Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Put Lust to Death

Intro.

1. As we think, so we are, Prov. 23:7.

2. The gospel has the power to bring every thought into submission in order to obey Christ, 2 Cor. 10:3-5.

3. This is vital, because at times we must battle intense desires that entice us to sin against God, cf. Jas. 1:14; Rom. 6:12.

I. STRONG DESIRE: TO LONG AFTER / SET THE HEART UPON.

-epithumia: Morally neutral word, of any strong desire, longing, craving. Context of usage explains the nature of the desire, Lk. 16:21; 1 Cor. 10:6.

A. Intensely Pure Desire.

1. Christ’s desire to eat the Passover with apostles, Lk. 22:15.

(With a longing I have set my heart on eating this Passover...)

2. Paul’s desire to be with Christ, Phil. 1:23.

3. Paul’s longing to see the brethren, 1 Ths. 2:17.

B. Sinful Desires of the Flesh and of the Mind, Eph. 2:3; Matt. 5:28.

-Sensual and sexual, but not always limited to these; power, money, prestige...

1. Deceitful lusts, Eph. 4:22 (19).

2. Worldly, Tit. 2:12; 1 Jno. 2:16-17.

3. Corrupting, 2 Pet. 1:4.

4. Fleshly lusts attack the soul, 1 Pet. 2:11.

C. Lust must be Put to Death, Col. 3:5.

1. Heart that was once set on (longing after) the flesh must be put to death. cf. Rom. 1:24

2. Heart is now given to preserving the body pure, 1 Ths. 4:3-5.

II. HOW TO PUT LUST TO DEATH (Col. 3:5; Gal. 5:24).

A. Walk in the Spirit, Gal. 5:16-26.

-Deliberate decision of reason and will to follow the Spirit’s teaching. Walk (16), led (18), bear fruit (22-23), live in (25).

B. Set Your Mind on the Things of the Spirit), Rom. 8:5-9.

-Subject yourself to the law of God (7); cf. Col. 3:1-2

C. Put God’s Word in Your Heart as Your Absolute Standard, Psa. 119:9-11.

1. Seek God with your whole heart – Let His word define you.

2. Your desire for God must be stronger than the desires of the flesh and mind.

3. Purify your heart, Jas. 4:8.

D. Flee / Abstain from Lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Pet. 2:11.

1. Take concrete steps to avoid and resist sinful desires.

2. Avoid (youthful) arrogance toward lust: Temptation not to assess the full danger of a situation from inexperience, a lack of knowledge and a lack of wisdom.

3. Take the way of escape, 1 Cor. 10:12-13.

E. Replace Lust for Sin with Pure Thinking and Godly Conduct, Phil. 4:8-9; 1 Pet. 2:11-12.

1. While removing lust from our hearts we must replace it with devotion to God and a life of good works and godly influence.

2. Bring every thought into captivity to obey Christ, 2 Cor. 10:5.

Conclusion

1. The battle against lust can be won through faith, 1 Jno. 5:4.

2. Desire the good things of God and flee every enticement of sinful lusts.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: February 6, 2014