DOMINION OVER EVIL DESIRES (1)

“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” – 1 John 2:16

The enemy constantly threatens the Believer’s DOMINION over EVIL DESIRES or Lust: ^“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” (1Jh.2:15-16). The devil attempts to get us to desire that which is contrary to the will of God. He primarily does this in three ways: the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. Lust is sinful longing, strong craving or desire – the inward sin which leads to falling away from God: “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Rom.1:21). Lust, though born of Satan, the world, and the flesh, has its place in the heart.

A common theme that runs through the occurrences of the word ‘Lust’ in Scripture is that it is never used in a positive context. Lusts do not come from God (Jam.1:13). Rather, they are in direct violation of His perfect will. They usually move hearts farther away from God to selfish desires. Lusts have a very powerful influence on human actions if they are not promptly arrested and corrected. No human being is immune from the attack of the dart of lust, but those who are strong in the Lord and His Word will always overcome: “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one” (v.14b). The “World” refers to the anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-Bible aspects of human existence. The world and its lusts are passing away, whereas “he who does the will of God abides forever" (v.17).

The Bible presents specific ways to exercise dominion over evil desires and darts of lusts. These include:

1. FLEE: “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2Tim.2:22). Like Joseph fled from the chamber of Potiphar’s wife, we must flee the sin-fuelling situation and every appearance of evil (Gen.39:11-12; 1The.5:22).
2. CRUCIFY: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God….Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col.3:3, 5). Sinful desires can be put to death or made to die in our heart, mind and body – our spiritual, mental and physical organs.
3. ARREST and OCCUPY: “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2Cor.10:5). We are to arrest negative, evil thoughts while keeping our heart and mind occupied with positive, godly thoughts: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things” (Phi.4:8).
4. WATCH and PRAY: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt.26:41). Prayer and thanksgiving will flush out any remaining dregs and sediments of evil desires from the heart: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phi.4:6).
5. DISCIPLINE: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Rom.13:14). Paul testified: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1Cor.9:27). We must embrace righteousness and get rid of things that might lead or cause us to sin.