DOMINION OVER EVIL DESIRES (2)

“Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house” – Proverbs 5:8

Scriptures offer ample foundational wisdom to enhance Believers’ DOMINION over EVIL DESIRES or lusts: “Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house” (Pro.5:8). Although this instruction is specific to the Peril of Adultery, the principle applies to every kind of lust. Paul admonished: “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). Dominion over Lust is a Heart Matter! The Roots of Lust extend back to the days of Adam and Eve. God met their basic needs for food, companionship and protection, but they failed the divine test. Through lust, they ate the forbidden fruit, subjecting all humankind to the bondage of sin (Gen. 2:16-17; 3:6, 16-19).

Today’s society is saturated with temptations of impure thoughts. Every day, the internet, television, movies, billboards, newspapers, and magazines bombard us with lustful images. When lustful thoughts become part of a lifestyle, one feels like a prisoner to the controlling desires. The roots of lust run so deep that it is almost instinctive. Succumbing to the drive of lusts creates a vicious cycle that breaks relationship with God (Rom. 1:24-32). The victim becomes numb to lust's impact, thinking he can lust even more. The very nature of lust is an unquenchable thirst for more: More money, toys, fame, power, revenge, food, fashion, pornography, and immoral affections. Unless our desires are turned over to the Lord, one will never be satisfied. Sadly, many people are totally bound in lusts!   

God does not want anyone to suffer in the prison of lust: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free” (Gal. 5:1a). He offers hope and liberty when we turn to Him for help to understand the lies of lust and quench the unholy thirst. It is vain to search for fulfilment in the things of this world (1Jh.2:15-17). Our greatest need is to worship God: “All things were created through Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16b). But sin separated us from God (Rom. 3:23). Only through Jesus are we forgiven of our sins and restored to God (Jh.14:6). Jesus then becomes the Lord of our deepest desires. Notwithstanding salvation and the new birth, everyone born of flesh has to deal with lust, often as a daily battle. But God assures that He will help us to battle lust (Rom. 8:31-32).

The temptation to lust comes in many forms. There are external lusts such as ungodly sexual appetites and overindulgence in food and drink; and internal lusts for power, fame or position. However, Jesus forgives and cleanses us from all lustful sin (1Jh.1: 8-9). We have an Advocate who can “sympathize with our weakness” and "was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Jesus is not a distant God who is looking to judge us, He is our friend, and He has walked the road we are walking right now!

Dominion over Darts of Lust is established by these practical scriptural steps:

Humility and Submission to God: Ask God for help rather than try to fight the battle of lust on your own (Jam.4:7-8).

Death to Lust: “For he who has died has been freed from sin” (Rom. 6:7). Our old way of life died with Jesus and a new life rose with Him (Rom.6:5). Dominion comes through Revelation of our Identity in Christ.

Walk in the Spirit: “… and you shall not fulfil the LUST of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16b). “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the FLESH to fulfil its LUSTS” (Rom.13:14). The indwelling Holy Spirit fills us with God’s own desires!

Mind Renewal: Focusing on God's Word enables us to overcome lustful thoughts and actions (Rom. 12:2; 2Cor.0:5; Eph.4:17-24).

Resist and flee: Run! Don’t allow lust to linger in the mind. Get far away from situations and influences that threaten to trap you: “For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress?” (v.20).