Divers Lusts

DIVERS LUSTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 3:6 (KJV)

"For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,"

Supporting Texts: Titus 3:3, James 1:14-15, Galatians 5:16-17, Romans 13:14, 1 Peter 2:11

INTRODUCTION:

The term divers lusts refers to various kinds of evil cravings and desires that war against the soul. These lusts may appear pleasurable and harmless at first, but their end is destruction. In 2 Timothy 3:6, Paul describes a class of people who are spiritually weak and morally compromised, being led away by these diverse lusts.

In our present generation, divers lusts have taken many forms — sexual immorality, greed, pride, envy, gluttony, addiction to worldly entertainment, and more. These desires grow when unchecked and can take total control of a person’s life, leading to bondage and separation from God.

God desires a pure and sanctified people. To be free from divers lusts, we must submit to the Holy Spirit, renew our minds with the Word, and crucify the flesh daily. This teaching will expose how divers lusts operate, their dangers, and how to gain victory over them.

1. DIVERS LUSTS CORRUPT THE SOUL AND BLIND THE MIND

Divers lusts create spiritual darkness and hinder discernment.

a) Lust deceives the heart

James 1:14 teaches that every man is tempted when drawn away by his own lust.

b) Lust darkens the understanding

Lust blinds people to truth and righteousness (Ephesians 4:18-19).

c) Lust feeds carnality and weakens the spirit

A carnal man cannot please God (Romans 8:8).

d) Lust destroys inner peace

It fuels restlessness and discontentment in the soul (Isaiah 57:20-21).

Biblical Example: Amnon, who was driven by lust and ended in tragedy (2 Samuel 13:1-15)

2. DIVERS LUSTS LEAD TO SPIRITUAL BONDAGE AND BACKSLIDING

Lust takes people captive, making it difficult to serve God fully.

a) Lust enslaves the will

Titus 3:3 says we were once “serving divers lusts and pleasures.”

b) It births sin and death

When lust is conceived, it brings forth sin; sin brings forth death (James 1:15).

c) Lust competes with the love of God

1 John 2:16 warns that the lust of the flesh is not of the Father.

d) Lust is insatiable

No amount of pleasure can satisfy it — it always wants more (Ecclesiastes 1:8).

Biblical Example: Solomon, whose heart turned from God because of divers lusts (1 Kings 11:1-9)

3. DIVERS LUSTS CAN BE SUBTLE AND DESTRUCTIVE

They often start small but grow into strongholds if not addressed.

a) Lust enters through the eyes, ears, and thoughts

Eve was tempted by what she saw and heard (Genesis 3:6).

b) Divers lusts often appear harmless at first

What starts as entertainment or desire can become an addiction.

c) Lust invites demonic influence

James 3:15 describes sensual wisdom as devilish.

d) Lust desensitises the conscience

It gradually hardens the heart toward conviction (1 Timothy 4:2).

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot, who allowed the lust of greed to lead him into betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16)

4. VICTORY OVER DIVERS LUSTS THROUGH THE SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live above the pull of the flesh.

a) Walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh

Galatians 5:16 is clear — only the Spirit can conquer the flesh.

b) Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 13:14 commands us to make no provision for the flesh.

c) Renew your mind daily with God’s Word

Transformation comes through mind renewal (Romans 12:2).

d) Crucify the flesh with its passions

Those who belong to Christ must kill lustful desires (Galatians 5:24).

Biblical Example: Joseph, who fled from sexual lust and chose purity (Genesis 39:7–12)

CONCLUSION:

Divers lusts are more dangerous than they appear. They creep into the heart silently, offering pleasure, but eventually lead to destruction. If we do not crucify them, they will crucify our destinies. The battle against lust is spiritual and must be fought with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and a disciplined lifestyle.

Beloved, don't let divers lusts steal your destiny. You are not a slave to sin — you are redeemed, sanctified, and empowered to live holy. Yield to God and resist every evil desire. Victory is possible through Christ.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, deliver me from every secret and open lust in my life.

2. Father, purge me from every craving that displeases You.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in purity and truth.

4. I crucify every work of the flesh in my body and mind.

5. Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.

6. I receive grace to resist every temptation of the enemy.

7. Let every demonic hold through lust in my life be broken.