Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:In the biblical context, "lusts" refer to intense and often unrestrained desires or cravings, particularly those that are sinful or contrary to God's will. The term is frequently associated with sexual immorality but can also encompass a broader range of covetous desires, including greed and the pursuit of worldly pleasures.
Old Testament References:The concept of lust is present in the Old Testament, often linked with idolatry and the turning away from God. In the Ten Commandments, the prohibition against coveting (
Exodus 20:17) addresses the root of lustful desires, emphasizing the importance of contentment and trust in God's provision.
New Testament Teachings:The New Testament provides a more explicit treatment of lusts, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus warns against lustful thoughts, equating them with the act of adultery itself: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (
Matthew 5:28). This teaching underscores the seriousness of internal desires and the need for purity of heart.
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the issue of lusts in his epistles. In
Romans 1:24, he describes how God "gave them over to the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another" , illustrating the consequences of unchecked lust. Paul exhorts believers to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its desires" (
Romans 13:14), highlighting the call to live a life led by the Spirit rather than the flesh.
In
Galatians 5:16-17, Paul contrasts the desires of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh" . This passage emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle within believers and the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome sinful desires.
James and Peter on Lusts:James addresses the destructive nature of lusts, linking them to conflict and sin: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?" (
James 4:1). He warns that unchecked desires lead to spiritual adultery and enmity with God.
The Apostle Peter also warns against the dangers of lusts, urging believers to abstain from "fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul" (
1 Peter 2:11). He encourages a life of holiness and self-control, recognizing the temporary nature of worldly desires.
Practical Implications for Believers:Believers are called to live lives marked by holiness and self-control, resisting the temptations of lust. This involves a conscious effort to renew the mind (
Romans 12:2) and to set one's heart on things above (
Colossians 3:2). The pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace is encouraged as a means to combat the influence of lusts (
2 Timothy 2:22).
Conclusion:While the Bible acknowledges the reality of lusts and their potential to lead individuals away from God, it also provides a path to victory through the power of the Holy Spirit and the transformative work of Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek God's strength in overcoming these desires and to live lives that reflect His holiness and love.
Greek
1939. epithumia -- desire, passionate longing, lust... desire, passionate longing, lust NASB Word Usage coveting (2), desire (4), desires
(8), earnestly (1), impulses (1), long (1), lust (5), lustful (1),
lusts (15
...4754. strateuo -- to make war, hence to serve as a soldier
... Spelling: (strat-yoo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I wage war, fight Definition: I
wage war, fight, serve as a soldier; fig: of the warringlusts against the soul...
2237. hedone -- pleasure
... made an . That is, the satiation of bodily desires (lusts) other things.
[2237 is the root of the English terms, "," ". Word Origin...
Library
UnnaturalLusts.
... Homily V. Chapter XV."UnnaturalLusts. "And not to spend the time in an endless
exposition, you will find numerous unions with Jupiter of all the gods....
For the FleshLusts after Nothing Save through the Soul...
... Section 19. For the fleshlusts after nothing save through the soul? 19.
For the fleshlusts after nothing save through the soul...
Knowledge DeadensLusts.
... Book IX. Chapter XIV."Knowledge DeadensLusts. "But if, while in this
life, they had placed before their eyes the punishments...
That BodilyLusts are not Extinguished Except by the Entire...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XI. That bodilylusts are not extinguished except by
the entire rooting out of vice. For it is an impossibility...
Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. And they that are Christ's have...
... Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. And they that are Christ's have crucified
the flesh with the affections andlusts. And they that...
Let those who have Been or who are Guilty of BestialLusts...
... Canon XVI. Let those who have been or who are guilty of bestiallusts?
Let those who have been or who are guilty of bestiallusts...
The Various Developments of Idolatry: Worship of the Heavenly...
... 9. The various developments of idolatry: worship of the heavenly bodies, the elements,
natural objects, fabulous creatures, personifiedlusts, men living and...
He, Now Given to Divine Things, and yet Entangled by theLusts of...
... Book VIII. Chapter I."He, Now Given to Divine Things, and Yet Entangled by theLusts
of Love, Consults Simplicianus in Reference to the Renewing of His Mind....
A Question, How it is that in the Apostle's Chapter, after He Has...
... A question, how it is that in the Apostle's chapter, after he has spoken of the
lusts of the flesh and spirit opposing one another, he adds a third thing; viz...
The Conclusion an Examination and Comparison of Each of the Three...
... mean one who yet bears about with him mortal flesh, who is not yet become spiritual
in the flesh, and who still has and feels within himself thelusts of the...
Thesaurus
Lusts (28 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Lusts (28 Occurrences).
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the
lusts of your father ye will do.
...Passions (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV). Romans 6:12 Therefore don't let sin reign in your
mortal body, that you should obey it in itslusts. (See RSV)....
Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences)
... Peter (1 Peter 4:3) mentions those who "walked in lasciviousness,lusts, winebibbings,
revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries." He speaks (2 Peter 2...
Thereof (845 Occurrences)
... because thereof. (ASV). John 8:44 Ye are of 'your' father the devil, and
thelusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a...
Sinful (61 Occurrences)
... will live. (See NIV). Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and
make no provision for the flesh, for itslusts. (See NIV). 1...
Lust (42 Occurrences)
... in the heart, not of necessity, but because it is the centre of all moral forces
and impulses and of spiritual activity." In Mark 4:19 "lusts" are objects of...
Walking (189 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:3 For the time past is sufficient for us to have wrought the will of the
Gentiles, walking in lasciviousness,lusts, wine-drinking, revels, drinkings...
Mockers (14 Occurrences)
... Mockers (14 Occurrences). 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days
mockers will come, walking after their ownlusts, (WEB ASV DBY NAS)....
Sensuality (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles,
and having walked in lewdness,lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings...
Swelling (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the
lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from...
Resources
How can I overcome temptation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the lust of the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Carnival? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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