Point of Repentance: LUST
Scripture:
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Observation:
Lust is described as an intense craving that often refers to something sexual in nature, but in a broader context, encompasses the strong desire for any form of selfish gratification.
Lust of the flesh: Craving physical pleasure through drugs, alcohol, sex, stimulants, etc.
Lust of the eyes: Craving the dopamine hit that comes from what we see. Often this refers to pornography but can include anything that is desired to be viewed that turns your heart away from God.
Pride of life: Craving one’s own desire above God or others. The perceived right to prominence or self-governance apart from humility or submission to proper authority.
Application:
Pride and a lust for power are what got satan thrown out of heaven. Proverbs 16:18 assures us that, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (NIV). Temptation is not a sin – even Jesus was tempted. It is sin when we give into it out of pride and fleshly desire. It requires humility to say no to sin – to echo the words of Jesus in the garden, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
We are to war against our flesh and the influences of the world. We do this by abiding in His word, continuing in prayer, and staying in a posture of repentance and obedience. Then we will understand what God’s desire for our lives will be – once we get ourselves out of the way of what God is wanting to do in and through our lives.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Prayer of Repentance:
Lord, I love You. Thank You for today. I ask forgiveness for the pride and lust that dwells in me. I ask for Your forgiveness and mercy for any area where I have allowed my lust to cause me to sin against You and Your purposes for my life. Forgive my trespasses. Test my heart and reveal my condition to me. Purge my heart of my iniquity and lusts. I desire purity, integrity, and obedience to You. Help me, Father. I need Your mercy, love, truth, and power.
I ask forgiveness for the lusts of those in my church, nation, and world. Have mercy on us, Lord. Pour out a spirit of repentance and humility. Give us grace to endure the purifying fire, that You may get all the glory from our lives. Amen.
Worship: