Lust – Misdirected Desires

A common modern dictionary meaning of lust is:
“Lust is defined as a very strong sexual desire or an intense longing for something. It can also refer to passionate desires for various things, such as power or food.”
However in many mindsets the meaning of lust is sexual temptation
Scripture uses the word “lust” more broadly than modern dictionaries.

Scripture reveals to us the truth of the meaning of “lust”. Within the Old Testament there are two words which are translated to “lust” by some translators – the Hebrew word. תַּאֲוָה ṯa’ăwâ [Strongs h8378] is sometimes translated as “lust,” sometimes as “craving” or “desire.” It is used some 21 times within the Old Testament reflecting the breadth of human longing—from the holy yearning for the LORD’s name (Isaiah 26:8) to destructive cravings that bring judgment (Numbers 11:4)

Another word is חָמַד chamad [Strong’s Hebrew: 2530] — to desire, take pleasure in. Chamad is first used In Genesis 2:9 where it is used for what is “pleasant” and then used in the Exodus 20:17, “You shall not covet.”

Within the New Testament the Greek word for lust is epithumia ἐπιθυμία [Strongs Greek 1939]. As with the Hebrew word of the OT, ta’avah, it can, depending on the context be neutral, positive, or negative.

Jesus shows us the positive use of epithumia in Luke 22:15

But Jesus also speaks of the sin of lusting in Matthew 5:27-28. Jesus speaks out how the attitude of the heart can lead to physical adultery which is itself directly against God’s design for sexuality - only within marriage. The person who is looking is treating another person as an object for their own pleasure/gratification rather than seeing them as a person made in God’s image. That person not consenting to be part of the sexual thoughts of the onlooker!

The Lust for Wealth 1 Timothy 6:9-10, - craving for wealth; for some it seems that life is organised around pursuing wealth; this is lust.

2 Timothy 4:3 speaks of people desiring (lusting that is) for a message that will comfort them, make them feel good rather than hearing the truths of God’s word,

Numbers 11:4 here we see “that the rabble among them had a strong craving…and the people of Israel…” complained about God’s provision. The craving, the lust against God’s provision led to rebellion and judgement.

Help them recognise what they are actually lusting/craving for e.g

• it may mask deeper needs that only God can satisfy
• can mask a need to be recognised, valued or for security
• sexual lust could be a mask over loneliness or a need for intimacy
• a lust after control may be hiding a need for security or fear

Guide and encourage for all for we see in 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul offers some concise inspired advice on how to overcome lust: “Run from temptations that capture young people. Always do the right thing. Be faithful, loving, and easy to get along with. Worship with people whose hearts are pure.”

Encourage greater trust in God, accountability in life, for there to be comfort in confessing sins to one another (James 5:16)

In all things God, His grace, is greater. He sacrificed His one and only son for us and sent His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, our comforter to be with us until His return. Through Jesus we are forgiven, cleansed and He came to give us an abundant life.

Pornography and lust, where it leads to sin and not God, are weapons being used more and more in society. Weapons that are aimed at the church, marriage, family, seeking to bring about the destruction of God’s design – but He is greater. He calls us to pursue holiness and we should be part of the victory over lust and pornography through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lust where it leads to sin dishonours God and often dishonours marriage.

James 1:13-15

All scripture that is quoted is from the CEV