Introduction

Good morning, Church family. Today, we're going to tackle an issue that's as old as humanity itself, yet as relevant as the latest headline. We're going to talk about the lust trap – the seductive allure that's snagged many a soul, the destructive consequences it brings, and the liberating path to freedom that God offers us.

As Watchman Nee once wrote, "Satan can only attack us from the outside in. He may work through the lust and sensations of the body or through the mind and emotion of the soul, for those two belong to the outward man."

Let's read from the book of Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 27 to 30:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 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. 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."

Before we dive in, let's pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today, humbly asking for Your guidance as we delve into Your Word. Open our hearts and minds to Your truths. Help us to understand the reality of the lust trap, the consequences it brings, and the path You've laid before us to break free. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's unpack this passage together.

The Reality of the Lust Trap

The reality of the lust trap is a concept that is as old as humanity itself. It is a snare that has entangled many, causing them to stumble and fall. It is a trap that is set by our own desires, fueled by a culture that glorifies the pursuit of pleasure above all else. It is a trap that is often disguised as harmless fun, a trap that promises satisfaction but delivers only emptiness and regret.

More than sexual desire: Although this is certainly a significant part of it. Lust, in its broadest sense, is an intense longing or craving for something that is not rightfully ours. It can be a lust for power, for wealth, for fame, for recognition, for control, for comfort, for security, for affirmation, for acceptance, for love. It is a desire that is not satisfied with what we have, but always wants more, always believes that the next thing, the next person, the next achievement, the next experience, will finally bring us the happiness we crave.

It’s a lie: It promises satisfaction, but it never delivers. It promises freedom, but it only brings bondage. It promises life, but it leads to death. It promises happiness, but it brings only sorrow. It promises fulfillment, but it leaves us empty and hollow. It promises peace, but it brings turmoil and conflict. It promises love, but it delivers only loneliness and isolation.

It’s a form of idolatry: It is the worship of created things rather than the Creator. It is the worship of self rather than God. It is the worship of pleasure rather than the Giver of all good things. It is the worship of the temporal rather than the eternal. It is the worship of the seen rather than the unseen. It is the worship of the tangible rather than the spiritual. It is the worship of the finite rather than the infinite.

It’s a form of slavery: It is a bondage to our own desires, a bondage to our own cravings, a bondage to our own appetites. It is a bondage that is often hidden, often denied, often rationalized, often excused, but it is a bondage nonetheless. It is a bondage that robs us of our freedom, our joy, our peace, our purpose, our dignity, our humanity.

It’s a form of blindness: It blinds us to the truth about ourselves, the truth about others, the truth about God, the truth about life. It blinds us to the beauty of holiness, the beauty of purity, the beauty of simplicity, the beauty of contentment, the beauty of gratitude, the beauty of generosity, the beauty of humility, the beauty of love.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about your own struggles with lust and how God has helped you through this.

The Consequences of Lust

The consequences of lust are far-reaching and devastating ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO