lust is love turned in on us.” - Timothy Keller

-Lust-a distorted desire

Types of Lures

1. Pornography

-35% of all internet downloads are related to pornography.

-The first exposure to pornography among men on average is 12 years old

-57% of teens search out porn at least monthly.

-64% of Christian men and 15% of Christian women say they watch porn at least once a month.

2. Romantic Fiction/Fantasy

Romantic Fiction makes up 1/3 of all fiction book sales in the US.

And about 93% of which are women.

3. Personal Relationship

What makes these lures so alluring?

-You don’t need to do the work.

-Lust doesn’t require trust in another person.

Why is the lure so deadly?

Matt 5:29-30 29 

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. 30 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.”

Why is the lure so deadly?

Lust Robs You of Contentment.

2. Lust Lowers Your Ability to Have a Real Relationship.

3. Lust Is Never Fully Satisfied.

How Can We Fight The Lure of Lust?

Be Watchful

1 Pet 5:8 

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Be Distant

1 Cor 6:18

“flee sexual immorality”

Be Accountable

James 5:16

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Be Close

Be Close to God

Be Close to your Spouse.