Lust
ENCOURAGEMENT GUIDES
Thomas Brooks, in his puritan classic "Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices," begins the list of Satan's many tactics to lure us into sin as follows:
Though this first device applies to all areas of sin, it's hard to imagine a place in life to which this more vividly speaks than the area of lust and sexual sin.
Jesus tells us that Satan is the father of lies, one who does not stand in the truth (John 8:44), yet the vast majority of our culture happily takes their cues regarding sex and sexuality from the one who only seeks to steal, kill and destroy.
Contrary to how the world views sex and sexuality, we know that sex is not ultimate. Rather, it is a good and beautiful gift from the Lord himself–the giver of all good things. As God's people, we want to inform our hearts and minds of his truth and wisdom in our sexuality so that we might honor the Lord with our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Saints, the fight for sexual purity is a battle worth fighting. As with all sin, we don't fight in our flesh, nor do we fight alone. Perhaps this is an area you're struggling in. If it is, we'd strongly encourage you to seek help so that others might walk with you to encourage you in the gospel and provide you with ongoing support and accountability.
As you walk out repentance, we've selected a few scripture passages to help remind you of the holiness God desires in your life, the comfort he provides, and encouragement against the condemning voice of the enemy.
We pray this helps you turn from ways that lead to death and the Lord Jesus:
Device 1. To present the bait and hide the hook: "Satan's first device to draw the soul into sin is, to present the bait—and hide the hook; to present the golden cup—and hide the poison; to present the sweet, the pleasure, and the profit that may flow in upon the soul by yielding to sin—and to hide from the soul the wrath and misery that will certainly follow the committing of sin."
Though this first device applies to all areas of sin, it's hard to imagine a place in life to which this more vividly speaks than the area of lust and sexual sin.
Jesus tells us that Satan is the father of lies, one who does not stand in the truth (John 8:44), yet the vast majority of our culture happily takes their cues regarding sex and sexuality from the one who only seeks to steal, kill and destroy.
Contrary to how the world views sex and sexuality, we know that sex is not ultimate. Rather, it is a good and beautiful gift from the Lord himself–the giver of all good things. As God's people, we want to inform our hearts and minds of his truth and wisdom in our sexuality so that we might honor the Lord with our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Saints, the fight for sexual purity is a battle worth fighting. As with all sin, we don't fight in our flesh, nor do we fight alone. Perhaps this is an area you're struggling in. If it is, we'd strongly encourage you to seek help so that others might walk with you to encourage you in the gospel and provide you with ongoing support and accountability.
As you walk out repentance, we've selected a few scripture passages to help remind you of the holiness God desires in your life, the comfort he provides, and encouragement against the condemning voice of the enemy.
We pray this helps you turn from ways that lead to death and the Lord Jesus:
- He is the friend of sinners.
- He bore your sin as well as your shame.
- He is your righteousness, as well as your refuge and strength
Scripture Passages for Encouragement, Exhortation and Comfort
Mattew 6:13
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 5:8
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
Romans 6:12-14
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
2 Timothy 2:21-22
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance,for from it flow the springs of life.
Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
James 1:13-15
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
1 John 2:16-17
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 5:8
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
Romans 6:12-14
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
2 Timothy 2:21-22
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance,for from it flow the springs of life.
Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
James 1:13-15
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
1 John 2:16-17
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Quick Tips
- Lust and desire often begin with what we decide to set our eyes on. Ask God to help you with self-control in what you set your eyes on, and subsequently, what your mind is feasting on.
- Monitor what triggers sexual temptation. This could be R-rated material (movies, apps or reading material), or be certain places (beach, barbershop, mall, etc.). Identify what tempts you, and make wise decisions to flee from them.
- The battle against sexual sin is hard fought. As you fight, you will likely fall again. Remember that blood of Christ does not lose its power. Read John 10:28-30 and Romans 8. Write the truths that stand out to you. Commit these passages to memory.
- Make it your goal to please God (2 Cor 5:9). If you’re spending time with people who pressure you to compromise that goal, and lure you into sexual sin, avoid them. (1 Cor 15:33)
- Whether you’re married or single, having a filter (Covenant Eyes, etc.) on your internet browsers and phone can be a great help in avoiding pornographic material and inviting accountability into your life (spouse, friends, pastor, etc.).
- Look at how the psalmist has found help from God's word! Memorize passage like Psalm 51 and 2 Timothy 2:22. Write them on a card and keep them in a place you will see them, everyday.
- Sin grows in the dark. Find another brother or sister you trust, who can be a source of accountability and encouragement. Set up regular times to check in together. You are not the only one struggling with sexual purity; chances are they will need you, as much as you need them.
Some Encouraging Reads and Listens
Porn, Justice and You (video, Ray Ortlund)
Get Real about Your Desires with Your Compassionate King by Caitlin McCaffrey
An Open Letter to Those Nonchalant About Their Sexual Sin by David Powlison
The Dead End of Sexual Sin by Rosaria Butterfield
Which Sins Are Feeding Your Sin of Lust? by David Powlson
No Private Real Estate: Our Desires and Attractions Belong to Jesus by Ellen Mary Dykas
8 Sins You Commit Whenever You Look at Porn by Tim Challies
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks
Get Real about Your Desires with Your Compassionate King by Caitlin McCaffrey
An Open Letter to Those Nonchalant About Their Sexual Sin by David Powlison
The Dead End of Sexual Sin by Rosaria Butterfield
Which Sins Are Feeding Your Sin of Lust? by David Powlson
No Private Real Estate: Our Desires and Attractions Belong to Jesus by Ellen Mary Dykas
8 Sins You Commit Whenever You Look at Porn by Tim Challies
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks
Posted in Encouragement Guides