A SPIRIT OF LUST
INTRODUCTION
A spirit of lust has blossomed forth in these latter days with an increased availability of lustful pursuit through an advanced electronic age; in a society where acceptance and encouragement is given to participate.
Apostle John wrote: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof, but he that does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).
It is noted that in the sense of pledging personal loyalty and devotion of one's whole being and means, Christians are to love God first and foremost. The term World, in these verses, signifies the evil desire and sin so much a part of human existence. Lust of the flesh is physical desires; the lust of the eyes is personal desires; and the pride of life is self-interests.
A Spirit of Lust
Man Elevating Himself
Scripture reveals: The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts (desires) of other things entering in, choke the word (Word of God), and it becomes unfruitful (Mark 4:19). Apostle Paul wrote: When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain (futile) in their imaginations (thoughts), and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools (Romans 1:21-22).
Wherefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves (Romans 1:23). It was noted that God let them do what they wanted to do, withdrawing His gracious help, delivering them over to the natural result of their unbelief and its consequent actions.
Apostle Paul further noted: Who changed (exchanged) the truth of God into (for) a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more (rather) than the Creator, who is blessed forever (Romans 1:25). It is noted that lust has its place in the heart because it is the center of all moral forces and impulses. Lust is an object of desire; with a spirit of lust that has an eager and inordinate appetite.
A Spirit of Lust
Exposed
In Jesus' teaching on adultery He said: You have heard it said that by them of old time, you shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery (sin) with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28). It was noted that such an act is the result of an inner attitude of lust. Whosoever looks characterizes the man whose glace is not checked by holy restraint and results in impure lusting after women.
Apostle Paul wrote: The wages of sin is death (what we deserve); but the gift of God (His unmerited favor) is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). It was noted that the penalty of sin is death, both spiritual and physical. People who die in their sin (in an unsaved state) will have to face a second death portrayed as a lake of fire (Hell).
It was noted that sin will take one where they never intended to go; will keep one longer than they intended to stay, and will cost one more than they intended to pay. Sin, and lust, become a costly object of devotion in that it separates one from God. The only escape is to receive the gift of eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ, as one's Lord and Savior!
Vulgarity and Nudity
Hollywood is dedicated to its own ideal of entertainment which includes a spirit of lust through vulgarity and nudity. Television, which use to be wholesome family entertainment now includes profanity, vulgarity, and nudity in its content. The Internet is an outlet in which one can feed on the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and whatever one desires, unless brought under subjection!
In addressing the woes of alcohol, God's Word drives home the poisonous effects of such a bondage: Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling (complaints)? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? They that tarry (linger) long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine (strong drink) (Proverbs 23:29-30). At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder (viper) (Proverbs 23:32). These verses are finalized with: I will seek it yet again!
These scriptures, though addressing alcoholism, could readily identify with a spirit of lust; especially the words: I will seek it yet again! It was noted that such traits lead to an increase in both physical and psychological effects; if allowed to take root, in any individual.
Electronic Age
Ungodly and lustful traits, adopted by the electronic age, has helped rob nations of their moral and Christian heritage. Many are becoming desensitized to vulgar language, immoral portrayals, and nudity; with little conviction or shame.
God's Word does not condone ungodly behavioral traits; but tolerance and acceptance of profanity, vulgarity, and nudity is becoming the norm. In the church world, in many nations, reproach towards such by sounding the alarm, is not being dealt with, for the most part, from the pulpit!
Apostle Paul wrote: Now the Spirit speaks expressly (clearly), that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing (deceiving) spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:1-2). It was noted that having one's conscience seared with a hot iron, is being branded or scarred towards acceptance.
Flesh and Spirit
Contrary One to Another
A spirit of lust is a sexual longing or urge that is promoted by opening the door to allow such into one's life! The Apostle Paul wrote: Walk in the Spirit (God's Spirit), and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that you cannot do the things that you would (Galatians 5:16-17).
It has been noted that the sinful nature of man and the Holy Spirit are contrary to one another. The Christian is in a battle, having desires to do good and evil. The outcome is that you cannot do the things that you would; for the flesh seeks to thwart the Spirit, who in turn attempts to frustrate the flesh's evil desires. There has to be a willingness; and determination, to allow God's delivering power to work in one's life!
Be Not Conformed
to This World
Apostle Paul wrote: Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable (rational) service. Be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
It has been noted that the believer is to resist being poured into the mold of present day thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world. The body that had been an instrument of sin (formerly under a Spirit of Lust) is now to be presented to God as a channel through which the righteousness of God is manifested.
Awareness of Sin
A man was asked: If given an hour to explain the Gospel to someone, how would he do so? He said he would spend the first fifty minutes on the bad news of judgment and then the last ten minutes on the good news of salvation, because without the context of judgment one would not appreciate or even understand salvation.
One must first come to the knowledge that they are under the bondage of sin; being bound by a spirit of lust; being held captive to its influence, and that there is a deliverer! His name is Jesus, who when invited, will come into one's heart and life; to set one free from the bondage of sin!
God of Mercy
A spirit of lust does not have to result in an unforgiving state! Thank God for His mercy, and the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who died that our sins might be purged and made white as snow; and if our sins are confessed, to be remembered no more! Apostle John wrote: If we confess our sins, he (Jesus Christ) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). This opens the door for His forgiving and cleansing light to purify our hearts!
Apostle John further revealed: If any man sin, we have an advocate (intercessor) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2). If you have not already done so allow God's mercy to be extended to you through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!
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