LUST

Leader’s Note

Work through the two passages first and spend adequate time understanding what Jesus and Paul teach about lust before moving too quickly into personal application.

When you reach the application section, choose the questions that are most appropriate for your group. There is no expectation that every question must be covered.

Introduction

In what ways do you see our culture normalising lust or even actively encouraging it?

Read Matthew 5:27–30

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[a] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

  1. How does Jesus deepen the understanding of sexual sin beyond merely physical actions?

  2. Why do you think Jesus speaks so strongly about lust? What does this teach us about its seriousness?

  3. Jesus uses extreme language about dealing with sin. What point is he making about the way Christians should respond to temptation?

Read the following quote:

“Sin always aims at the utmost. Every time it rises up to entice or tempt, might it have its own course, it would go out to the utmost sin of that kind… Every unclean thought or glance would be adultery, every covetous desire would be oppression, every thought of unbelief would be atheism, might it grow to its head.”

— John Owen, The Mortification of Sin

  1. Owen argues that sin always wants to grow into something greater. How do Jesus’ words in this passage support that idea?

Read Ephesians 5:1–12

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

  1. According to this passage, what is the alternative to a life shaped by lust and sexual impurity?

  2. When we are tempted to lust, what truths about God, ourselves, and others are we most likely to forget? How does this passage help us remember them?

  3. Paul connects sexual purity with love. How are lust and love fundamentally different?

  4. What role does Christian community play in helping us walk as children of light rather than darkness?

Application

Lust takes many forms and often enters our lives through what we choose to watch, read, imagine, and pursue.

Discuss as appropriate:

  1. Owen says that sin always wants to grow. What are some “small” compromises our culture encourages us to tolerate that may actually be feeding lust?

  2. Pornography is one of the most common ways lust expresses itself in our culture.
    a)Why is pornography so spiritually destructive?
    b)How does it distort God’s design for sex, love, and other people?
    c)For those who have fought this battle, what strategies, habits, or forms of accountability have been most helpful?

  3. How should Christians think about sexually explicit novels, romance content, television, movies, social media, or other entertainment that is designed to stir sexual desire?
    a) What would Jesus’ teaching on lust have to say about these things?
    b) What questions could you ask to help you discern whether a certain book, tv show, movie would be helpful or unhelpful?

  4. Are there particular habits, devices, apps or environments, that make you more vulnerable to temptation?

Confession and Prayer

  • Spend a minute or two time reflecting before sharing your thoughts with the group.

  • Where have you seen lust, impurity, or temptation gaining a foothold in your life?

  • What steps of repentance or accountability might you need to take?

  • Where do you need God’s forgiveness, strength, and help?

Pray