Overcoming Lust to Walk in RighteousnessSampel

Lust leads to sin, and sin destroys. Paul gives a stern warning against lust in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 and a vital call to holiness.

Thankfully, we serve a gracious God who covers what sex and lust have exposed in our lives. He is a God of redemption and restoration. And I know this first hand. Growing up, I struggled with an addiction to pornography and masturbation. But now I can testify to you that God set me free from both after I gave my heart to Him.

But the sexual addiction still had a root, deep down, and it came bursting out in my twenties. When I was in ministry at a large church in the midwest, I did the very thing I said I never do: had sex outside of marriage. I brought confession before my pastors and I am so thankful they walked that journey with me in love and grace. But they didn’t cover it up, either (as none should). I had to step out of ministry, and my life came crumbling down in many ways after that.

I thought I wasn’t worthy of His redemption and it took me some time to come to a place where I received what He already wanted to do for me. I now love telling people about this amazing God who extended to me unmerited grace and restored my life!

But as you can see, sin had a cost. Lust took me down hard and shattered my life. And as gracious as God is, it’s not an endorsement to sin as you’d like.

Jesus said in John 8:11, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Yes God forgives but you should be diligent in your pursuit to not sin. To guard against the lust of the flesh.

We’ll talk about how to do that in another day but for now, repent from any sin in your life and commit to holiness. Choose God’s way over your way.