Village Schools of the Bible

WHAT IS THE CURE FOR LUST?
Matthew 5:27-30

The realities of lustful sexuality are all around us. From the way things are marketed for sale to the way we dress ourselves, the focus is upon our sexuality. This is not a new phenomenon for our twenty-first century. It was prevalent in the days of Jesus. That is why He devoted one part of His Sermon on the Mount to a discussion of that seventh commandment about not committing adultery. To the outward act, Jesus added the inward attitude of lust.

How is a person to deal with lust? Jesus’ instructions to us indicate that we must deal with lust drastically. We must not pamper it. We must not flirt with it. We must not enjoy nibbling a little of it around the edges. We must crush it! We must dig it out!
Jesus even went so far as to state it would be better for a person to cut off his right arm or to gouge out his right eye, than to enter hell because of lust.

Jesus is saying that this sin is so deadly that a person should be willing to give up whatever is necessary, even his or her most cherished things (like his right arm or his right eye) to help protect him or her from evil. Jesus commands that a person get his or her desires under control before those desires begin to control that person.

Listen to these words from Dr. Don Carson: Our generation treats sin lightly. Sin in our society is better thought of as aberration, or as illness. It is to be treated, not condemned and repented of; and it must not be suppressed for fear of psychological damage. I am painfully aware how sin ensnares and entangles and produces pathetic victims; but the victims are not passive victims. In Jesus’ teaching, sin leads to hell. And that is the ultimate reason why sin must be taken seriously. And, I might add, in no case is this truer than in the case of lust.

Allow me to share four words of advice in closing. First, we must begin to give clear instruction on God’s view of sexuality and marriage. Friends, this is so very different from that of the world. Second, we must begin to dress our bodies in such a way that God is honored. I know this will not be fashionable, but it will be God-pleasing. Third, we must begin to fill our minds with wholesome thoughts. This might mean that we will need to change our television viewing habits. It might also mean that we will have to change the dial to another radio station. Finally, we must learn to flee lustful, sexual temptation even as Joseph did. God truly honored him for saying no.

Father, Thank You for these strong words from the lips of Jesus. Thank You, that as the creator of our sexuality, You have told us how we are to guard its beauty so very carefully. Help us to fill our minds with thoughts that are pure and beautiful. Help us to remember that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. May we glorify You through them. This is our desire. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

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