1 John 2:16 AMP
For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.
For many of us when we hear the word lust, we immediately think of sexual lust but lust is not confined to our sexuality alone. The Greek word used is the word Epithumia which means a longing (especially for what is forbidden ) a strong desire.
The lust of the flesh has to do with a strong longing for things that gratify the desire of the flesh, illicit sexual activities and gluttony are two main ones that come to mind.
The lust of the eyes has to do with greed and wanting to posses what looks good to the eyes. Remember the 10th commandment tells us “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” Coveting can include a desire to have people, possessions, or status.
We live in a very materialistic and sensual world today and everywhere you turn you will be tempted and attracted through the lust of the flesh, the eyes and the pride of life.
God does not want any of his children to be trapped in the prison of Lust. So how do we overcome lust? The answer is in the verse before our key verse.
1 John 2:15-17 AMP
15 Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Loving the world and the things of the world is a sure recipe to struggling with lust. The question we each have to ask ourselves is; “What things move me? what things do I gravitate towards?”
We must depend on God and ask Him to help us overcome the powerful force of lust. We must be disciplined to love the things of the spirit and learn to practice self control. The Bible tells us that contentment and godliness id great gain.
When we make a habit of reading and meditating on the word of God then our minds will be renewed and we will overcome just like the Bible calls us more than conquerors.
On matters sexual lust, we must deal with the issue ruthlessly and not give it even an inch of opportunity. The bible tells us to flee from all sexual immorality. Remember Joseph was quick to flee while David stood and gazed and he fell into sin.
May we purify ourselves and humble ourselves before the Lord that he may lift us up.
Reflections
Lust of the Flesh or Lust of the eyes, in which area are you most tempted and why do you that is the case?
In seeking the “Blessing” which we mostly equate to material blessing, have we given room for the lust of the eyes to take reign over our life especially with the “Name it and claim it gospel?”
Joseph run while David gazed, what will you do?
